US Open Cup Second Round Review
Des Moines Menace 1-2 Union Omaha
The Menace again fielded a star-studded line-up, as they welcomed Union down I-80 to Des Moines but the current pros of Omaha strolled out to a comfortable 2-0 lead. A slick piece of passing and a wicked cross from the right was blasted home by Dean Acoff to make it 1-0. The lead was doubled after a goalkeeping error as a shot from Josue Gomez was parried softly back to the Union player. The hosts staked a claim with a 54th minute penalty kick, which also saw the Nebraskans reduced to ten men, Benny Feilhaber with the goal.
Leroy Enzugusi had a golden chance to tie the game in the 81st minute, but after rushing onto a ball behind, he chipped it marginally wide of the keeper and Union Omaha did not face any other challenges.
Defeat for the Menace means $50,000 goes to defending NPSL champions El Farolito as the amateur side which has gone the furthest in this edition of the Cup.
Also of note:
Forward Madison 1-3 FC Tulsa. The Roughnecks make it two home losses for teams from the Northland in this round and conclude our coverage of this year's tournament. Thanks for following along. A reminder that Minnesota United join in the fourth round. Details on our sister site Northland Soccer Journal
US Open Cup Second Round Preview
Having proven that they can beat a team of developmental professionals from an MLS club and still facing the recruitment battle that amateur sides all face in the Cup's early rounds, Des Moines Menace now play a second division 3 professional side in Union Omaha. The Owls are the defending USL League One champions and secured their first win of the young league season, cruising to a 3-1 win on the road against South Georgia Tormenta.
Forward Madison moves on from their victory over Duluth FC in the first round to face FC Tulsa of the USL Championship. The Oklahoman club is 3-0-1 in their league and their hosts are 1-0-1 in League One.
Looking forward, the remaining Championship clubs will join for the third round, and the clubs MLS has deigned to include in the tournament will join in round four - including our own Minnesota United. Both Menace and Forward play on Wednesday night. Stay tuned to this site for full coverage, and follow us on Bluesky for live posts.