We’re now into the second round proper of the 2025 US Open Cup and just like the last round, we reached out to several of our favorite bloggers and podcasters to give a brief preview of each game before you hunt down their respective streams

Round one gave us some surprises, some “cupsets,” and in some cases, met our expectations - whether that’s good or bad, probably depends on where your allegiances lay. Please enjoy the following pieces of writing, generously donated by the folks who dedicate their time, week in and week out, to sharing the details about soccer at the most interesting levels in the United States.

Columbus Crew 2 (MLSNP) vs Lexington SC (USLC)

Tues. 04/01, 3:00pm PT / 6:00pm ET at Lower.com Field

Lexington had two years of Open Cup heartbreak cleansed in round one when they secured a 5-0 win over UPSL side, Southern Indiana FC. Crew 2 found similar success in the form of a 4-1 victory against the New York Renegades of the UPSL for their first ever appearance in the competition. Now, after Lexington passed up Crew 2 in preseason to take on Messi and Co. they’ll finally get to settle things on the pitch. Add in Lexington potentially featuring former Crew 2 players, Jacob Greene and Xavier Zengue and we might just get treated to a spicy matchup for Round 2!

Tyler Crane - Crane Kicks Lex

SG Tormenta FC (USLL1) vs Foro SC (UPSL)

Tues. 04/01, 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET at Tormenta Stadium

Tormenta FC is set to defend home turf against FORO SC in a high-stakes U.S. Open Cup showdown on Tuesday night. Fresh off a dominant 3-0 victory over Harbor City FC, Tormenta will look to flex their USL League One experience against the UPSL underdogs. But FORO SC has already proven they can punch above their weight, stunning Texoma FC in extra time to earn their spot in the Second Round. Can Tormenta take care of business, or will FORO pull off another giant-slaying upset?

Ben Brannigan - Protagonist Soccer / Metroplex PL

Inter Miami 2 (MLSNP) vs THE Miami FC (USLC)

Tues. 04/01, 4:30pm PT / 7:30pm ET at Chase Stadium in Ft Lauderdale, FL

Currently, Inter Miami II are 8th, of 15, in Group A of MLS’ Next Pro League. With one win, one draw, and one loss in league play, so far, there’s nothing remarkable about their efforts to this point. 17 year old Matias Marin has started all three league games, as well as their USOC Round One win over Miami United and has failed to keep a clean sheet. Yuval Cohen has scored 4 of Inter Miami II’s 10 goals, and lines up at the 10-spot - he is the danger man, but also keep an eye on their number 9, who wears number 80, Mateo Saja Dulce.

Meanwhile, Miami FC of the USL Championship, have picked up right where they left off last year - last place in the Eastern Conference. Yes, they beat fully amateur team Naples United in Round One, but have not won a game of soccer against professionals since August 31 of last year. Despite large turnover of their nearly record-breakingly poor squad from last year, and significant investment in former MLS stars like Bill Hamid, Sebastian Blanco, and Lucas Melano, they have been outscored 2-8 in league play and simply cannot keep a clean sheet.

I would not like to be in the locker room after they give up three goals to this group of MLS daydreamers.

Josh Duder - Protagonist Soccer / THE C

Charlotte Independence (USLL1) vs Carolina Core (MLSNP)

Tues. 04/01, 4:30pm PT / 7:30pm ET at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews, NC

Carolina Core are second-bottom in the MLS Next Pro’s Group A; after just two league games played, they have a draw and a loss… I guess they got an extra time penalty kicks league win, which seems silly. They also knocked amateur side, Soda City FC, out of the Cup in Round One. Christian Ledesma lines them up in a 3-4-3 and J.A. Evans, who plays on the left side of the front line, has scored 3 goals in 3 games so far.

Perennial USL League One challengers, Charlotte Independence are mid-table in-league right now. Not their usual place, however, they’ve only played two league games with a win and a draw, and have not given up a goal. Well, not in league play anyways. The Independence gave up two goals in their Round One match against the Long Island Rough Riders, but they were able to net 4 of their own.

I expect much the same in the game, maybe a goal given up to Carolina Core, but for the most part Independence should maintain around 65% possession and win this by two or more goals.

Joshua Duder - Protagonist Soccer / One League Under the C

Monterey Bay FC (USLC) vs El Farolito FC (NPSL)

Tues. 04/01, 7:00pm PT / 10:00pm ET at Cardinale Stadium in Seaside, CA

El Farolito, the feel-good underdog story of the US Open Cup once again, travels down south to Seaside, CA for a midweek clash with USL Side Monterey Bay FC. El Farolito FC, a San Francisco, Mission District taqueria based club are coming off an upset win over MLS Next Pro side Real Monarchs. No stranger to stirring things up, El Farolito upset Portland Timbers 2 and Central Valley Fuego on their way to a hard-fought 3rd round exit against USL Championship side Oakland Roots in last year's edition of the Open Cup. Having Won the US Open Cup in 1993, El Farolito FC draw inspiration from their deep roots in family, food, and community that have been the cornerstone of the club since its inception in 1985.

Meanwhile, Monterey Bay FC are coming off a convincing 3-0 win against Orange County SC in USL Championship League play. According to John Morrissey of Backheeled.com “We’re still in small sample size territory, but MBFC may just be the breakout team of 2025.” With potent attack, midfield synergy and defense akin to the 101st Airborne at the Battle of The Bulge, El Farolito will have to weather some significant storms if they want to walk away from Cardinale Stadium with the win.

On paper this match is a no-brainer, but something about the heart of the El Farolito club yearns for a deep run… Let’s just say anytime they are on the pitch it should come with the “Upset Alert” tag in BIG RED LETTERS.

Chris Moulton - The Union Report

AV Alta FC (USLL1) vs LAFC2 (MLSNP)

Tues. 04/01, 7:30pm PT / 10:30pm ET at Lancaster Municipal Stadium in Lancaster, CA

The club might be winless in USL League One but there’s no telling how far AV Alta FC can fly in this year’s Open Cup. Former NISA stalwart Jerry Desdunes scored two first-half goals as the High Desert-based expansion side looked confident in a 3-1 win over Ventura County Fusion in Round One. Five different players scored for LAFC 2 in its record-setting tournament debut, a 7-1 win over FC Arizona. New signing Tommy Mihalic scored and had two assists in his first match with the team.

Dennis Pope - Protagonist Soccer / Independent Journalist

Portland Hearts of Pine (USLL1) vs Hartford Athletic (USLC)

Wed 04/02, 3:30pm PT / 6:30pm ET at Franklin Athletic Complex in Lewiston, ME

The first ever competitive match for the expansion Portland Hearts of Pine was its First Round drubbing of the amateur CD Faialense. The HOPs put together a complete game scoring four while keeping a clean sheet. This past Saturday saw Portland’s first ever league match which ended in a scoreless draw against fellow expansion side FC Naples.

Hartford Athletic is in the second year of the Brendan Burke era as the team’s head coach and GM continues to claw the club out of its atrocious 2023 season which saw the team win only 4 matches out of 34. Hartford has had an inauspicious start to 2024 losing all three matches while only managing to score one goal. Hartford has ended all four of its prior USOC runs in the Third Round and it has yet to defeat a pro side in the tournament. This year has started similarly as the club blanked the amateur NY Shockers 3-0 in the First Round.

These two teams played a March 1 preseason match which saw Portland win 4-0.

Dan Creel - Protagonist Soccer / This Week In Soccer

Loudoun United FC (USLC) vs Virginia Dream (USASA)

Wed 04/02, 3:30pm PT / 6:30pm ET at Segra Field in Leesburg, VA

Virginia Dream put together a who’s who of professional free agents from around the DC area, including multiple players from the Maryland Bobcats, and others with USL Championship, USL League One and MLS experience.

They’re hungry and playing to get noticed, so should not be taken lightly by Loudoun United. Loudoun is off to a strong start to the season, picking up two wins in its first three attempts. However, it’s a busy week, with matches against Rhode Island and Hartford sandwiching the mid-week Open Cup match with Virginia Dream.

Roster management will be key, so look for top performers such as Abdellatif Aboukoura, Florian Valot, Zach Ryan and Hugo Fauroux to start the match on the bench in case of emergency. But if things go anything like the Virginia Dream’s match in Richmond, Loudoun Head Coach Ryan Martin may be forced to break that glass in the second half.

Alex Ashton - League One Updater

Grenville Triumph SC (USLL1) vs One Knox SC (USLL1)

Wed 04/02, 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET at Paladin Stadium in Greenville, SC

This has historically been a very one-sided fixture, with Greenville having won 5 of 6 after Knoxville won their first meeting back in 2023. But that doesn’t mean this won’t be competitive. Greenville comes into this after hosting Spokane on Saturday having turned in some pedestrian performances (despite the 3-0 scoreline against Omaha). They will be hoping Leo Castro can help open up what is traditionally one of the stingiest defenses in USL 1. Meanwhile, Ian Fuller has Knoxville playing well so far, but against less talented opponents (not counting a last-breath draw at Spokane). He’ll need to hope that his defense and counter can rise to Triumph’s level and pull out a result. Expect this to be a low-scoring but entertaining battle between a couple of well-coached teams.

Tim Howerton - Ranting Blue Penguin Media

Chattanooga FC (MLSNP) vs Chattanooga Red Wolves (USLL1)

Wed 04/02, 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, TN

Might be the most-watched match in this round of the Open Cup, thanks to the bad blood coursing between these two teams.

I’ve been working on a larger article about this match (check this site later today) and it really feels like CFC jumped to MLSNP and never looked back. Red Wolves, on the other hand, feel like a team without heart. CRW are currently 11th in League One and have scored a single goal in their two matches. CFC is third in Next Pro and will be playing at home in front of a heated and motived crowd.

While I’ve talked to several people from Chattanooga who seem disinterested in this matchup, due to the history between these clubs, ticket sales are going wild and it should be one of the best attended matches this year for CFC. Let’s cheer for the good guys, you know who I mean.

Dan Vaughn - Protagonist Soccer

Westchester SC (USLL1) vs NY Pancyprian Freedoms (USLC)

Wed 04/02, 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET at The Stadium at Memorial Field in Mount Vernon, NY

Of the six New York City area amateurs, only the Freedoms were able to pull off the cupset in the First Round to be here. The APSL Metropolitan Conference leaders only registered two shots on target through 120 minutes but still achieved 12 total shots against FC Cincinnati 2 - leading to a penalty kick shootout where two scuffed FCC2 shots allowed Jens Hoff to convert in the sixth round for the win. Westchester will be looking for its second straight win over an amateur team and a place in the Third Round after Juan Carlos “JC” Obregón’s late penalty kick put them over the edge last round. The team wasn’t able to fully contain FC Motown in Round 1 but had the size and power advantage against the rag-tag squad of high caliber amateur talent and former USL professionals. Expect another low scoring game on Wednesday night in Mount Vernon, with either team being a realistic winner.

Michael Battista - Hudson River Blue / Independent Journalist

A Second Shout: New additions to USL League 1 Westchester SC take on NY Pancyprian Freedoms at their place in Mount Vernon, NY. The Pancyprians are three-time (that’s right, THREE-time) U.S. Open Cup winners and a prestigious not-so-amateur club based in Astoria, Queens, that are open division competitors playing in the American Premier Soccer League. They recently beat MLS Next Pro side FC Cincinnati 2 in the first round on penalties to advance, and Westchester SC beat NPSL FC Motown 1-0 away from home to qualify. This Wednesday night matchup slightly favors the League 1 side, but Pancyprians will surely be up for the challenge. Expect a close game.

Hugo Sauriat - Independent Journalist

FC Naples (USLL1) vs Little Rock Rangers (USLL2)

Wed 04/02, 4:30pm PT / 7:30pm ET at Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples, FL

Little Rock Rangers SC has kicked off their 10th season in style, dispatching USL Championship side Birmingham Legion FC in a first round tilt. Rather than sit back, park the bus, and hope for a fortuitous counter, assistant coach Dylan Perdue explained that they encouraged the Stags to “Take the game to them, we have nothing to lose”. The match needed every dazzling play from the amateur hosts vs the pro visitors, including 2024 USL2 Golden Glove winner Tomasz Wroblewski saving a penalty attempt, Rangers’ captain Carlos Beltran clearing a point blank Legion shot with his face on a desperation dive, and Stags defender Caoimhin McConnell laying into a weak Legion clearance and crushing the ball through traffic into the near side netting for the match-deciding goal.

The second round test gets sterner as the Stags had to decline hosting due to field unavailability, and will now travel 870 miles to relative unknowns FC Naples. The USL League 1 expansion side is on an early season tear, taking 7 points through their first three league games, and surviving their own round one match vs USL2 side Sarasota Paradise with a 91st minute winning goal.

The key for the game will be the Little Rock’s Wroblewski and the defensive line, potentially featuring their starting CBs after both missed round 1, versus the Naples’ attacking third lead by Fwd Karsen Henderlong. In a match pitting USL1’s current top team versus one of USL2’s preseason frontrunners, expect some goals to be traded and the match to be decided in the final 15 minutes of regulation, if not later.

Ryan Stallings - Protagonist Soccer / The 2how

A Second Shout: FC Naples has taken to life in the pros shockingly well, only drawing their first game vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves before winning three straight. One of those wins was in the Open Cup, which moved them onto the second round where they will take on little-known Little Rock Rangers. The latter team plays in the USL League 2, a division beneath their next opponents. Despite their amateur status, they were able to beat Birmingham Legion, from the division above Naples, on their way to setting up another date with destiny. Will the fairytale continue or will the Floridians continue to steamroll their inaugural season?

James Knowles - RBLR Sports

Forward Madison (USLL1) vs FC Tulsa (USLC)

Wed 04/02, 4:30pm PT / 7:30pm ET at Breese Stevens Field in Madison, WI

The Mingos took some time but broke through Duluth FC’s defense with quick-fire goals late in the match. Now they have the opportunity to pull off a Cupset with FC Tulsa coming to Madison. This will be the Mingos’ third time facing off against a USL Championship team; in 2019, they beat El Paso on the road before falling to St. Louis FC in the next round of the US Open Cup. The two teams are in the same Jager Cup group but won’t face each other in the competition, so fans of both sides will get a chance to see how they stack up against each other.

Kyle Carr - Walkin’ 90 Podcast

Des Moines Menace (USLL2) vs Union Omaha (USLL1)

Wed 04/02, 5:30pm PT / 8:30pm ET at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines, IA

Friends become foes once again! Forget Union Omaha’s victories in 2022 and 2024. They may be facing off in the same round as their two previous meetings in the Cup, but with the new faces on both rosters and the Menace hosting Union Omaha for the first time, the stakes are higher than they have ever been before. Sacha Kljestan invited more retired MLS friends to the party, while Union Omaha’s reloaded roster looked to keep that League One-winning glow about them. Don’t settle for the comfy confines of your couch. Touch some grass and bask in the sensory overload of what is certainly going to become an instant classic.

Rich Flemings - League One on the Rocks Podcast

Tacoma Defiance (MLSNP) vs Spokane Velocity (USLL1)

Wed 04/02, 7:00pm PT / 10:00pm ET at Starfire Sportsplex in Tukwila, WA

The Tacoma Defiance are the MLSNP squad representing Seattle Sounders and are mid-table in Group B. They have only played a pair of league matches so far, with win and a loss and won their USOC Round One match against local amateurs, Washington AC. However, the son of Canadian National Team and MLS 1.0 legend Dwayne De Rosario, Osaze De Rosario, has scored 3 goals in 3 games; so has Yu Tsukanome, and Edson Carli has added 2 goals to their total. They could provide an unexpected spark and give Spokane a second USOC game in a row worth the price of admission.

The Spokane Velocity, last years’ USL League One runners-up, spent the offseason loading up on even more talent; however, it wasn’t noticeable through the first few weeks of the season. After a draw, a loss, and barely scraping by USL League Two amateur side, Ballard FC, in the first round, Velocity looked like maybe their bark was worse than their bite. Then they went to League One powerhouse, Greenville Triumph SC and took out their frustrations in a convincing 4-0 win. With quality at every position on the pitch, Velocity should be able to swoop into Seattle mid-week, score a few goals, and catch the first bus outta town.

Joshua Duder - Protagonist Soccer

Ventura County FC (MLSNP) vs El Paso Locomotive (USLC)

Wed 04/02, 7:30pm PT / 10:30pm ET at Dignity Health Sports Center in Carson, CA

After finally getting off of its USOC schnide with a demonstrative win over amateur side Harpos FC in round one, El Paso Locomotive looked every bit up for a eep run in the Open Cup. The team is clicking and is currently 6th in the West in USL Championship. What the team struggled to do last season (score goals), seems to be a problem of the past, scoring multiple goals in 4 out their 5 matches (including Harpos). The team is cruising and looks to be up for their round two matchup with Ventura County FC (the baby Gs). While NextPro is a bit of a black box for most of us, they defeated Laguna United FC handily in the first round 7-0.

In the past, I’d be worried about this match as a trap game, but El Paso has me believing!

Dan Vaughn - Protagonist Soccer

by Protagonist Staff and Guests - Thank you all, we cannot do large projects like this without you!