For the Love of the Game
The U.S Open Cup is often heralded as the biggest and most important competition for soccer in the United States. Its history dates back over 100 years and has crowned some of the greatest clubs in our nation’s history: Fall River Marksmen, Milwaukee Bavarians, Bethlehem Steel and many more. In the more recent years the focus and the attention on the clubs that best resemble those historic sides has dwindled, even though we have seen the special runs made by local amateur clubs beating professional sides. The beauty of the cup lies in the story of the amateur club and it’s those types of organizations that need to be highlighted.
The NISA influence has spread throughout the nation in such a short matter of time. Currently, the association has developed relationships with 7 different regional leagues, many of whom have clubs participating in this year's qualification cycle. Over the years the Southwest Premier League, a developing regional affiliate of NISA, has provided a home for clubs competing in the prestigious competition and in the current cycle has five participating squads: Capo FC, Chula Vista FC, Monster Crew FC, Outbreak SC and Real Sociedad Royals.
“It really started with the guys that run the SoCal Premier League, which is now the Southwest Premier League and them being very transparent with us and taking feedback in and working with us. So, I’m really grateful for those guys who create these opportunities for our club. That local League has created a promotion/relegation system. They’re making this thing to give the system or give clubs like us a chance to get to a pro level.”
The Veterans
One could challenge the openness of the Open Cup, but if you can pass the various hurdles your club could enter in this competition. Outbreak SC aren’t your typical competitors in the competition, yet despite their status as an Over 30 amatuer side, this club has competed in multiple iterations of the competition. “ This is our world series [The US Open Cup],” said club owner Trent Bryson, adding “ we don't have a club that you know, we're developing or anything like that. This is just a group of 18 guys that love playing together, that love being around each other after games as well. So, this is kind of the pinnacle of our season.”
Outbreak’s strength lies in its team chemistry. Many of these players have been around since they made the last Open Cup proper in 2017. That experience starts in the midfield with returning players like: Oscar Aguero, Grey Bailey, Troy Edwards and Matt Murphy. “ Our midfield still being run by the same guys, we've had the last five, six years,” said Trent Bryson. The veteran midfield partnered presence, splashed in with a good group of new and talented attacking players, could prove to be a strong combination, when heading into the competition.
For Outbreak SC play for the love of the game and for the love of the team. “ I think we're probably, consistently one of the older teams in the entire cup, nationwide. I think what's great about it for us is it's going to battle with teammates again. You know, a lot of us have been out of college for several years. So you get away from the travel and go into battle like that. And so it's just a special time,” said Owner Trent Bryson.
The Rookie
Capo FC are entering into the competition for the first time. This club is building a competitive organization from the youth to the senior level on both the Men’s and Women’s side. “We've had some success this past season, and we're extremely excited to see where we stand against some of the higher level teams,” said Capo FC Owner Peter Carey. When asked about his expectations for the US Open Cup Carey said “ surprise some people and showcase our talent. Show them that we're, you know, that we are up and coming.” Carey added “ we've got big plans for our club. So, our plan really is to surprise people and so, you know, put our name on the map.”
The clubs roots are founded in player development and as Capo FC grew, it grew its capacity on player development. That depth will prove to be a competitive advantage against clubs, who may be unable to perform after the various summer seasons.“We've got 22 on our roster that we're taking to play and we train with about 36 guys. Everybody's really got a ton of opportunities to fight for a starting spot,” said Carey, adding “ we do have some depth, so we got that going for us, which is a good thing. If I keep them all healthy, then even better. So that's the plan.”
What Carey highlights best about his club is that not only is the club competitive on the field, but they are professionally organized and ready to take the next step.
“We've committed to NISA nation for the Spring of ‘22. Our plan is to take the team into the NISA Pro League in the Spring of ‘23. So, this cup is an intro to prove to ourselves that we're ready to take that leap, that we're worthy to take that leap, and to compete at the highest level. I mean, these guys are extremely motivated to showcase their skills. So that's kind of our plan going forward and this cup is kind of the first door we've got to walk into. Prove to ourselves that we belong here.”
The Spirit of the Game
For grassroots soccer clubs, the US Open Cup represents this moment of achievement. It’s the underdog story that we all relate too, that for those 90 minutes both squads are equal. These are the experiences that clubs build upon whether that’s creating a history around being a competitive club or shaping your future through ambition and achievement.
“Capo FC is here to stay. Capistrano Football Club is gonna surprise some people in these upcoming years. We want to make an impact in our environment, in the soccer community. We’re in Southern California, which is, arguably, the biggest youth soccer community in the country, with some of the best talent out here. We want to change the game, you know, with the whole pay to play and the direction where a lot of clubs are making their clubs into more of a business, money making style club. We want to be rooted in our original growth as a community style club for the love of the game, and not for the love of the dollar.”