After an almost perfect Round 1 of the US Open Cup, it might be easy to expect things to return to the norm in Round 2, this is soccer in the United States, of course. But there was plenty to be excited about in Day One of this week’s USOC play.

Darwin Espinal Continues to Cook

I know that Maryland Bobcats went out to Richmond Kickers 5-2, so the result my disappointing for NISA fans (all six of us), but Darwin Espinal was electric in this year’s competition. After scoring both goals for the Bobcats in the first round, Darwin scored the goal of the Round, and maybe the entire competition, last night. Unbelievable shot that went top bins and ended up on SportsCenter. He’s got so much quality and will make Bobcats’ matches worth watching to even the most passive fans.

Michigan Stars Body Loons2

I’m biased, I was there, but watching the Stars go up against an MLSNP side in a full-blown MLS stadium was something to behold. After a testy 90 minutes without a goal, both extra time periods gave us Stars’ goals. The first was on a VERY Michigan Stars corner kick (put in the box, let the big bodies work). The ball would get to 6 foot, 6 inch Sacko Konate and he did the work to get the go ahead. The second was a very non-Michigan Stars’ goal from sneaky little goalscorer Hunter Olson. It would come on an open play down the right side in the second extra period. Olson beat his defender, cut it back to his left (his right leg was injured and he didn’t trust it for the shot), and curled it spectacularly past the diving Loons’ keeper. And Stars advance. We’re all hoping for Keyworth, right?

The Burrito Keeps Rolling

Everyone assumed NPSL amateur side El Farolito would be headed home after drawing USL League One side, Central Valley Fuego. And Fuego got an early penalty to cement that thinking. But El Farolio came back and scored just before half, evening up the match. Then in the 88th minute, Dembor Onasis Benson Bodden (who had scored the first goal) settled one of the prettiest passes into the box and calmly slipped it past the professional keeper to get the win. You love to see it. Cupsets Por Vida!

Day 2 of Round Two continues tonight. Cannot wait!

Long live the Open Cup!

- Dan Vaughn

Editor’s note: This article originally referred to CVF as an expansion side. That has been corrected.