New England Soccer Today

USOC: Worcester FC Aims to Advance in Open Division Action

Photo credit: Jennifer Cousino/JMC Photography

Photo credit: Jennifer Cousino/JMC Photography

Newly-formed Worcester FC will look to strengthen its efforts for a spot in the 2016 U.S. Open Cup tournament on Saturday when they face New York-based Lansdowne Bhoys FC in the second qualifying round of Open Division play at Foley Stadium in Worcester, Mass. Kickoff is set for 7:15pm.

Follow @nesoccertoday for live updates throughout the match.

How they got here: Worcester earned a spot in Saturday’s second round after beating Newport FC 2-0 on Oct. 18 in Worcester, Mass. Lansdowne Bhoys furthered their advancement after beating Newtown Pride FC 3-0 in the Bronx, N.Y. on Oct. 17.

What happens next: The winner of Saturday’s second qualifying round match will advance to the third qualifying round, which is set for the weekend of Apr. 2-3, 2016.

Twelve of the 14 Second Qualifying Round winners in closest proximity to each other will compete in the third qualifying round. The remaining two winners will be awarded the first two slots into the 2016 U.S. Open Cup from the Open Division local qualifying track and will be joined by the six victors from the third qualifying round.

The exact matchups for the third qualifying round will be determined on Jan. 7, 2016.

Fast facts: Midfielder Marcus Pizzetti scored both goals in Worcester’s win over Newport…Worcester midfielder Evan Burokas suited up for the Western Mass Pioneers in 2014…Foley Stadium once served as home to the Worcester Hydra, which played in the PDL in 2012…Worcester’s uniforms are styled after the ones worn by EPL side West Ham United…

Weather forecast: 32 degrees and clear.

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