USOC: Phoenix, Pioneers & Voltage Set for 1st Round
- Updated: April 24, 2014
Photo credit: David Henry (www.sweetdogphotos.com)
A trio of New England-based PDL sides will partake in the 2014 U.S. Open Cup competition, with all three set for first-round action on Wednesday, May 7.
MPS Portland Phoenix will host FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic (NPSL) at 7:00pm at Deering High School in Portland, Me. In 2012, the Phoenix became the first club from the state of Maine to compete in the historic tournament when they hosted the Brooklyn Italians for a first-round clash, which ended 3-2 in favor of the Italians.
A few miles to the south, the Western Mass Pioneers will take on Mass Premier Soccer (USASA) at 7:30pm at Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow, Mass. The Pioneers’ last chance at Open Cup glory came in 2010, which saw them face the FC New York (USL) in a first round tie that went the way of the Empire State side.
“It is great to qualify for the Open Cup,” Pioneers coach Federico Molinari said in a club release. “Every point counts during the season, so we are happy that we got enough to qualify this year.
“Mass Premier Soccer is a good team that has been playing together and knows each other. This is our first competitive game this year. The pressure is on us to win and advance.”
Meanwhile, the Vermont Voltage will face the New York Red Bulls U-23s (NPSL) at the Red Bull Training Facility in Whippany, N.J. at 8:00pm. The Voltage are the oldest New England-based PDL club, having launched in 1997.
The second round of the competition is set for May 14.
2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Schedule First Round Schedule
| Date | Game | Time/Result | Venue |
| May 7 | FC Lehigh Valley United Sonic (NPSL) at GPS Portland Phoenix (PDL) | 7 p.m. ET | Deering High School; Portland, Maine |
| May 7 | RWB Adria (USASA) at Detroit City FC (NPSL) | 7 p.m. ET | Stevenson High School; Livonia, Mich. |
| May 7 | Mass Premier Soccer (USASA) at Western Mass. Pioneers (PDL) | 7:30 p.m. ET | Lusitano Stadium; Ludlow, Mass. |
| May 7 | Vermont Voltage (PDL) at New York Red Bulls U-23s (NPSL) | 8 p.m. ET | Red Bull Training Facility; Whippany, N.J. |
| May 7 | Red Force (USASA) at Colorado Rovers (USSSA) | 8 p.m. MT | Shea Stadium; Highlands Ranch, Colo. |
| May 7 | CD Aguiluchos (NPSL) at Ventura County Fusion (PDL) | 7 p.m. PT | Ventura College; Ventura, Calif. |
| May 7 | TBD (US Club Soccer) at San Diego Flash (NPSL) | 7 p.m. PT | Mira Mesa High School; Mira Mesa, Calif. |
| May 7 | LA Misioneros FC (PDL) at PSA Elite (USASA) | 7:30 p.m. PT | StubHub Center Training Field; Carson, Calif. |
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