It’s U.S. Open Cup week and U.S. Open Cup day locally as West Chester United is set to host Maryland Bobcats in the first of two local games pitting amateur teams vs pro sides in the 109th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

In the email today:

1. 🏆 U.S. Open Cup is Here

Welcome to one of the biggest weeks of amateur soccer in Philadelphia in quite some time.

Two professional sides will be welcomed to town this week as Maryland Bobcats head to YSC Sports to face West Chester United on Tuesday night and Vereinigung Erzgebirge hosts the Charlotte Independence at Cairn University on Thursday night in the first round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

It will be a rare treat to have two amateur vs pro cup games in the same week in the region.

While West Chester United once hosted Harrisburg City Islanders in a U.S. Open Cup match eight years ago and last year hosted the Ocean City Nor’easters at YSC Sports, the format this year ensuring amateur teams all drew pro sides in the first round has created a massive opportunity for local soccer on a national stage.

“It’s like a throwback to the days when amateur soccer ruled, when there weren’t any pro leagues,” Blaise Santangelo, head coach of West Chester United, said. “I’m as happy for VE as I am for us. For both teams that play in the USL PA – even though we did our qualifying through the national track – I think it’s wonderful that we both have roots in that league that’s a strong league and has been around forever.”

The USLPA dates back to 1959. VE as a club is much older – it was founded in 1931 – but Thursday will mark just the second time competing in a competition that dates back to 1914. The team qualified for the 2020 competition but after two postponements in 2020 and 2021 never got a chance to appear in the Open Cup “proper.”

“For the guys who had qualified it was terribly disappointing and for a while there we weren’t sure what was going to happen this year,” said Rob Oldfield, VE’s head coach. “We’re happy that it’s going off even if it’s not exactly the same. This game is a big reward for all the hard work we did and we’re going to treat it like the bonus game that it is, create a big event for our club, get all of our youth players out there to support us

2. ⭐️ Michael Lahoud Honored by Starfinder Foundation

By Matt McClain

Thursday night in Manayunk marked a significant moment for both a local non-profit organization and a former Philadelphia Union player now-turned broadcaster. Michael Lahoud was honored during an intimate event at Starfinder Foundation’s newly renovated location on Main St. Lahoud earned the Community Visionary Leader Award alongside Dr. Cydney Pennick who earned the Community Legacy Award. Pennick, is a 2015 graduate of Starfinder Foundation’s Senior Leaders program and is a doctor of physical therapy while continuing to serve as a community advocate.

You may have heard of Starfinder before thanks to former Union right back Ray Gaddis and his honorary night with the foundation back in 2021. Most of you are familiar with Lahoud as well. Thursday night was an opportunity to combine local soccer fans with like-minded community advocates in hopes of inspiring others in the area to join in on Starfinder’s mission to combine soccer with mentorship and youth development not only in the Manayunk area but beyond.

Lahoud lamented the importance of education and opportunity for the younger generations during his acceptance speech. Lahoud, born in Freetown, Sierra Leone and transplanted to the United States alone at age 6, recognizes the importance of providing children with a chance to receive an education and an opportunity to maximize one’s life journey.

“I was on the train here and I was thinking about what does tonight mean,” said Lahoud. “The word ‘journey.’ Life is a journey. And my journey has taken me all around the world. From Sierra Leone to the States, back to Sierra Leone, and back to the states. And it takes me here tonight.”

Read More >

3. 🐑 Tweet of the Day: Open Cup Game Day Mood

4. 💧 Water Cooler: Open Cup Matches

5. 🔗 Link Roundup

• Don Robson was at Sunday’s Union II opener and has a photo gallery capturing the action in the 2-1 win over Toronto FC II.

• Profile on the Bridge Brigade, Union II’s new official supporters group.

• There’s been a lot of noise and talk about 14-year-old Union Academy prospect Cavan Sullivan and Manchester City’s interest in the young attacker.

We have posters designed by Luke McClung to give away at both Open Cup games this week. Get one at the game while supplies last.

Thanks for reading! Have an item or suggestion for the newsletter? Email [email protected].

Want to support this newsletter? Upgrade your account 
for $1 per month or $10 per year.