The 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup third-round games saw one stunning upset, while the remaining nonleague and amateur clubs “bowed” out of the competition. The Baltimore-based team never expected to find this success in the Lamar Hunt Open Cup but cruised past United Soccer League (USL) side Richmond Kickers in the second-round and will perhaps hope to keep playing the part of “Giant Killers” as the competition continues.
Christos Football Club notched in the early minute goal over Chicago United and never looked-back for the road win.
Chicago United FC 0, Christos FC 1
The Christos astonishingly pulled-off a big shocker over Chicago United to move into the fourth-round of the Lamar Hunt Open Cup. Forward Aquilas Houanpeu scored in the second minute of the encounter, and it was all Christos FC needed to see-off the match. Prior to this game, Christos Football Club launched a GoFundMe online campaign to help pay for its accommodations, airfare tickets, and other incurred incremental expenses just to play against Chicago United. With this victory, Christos FC will now face MLS side DC United in the fourth round.
Rochester Rhinos 2, GPS Omens 1
The Rhinos narrowly survived a “scare” from amateur club the GPS Omens. It was Keith Cambell that leveled up the scoreline for the Omens through a fifty-fifth-minute free-kick goal.
Sergio Campbell almost won it for the Rochester Rhinos in regulation time, but his fine header was “tipped” over the cross bar. Just seconds before the blast of the final whistle to stretch the match to penalty shootouts, playmaker Edoung Biye brilliantly headed past GPS Omens goalkeeper Abdu Glass for the late winner. The Rochester Rhinos will now face another MLS side New England Revolution on June 14.
Sacramento Republic 2, Reno 1868 0
A physical and intense match between two USL teams; visiting Reno 1868 FC and Sacramento Republic saw the home side snagged the victory thanks to a pair of goal from Trevin Caesar and Harry Williams. Sacramento Republic FC will face off Real Salt Lake in the next round.
Colorado Springs Switchbacks 1, OKC Energy 2
Wojciech Wojcik and Jose Barril scored as the Energy edged past the Switchbacks in Colorado on Wednesday evening. Despite their closest efforts, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks had challenges finding the back of the net. Eventually, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks found an equalizer through the penalty spot-kick. Star player Jordan Burt scored to reduce the lead, but the equalizer came apparently too late for the Colorado Springs to come back. OKC Energy will now face Colorado Rapids in the fourth-round.