LAST TIME OUT: Saint Louis FC (3-3-1) is coming off a 2-1 defeat to Toronto FC II in the second game of a four game homestand on Thursday, May 14th. Forward Bryan Gaul gave Saint Louis FC the lead on an early first-minute goal, but Toronto FC II was able to respond with goals in the 9th and 38th minute to steal an away victory.
THE OPPONENT: Des Moines Menace (2-0) are coming into Wednesday’s U.S. Open match fresh off a 1-0 victory over the Springfield Synergy in the Premier Development League (PDL). The Menace are in its 22ndseason, and are led by a first-year coach Mike Matkovich. With the win over Springfield, the Menace achieved its 200th win in franchise history (200-113-32). Des Moines Menace advanced into the second round of the U.S. Cup with a 2-1 victory over the Madison Fire on May 13.
THE LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP: The U.S. Open Cup is one of the oldest cup competitions in United States soccer, with the introduction of the cup dating back to 1914. The single-elimination tournament is open to all affiliated amateur and professional teams in the United States Soccer Federation.
The winner of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, in addition to taking home prize money, is automatically placed into the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League. Seattle Sounders FC of MLS are the defending U.S. Open Cup champion, defeating the Philadelphia Union to claim the 2014 title.
ST. LOUIS IN THE OPEN CUP: St. Louis soccer has strong routes in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, boasting 10 Cup champions since 1920. The last St. Louis-based team to win the competition was Busch SC in 1988. Only three states have more U.S. Open Cup titles than Missouri, with all of the state’s champions hailing from the St. Louis area. The complete list of St. Louis Cup champions is below.
U.S. Open Cup Champions from St. Louis: Ben Millers – 1920; Scullin Steel – 1921, 1922; Vesper Buick – 1924; Stix, Baer, and Fuller – 1933, 1934; Central Breweries – 1935; Simpkins Ford – 1948; Kutis FC – 1957, 1986; Busch SC – 1988.
