If there is an American version of the FA Cup, it’s the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
And just like the historic English cup competition, the Open Cup is subject to upsets and giant-killings.
New York Pancyprian Freedoms provided one of the eye-catching results of the first round of the Open Cup recently by knocking out Cincinnati 2, the reserve team of the Ohio MLS outfit.
It was a turn up for the books as NY Pancyprian Freedoms are amateur and play in the National Premier Soccer League in comparison to their Cincinnati counterparts who ply their trade in the MLS Next Pro.
Yet, the New York club, founded by Greek Cypriots in 1974, have a solid record in the Open Cup, with a notable run of victories in 1980, 1982 and 1983.
That said, the rapidly changing football landscape in the USA means that any sort of run by an amateur team is an achievement and the 4-5 penalty win by the travelling NY Pancyprian Freedoms proved a real cupset.
In many ways, the whole club, who are based at the Belson Stadium in Queens, is based on resilience, having been set up after the 70’s invasion of Cyprus by Turkey. That fortitude served NY Pancyprian Freedoms well in the match, as they shut out their illustrious Cincinatti opponents, boasting young talent aiming for an MLS career.
Substitute Jens Hoff showed nerves of steel in front of a partizan Cincinnati crowd to slot home the winning NY Pancyprian Freedoms’ penalty, to great scenes of celebration from the away squad.
Elated NY Pancyprian Freedoms’ Head Coach Andreas Chronis praised his team, saying “the players executed the game plan to perfection. We defended selflessly and valiantly for 120 minutes, and showed incredible grit and character to get the result against a professional team.”
Next up is a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Second Round match against USL League One side Westchester SC. Find out more here.
New York Pancyprian Freedoms continue to take their Hellenic ideals of sound body, mind and spirit to higher-level opposition.
Opa!
