March 21, 2025, saw a night of thrilling soccer action in the first round of the 2025 U.S. Open Cup as several teams made a mark, showcasing talent, determination, and history-making moments. From the impressive debut of amateur side Corpus Christi FC to the professional might of clubs like AV ALTA FC and LAFC2, the matches were filled with excitement and surprises.
AV ALTA FC made headlines by securing a historic victory against Ventura County Fusion FC, triumphing 3-1 at the renovated Lancaster Municipal Stadium on March 18, 2025. The match marked the club's first win in franchise history, and it was a performance to remember. Forward Jerry Desundes opened the scoring by netting the first goal in AV ALTA's history, assisted by Joaquin Acuna in the 28th minute. Desundes sealed a brace with a powerful penalty just before halftime. The home crowd erupted into cheers as Desundes converted the penalty after a foul committed by Dorian Drucks in stoppage time. Despite an equalizer by Buba Fofanah in the 42nd minute, AV ALTA maintained control for most of the game, finishing with 62% possession and taking 19 shots, with 10 on target. The team added a third goal early in the second half, further solidifying its dominance.
After the match, Desundes reflected on the team’s effort, stating, “Losing the first match made us work harder as a team. We wanted to give the fans things to cheer for.” His sentiments echoed the excitement buzzing around the stadium as fans eagerly supported their team through every moment of the match.
In another remarkable fixture, Chattanooga FC faced Corpus Christi FC in a close contest that saw the professional side finally advance with a 1-0 victory. The match pitted the seasoned Chattanooga against the debuting Corpus Christi, making for a battle filled with tension and urgency. The game was largely dominated by fouls until midfielder Markus Naglestad made an impact by scoring in the 112th minute, connecting with a cross from Milo Garvanian. Naglestad’s header not only secured the win but extinguished fears of a potential penalty shoot-out, delivering relief to the Chattanooga bench and fans alike.
Chattanooga's head coach, Chris Nugent, had noted the quality of the a competitive amateur side and the importance of treating the match with seriousness. “I know they’re an amateur team, but they’re not a pub team. They’re high-level players,” he said, emphasizing respect for their opponents.
Advancing to the next round, Chattanooga will face off against their cross-town rivals, Chattanooga Red Wolves, in a highly anticipated matchup on April 2, 2025. The historical significance of this encounter has fans eagerly awaiting the rivalry game, as both clubs prepare for what promises to be an intense showdown.
Meanwhile, LAFC2 showcased their impressive skills, dominating FC Arizona with a staggering 7-1 victory also on March 19, 2025. Jude Terry and Matt Evans both scored braces, contributing to a commanding performance that left fans and spectators in awe. Terry's goals came in the 21st and 48th minutes, while Evans netted his goals early in the match at the 2nd minute and again in the 65th minute. Tommy Mihalić also contributed, scoring for LAFC2 in the 42nd minute. FC Arizona managed to pull one back through Gabriel Waters in the 59th minute, but the deficit was quickly countered by Evans’s second goal only six minutes later. The young Angelenos continued to capitalize on their offense, capping off their goal tally with appearances from Sebastian Nava and Kayro Walters.
As LAFC2 progresses to the next round, set for April 1-2, the excitement builds across the league for this prestigious competition that has brought together teams from all backgrounds and levels, boasting a history dating back to 1914. The U.S. Open Cup showcases the spirit of American soccer, creating moments of glory and heartbreak as teams vie for the coveted title.
The thrills witnessed in these matches underscore the unpredictability and excitement surrounding the cup, setting the stage for future rounds where underdogs can rise and established teams fight to maintain their legacies. Fans’ enthusiasm remains contagious, fueling the spirit of competition that the U.S. Open Cup so richly embodies.
