F.C. New York News Release -- www.fcnewyorksoccer.com
Monday, June 20, 2011
QUEENS, N.Y. -- F.C. New York will battle the N.Y. Pancyprian Freedoms, an amateur team and member of the United States Adult Soccer Association, in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. at Belson stadium on the campus of St. John's University. The winner will play in the third round on June 28 against New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Tuesday, June 28.
In its first round game, New York defeated the Western Mass Pioneers of the USL Premier Development League 3-0 at the Met Oval in Queens thanks to a hat trick from Jhonny Arteaga. The Pancyprian Freedoms advanced by eliminating fellow USASA side the Brooklyn Italians 2-1.
The Pancyprian Freedoms have a long history on the New York soccer scene, having been founded in 1974. They won three U.S. Open Cups in the all-amateur pre-Major League Soccer era, in 1980, 1982, and 1983.
All 32 lower division teams were randomly drawn against each other after clubs were divided into eight groups of four based on location. The eight second round winners will play for the chance to face one of eight Major League Soccer teams in the third round.
After the MLS teams enter the tournament on June 28, the quarterfinals will take place on July 12 and the semifinals will be played on August 30.