Michigan Bucks beat Fire in US Open Cup, 3-2
PONTIAC, Mich. — The Chicago Fire will have to wait another year for a shot at a fifth U.S. Open Cup.
The Fire of the MLS was upset 3-2 by the Michigan Bucks of the USL Premier Development League in a third-round match Tuesday at the indoor Ultimate Soccer Arenas complex.
The victory, combined with the Dayton Dutch Lions' upset of the Columbus Crew, means that the Bucks host Dayton of the third division US Pro league next Tuesday.
The Fire went with a reserve lineup against Michigan, putting out only two of the 11 players who had started in Saturday's 2-1 loss at Columbus. That turned out to be a mistake against the Bucks, who have a history of giant killing in the Open Cup. Michigan beat the New England Revolution in 2000.
“I don't know if what we did back then meant anything to these guys, but I certainly made sure to tell them about it,” Bucks coach Gary Parsons said. “Mostly, these kids just believe they can play this game.”
The Bucks took a 1-0 lead in the ninth minute when Fire defender Hunter Jumper slipped, allowing Tommy Catalano to break in alone and beat Chicago goalkeeper Paolo Tornaghi.
Michigan nearly added to its lead in the 18th minute, but Tornaghi dove at Simon Omekanda's feet to stop a breakaway. Chicago took advantage 10 minutes later, as Corben Bone drove home a rebound from the edge of the box for his first career goal for the Fire, tying the score 1-1.
Federico Puppo's shot from the edge of the box in the 51st minute gave the Fire a 2-1 lead.
The Bucks appeared to be wilting, but goalkeeper Adam Grinwis kept control of his area, and Michigan equalized when Nermin Crnkic beat a defender and crossed for Nate Boyden's 78th minute goal.
That pumped up the crowd in the indoor arena. The Bucks dominated the extra 30 minutes, and Crnkic came through for the amateur side again in the third minute of extra time. After Steve Miller kept the ball alive in a goalmouth scramble, Crnkic beat a defender and hit a high shot that Tornaghi could only deflect into the roof of the net, giving the Bucks the 3-2 edge.