After taking care of business in Chicago, the Twos are ready for the Second Round of the 2024 U.S. Open Cup. For the first time this year, the USOC is coming back to the Twin Cities, as MNUFC2 is set to host the Michigan Stars of the NISA this Tuesday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m. CT at Allianz Field.
Though it’s been a tough start to MLS NEXT Pro action, with two losses in their first two games, the Twos put on an impressive display in their 3-0 win against Chicago House in the First Round. A collection of Academy talent, MNUFC2 regulars, and the hat-trick heroics of first-team striker Jordan Adebayo-Smith combined not only for a comprehensive victory but a wonderful showcase for the talented players in the MNUFC player pathway as well.
U19 Academy players Justin Arias, Julian Banks, Dom Mawing, Nathan Moua, and Dom Vargas made their professional debuts in the First Round, while Jonah Gasho, Tamer Ibsais, and U17 forward Darius Randell continued their own forays into the professional game. On all accounts, the youngsters stepped up admirably when they were called upon.
While youth players will continue to get the chance to represent the club in this tournament, they’ll be getting a bit of help. Throughout the tournament, MNUFC2 is allowed to utilize a maximum of seven first-team players in their Open Cup matches, meaning that the group that took down the House will be allowed some reinforcements for the remainder of their run.
As for Tuesday’s opponents, the Stars hail from Washington, Michigan, a suburb of the Detroit metro. They’ve gone by several different names since their original founding in 1998, though their current moniker can be traced back to the Dearborn Stars of 1982. The club was originally formed in Ontario, Canada, as Windsor Spartans FC before making the move to the Mitten State in 2012. They competed in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) until joining NISA in 2019, where they’ve remained ever since.
The Stars have yet to start their 2024 NISA regular season, having played just a single match this year. They won that match, though, earning a 1-0 victory over Steel City to book their ticket to Allianz Field. They’ve competed in the Open Cup in each of the past two seasons, bowing out in the second round to the USL Championship’s Detroit City FC in 2022 and Indy Eleven in 2023. The Loons will be hoping to continue that trend as they battle for a spot in the Third Round this week.
Tickets for the match are available below, and the stream for the match will be available for free on ussoccer.com. You don’t want to miss the magic of the Cup; one way or another, be sure to catch this exciting matchup in our nation’s oldest soccer tournament.
MNUFC2 v Michigan Stars FC
Allianz Field | Saint Paul, Minnesota
4.02.2024 | U.S. Open Cup Second Round
7:30 p.m. CT | Streaming on ussoccer.com
