The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup begins this Tuesday, and the unlikeliest of teams remains the lone entry from Northern California. Through all tiers of soccer in the region, from the San Jose Earthquakes of MLS down to amateur teams playing in local adult leagues, the last team standing is USASA qualifier DV8 Defenders of Redwood City. Courtesy of a stoppage time goal in a win-and-your-in game in the recently completed Region IV tournament, DV8 gained entry as one of just 40 teams nationwide in American soccer's oldest tournament.
The DV8 Defenders travel to the suburbs of Denver, CO to face PDL side Real Colorado Foxes in a first round match June 14. In an effort to prepare for the Open Cup competition, DV8 faced the San Jose Earthquakes reserves in a tune-up match last Wednesday afternoon. And although they were beat by the MLS side 2-0, the amateur squad walked away from the Nutrilite Training Facility with a healthy dose of confidence ahead of their trip to the Rockies. Without the Quakes to cheer on in the Open Cup, take a look at the DV8 Defenders from Redwood City and get behind our Bay Area tournament representative.