Soccer News: San Diego Boca FC Lost to Fullerton Rangers for a Berth in Prestigious Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

NPSL Divisional Showdown for US Open Cup Entry Continues and San Diego's Soccer Teams are Out of the Race.  There was a moment when fans looked forward to the possibiltiies of Boca taking on the LA Galaxy or Chivas USA on the field, but that hope is over.

San Diego Boca FC were defeated by the Fullerton Rangers of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) last Friday night at 7:00 p.m. at Balboa Stadium in Downtown San Diego.

San Diego Boca vs Fullerton Rangers in the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Qualifier

With the win, the Fullerton Rangers qualify for a slot representing the NPSL of the Southwest Division for the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

San Diego Boca FC were coming off back to back wins over the Phoenix Monsoon and SD Flash, eliminating those clubs from the US Open Cup qualification round. San Diego Boca defeated Monsoon on Saturday, March 24, in a dramatic come-from-behind effort that ended with San Diego going 4-2 in penalty kicks. On Sunday, in a biting cold wind, Boca defeated cross-town rivals Flash 1-0 on a goal by Alfredo Rodriguez in the 88^th minute of play.

Assistant Coach Miguel Garcia coached the team against the Rangers. Head Coach Karim Ben-Marzouk was out of town.

The match started off with an own goal by San Diego Boca allowing the Fullerton Rangers a quick headstart.  Boca was visibly suprised by the goal and allowed a second goal to be scored shortly thereafter. Then the team rallied, maintaining possession and putting together several solid passes and scoring 2 goals. The match was then tied 2-2.

The game as a 3-2 thriller and had fans on the edge of their seats as the back and forth action kept the final outcome unknown until the end of the match. The score was tied 2-2 in the second half as the clock climbed towards 90 minutes. While fans expected a possible overtime period, the Fullerton Rangers seized the opportunity to score on a PK moments before the final whistle blew, dashing the hopes of Boca continuing on in 99th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

"To be candid, we gave this game away. I believe we could have won had we played our cards right. Giving up a goal in the first 10 seconds and then a second goal five minutes later to start down 2-0 is no way to play futbol, especially for our fans," said Yan Skwara, President of San Diego Boca FC.   

The PK was a highly controversial call which sealed the fate of the match. While the Boca goalie, Steve Gonzalez, is an amazing and often successfully blocks penalty kicks, he was unable to stop the shot from reaching the back of the net.  

The Ranger's goalie Jhovany Hernandez played exceptionally well and blocked numerous attempts on goal.

Swara added, "I am still proud of the guys in the effort that was made to rally back and tie the game but they don't need to make this game so complicated. Our players need to make sure this does not happen again otherwise playing catchup is going to make for a long season. We will put this game behind us and prepare for our NPSL league opener this Saturday night against FC Santa Clarita as we will come in ready to play ... I can promise you that."

The Fullerton Rangers came determined to win and were thrilled with their hard fought victory. Their coach Raul Zico Ruiz told SoccerNationNews that the players has been preparing for this match and had participated in several team bonding events. These team events and all the training paid off as Rangers are now off to the next qualifying round. 

We wish Alberto Ochoa and the Fullerton Rangers good luck as they continue in the Lamar Hunt Cup!

Did you know this year’s U.S. Open Cup includes a 64-team field, which represents the largest in the modern era (1995 to present), eclipsing the previous record of 42 teams set in 2005 and 2006. It also is the largest expansion of teams (24) from a previous year in the competition’s recent history?

All Division I, II and III professional clubs will be participating in the tournament proper for the first time ever. The Division I field includes all 16 U.S.-based Major League Soccer teams, which is double the representation from the past five years and the first time since 2006 that all Division I teams will take part. Meanwhile, all six U.S.-based North American Soccer League teams (Division II) and all 10 U.S.-based USL PRO teams (Division III) will complete the balance of the 32 professional sides competing (also a modern record). This 2012 competition marks the first year that clubs representing the NASL will participate in America’s oldest national soccer tournament. 

The amateur entries will feature 32 teams from various leagues affiliated with the U.S. Adult Soccer Association (including USASA regional qualifiers, the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League and the National Premier Soccer League) and US Club Soccer. 

2012 NPSL SEASON READY TO KICKOFF! Starting on April 7th, soccer fans can see San Diego Boca take on FC Santa Clarita.

About San Diego Boca FC: San Diego Boca FC is part of the Western Division of the 49-team National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). San Diego Boca FC was founded to promote professional, amateur, and youth soccer throughout San Diego County through a grassroots approach, following that of storied Argentina club Boca Juniors. For more information visit www.sdboca.com or www.npsl.info.

San Diego Boca FC also operates the Boca Soccer Store located in Old Town, San Diego at 1919 San Diego Ave, San Diego, Ca 92110. Boca Soccer Store carries Lotto, Nike, Vizari, Adidas, and much more. Soccer enthusiasts can browse through our selection of jerseys, cleats, balls, bags, and more. Also, come check out our ESPN Soccer Zone Lounge Area for free viewing of MLS, 2012 Champions League and 2012 Euro matches including daily Fox Soccer, Gol TV, ESPN Deportes coverage on our 55” HD TV’s.

Related Articles: SD Boca FC Defeat Phoenix Monsoon; SD Boca FC Outlast SD Flash