While the FCC Senior Squad may not be participating in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup this year, the Orange and Blue will be represented in the historic tournament. Only 16 MLS sides will participate, in addition to 10 MLS NEXT Pro sides. FCC 2 is one of the five Eastern Conference teams hosting their First Round matchup, which is comprised of entirely Pro vs. Amateur fixtures. Their draw is the New York Pancyprian Freedoms, and they’ll open play on 3/20 at 7:30PM at NKU Soccer Stadium in Highland Heights, KY.
Who is NY Pancyprian Freedoms?
Now you may be wondering, like myself, who are the NY Pancyprian Freedoms? That was my first thought, and after looking into them, I have to admit they have quite an interesting history. Founded in 1974 by the Greek-Cypriot community in Astoria, Queens, the club has been a mainstay at the top levels of amateur football in America since their inception. They compete in New York City’s Cosmopolitan Soccer League, a member of the United States Adult Soccer Association. In their time they’ve won eight Cosmopolitan League titles, most recently in 2019.
In addition to their League success, the Freedoms have ample experience in the Open Cup. They are one of the 63 teams to ever win the tournament, and they did so three times in the early 1980’s. In 1984, during their pursuit of a CONCACAF Champions Cup, they made it to the semi-final round before being disqualified along with slotted opponent CD Guadalajara, as the two sides couldn’t agree on match dates.
During their most recent Open Cup run, the team defeated New York Red Bulls U-23 before losing their second round matchup to Jersey Express. In addition to their Open Cup ventures, the side has won the USASA Open Cup three times (2008, 2010, and 2011).
Mainly comprised of players that have come up through the Eleftheria-Pancyprian Youth teams, the team boasts a lot of NCAA Division 1 soccer talent. This side is sure to prove a good challenge for FCC 2 and has proven itself as a dark horse in the past.
If you have nothing better to do, make your way down to Highland Heights on March 20th at 7:30 PM to see what is sure to be an electrifying fixture.
A previous version of this article misstated the name of the New York Pancyprian Freedoms as the New York Pancyprian FC.
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