2000 - Mid-Michigan Bucks (PDL) 1, New England Revolution (MLS) 0

The Mid Michigan Bucks have always been one of the lower division troublemakers of the Open Cup, and this match against the New England Revolution from MLS helped build that reputation. Goalkeeper Eric Pogue was the early hero for the Bucks, saving a Shaker Asad penalty in the 7th minute to keep the score 0-0. The Bucks stayed with the Revolution for 90 minutes using a high-tempo style of play, sending the match into sudden death extra time. It didn’t take long for Mid-Michigan to send the sparse crowd of 1,857 home from Foxboro Stadium disappointed, as midfielder Chad Schomaker scored the winner three minutes into extra time.  The Bucks fell in the next round, but not before pushing the Miami Fusion to penalties after a 3-3 draw. The Mid Michigan Bucks are the heart of what the US Open Cup is all about.

2000 - Chicago Sockers (PDL) 0, Kansas City Wizards (MLS) 0
(Chicago wins on PK’s 7-6)

The Mid Michigan Bucks weren’t the only team making the MLS giants cry. The Kansas City Wizards were leading Major League Soccer in points at the time of the match, but that didn’t matter to the PDL Chicago Sockers, who were the defending champions of the 4th division league. Adam Throop of the Sockers put in a spectacular performance, keeping a clean sheet for 105 minutes despite 23 shots from KC. Both teams slugged though extra time scoreless as well, and the 3,140 on hand at Forest View Park Chicago eagerly awaited the penalty kick session to decide the game. Adam Throop came though again, saving Uche Okafor’s penalty to give Chicago the win. The Sockers, like the Bucks, went on to put a scare into their next MLS opponents, Chicago Fire. The Sockers fell 1-0, but provided a thrill the soccer fans of Chicago will not soon forget.

Other second round upsets

1997 - San Francisco Bay Seals (D3 Pro) 1, Seattle Sounders (A-League) 0
1998 - Orlando Nighthawks (D3 Pro) 2, Milwaukee Rampage (A-League) 1
1998 - Chicago Stingers (D3 Pro) 3, Hershey Wildcats (A-League) 2
1999 - Mid Michigan Bucks (PDL) 2, Minnesota Thunder (A-League) 1
1999 - Carolina Dynamo (D3 Pro) 2, Orange County Zodiac (A-League) 0
2000 - Richmond Kickers (A-League) 3, Colorado Rapids (MLS) 0
2001 - Connecticut Wolves (MLS) 3, Tampa Bay Mutiny (MLS) 2
2001 - Charleston Battery (A-League) 4, Metrostars (MLS) 1
2001 - Seattle Sounders Select (PDL) 3, Dallas Burn (MLS) 2
2001 - Pittsburgh Riverhounds (A-League) 3, Colorado Rapids (MLS) 0
2003 - Bavarian SC (USASA) 1, Reading Rage (PSL) 0