West Chester United back into U.S. Open Cup for first time since 2016

West Chester United is back in the U.S. Open Cup for the second time in club history and the first time since 2016 after winning their fourth straight road game in local qualifying 3-0 over Safira FC in Somerville, Mass. on Saturday night.

In a rematch of the Region 1 National Amateur Cup final that West Chester won last June in extra time, the visitors got goals from Chad Poarch in first half stoppage time and Peter Nolan in the 57th minute to punch their ticket to the “Open Cup proper.” An own goal made the score 3-0 in favor of the visitors.

Nolan’s goal was a bit of redemption since he was sent off in the 9th minute with a straight red in the previous meeting between the two teams in Horsham, Pa.

The pairings for the first round, which will also include local amateur clubs Reading United (USL League Two) and Philadelphia Lone Star (NPSL), will be announced by U.S. Soccer on Wednesday.