Amateur side Aegean Hawks seek to kick off Cinderella run in U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday

Local men’s adult amateur soccer team Dulles Sportsplex Aegean Hawks FC will take on Premier Development League side Carolina Dynamo in the first round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, helping to kick off one of the most oldest, most unique sports tournaments in the nation.

The Carolina Dynamo roster is comprised of current college standouts from the likes of Duke, the University of North Carolina and Wake Forest. Last season the Dynamo were led by Duke standout Andrew Wenger, who would go on to become the top overall pick in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft in January.

The match will take place at 7:30 pm at the Maryland Soccerplex Championship Stadium in Germantown, Md.

Heavy underdogs, the Aegean Hawks will try to make history by pulling the upset, in which case they would move on to face third-division pro team Richmond Kickers in a second-round Open Cup match on Tuesday, May 22, a game they would also host at the Soccerplex.

The winner of that game would match up with D.C. United in the third round of this historic national tournament, which dates back to 1914.

Offering opportunities to teams from all levels of the U.S. soccer pyramid, the U.S. Open Cup is similar to England’s FA Cup. All amateur and professional teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer may participate.

Only 8 true “recreational” amateur teams across the country like the Hawks qualify to enter this tournament. The Hawks are making their third appearance in the last 6 years, with their last appearance a 1-0 loss to professional side Real Maryland in 2009.

Tickets for Tuesday’s match cost $5.

[ +For more information on the tournament, please see the U.S. Open Cup’s home page ]

[ +Visit the Md. SoccerPlex’s home page for directions and other details ]