Croatian Eagles SC and the U.S. Open Cup were among the first dots on the national soccer map, but it's taken over 80 years for them to connect.

The Milwaukee club was established in 1922, eight years after the country's oldest cup crowned its first champion. During their long history, the Eagles consistently have been among the best teams in Milwaukee, winning eight city titles, and have been competitive in state and regional tournaments and Croatian events across North America.

But this is believed to be the first year they have entered U.S. Open Cup competition.

And what a debut it has been.