Maryland begins USOC qualifying: Semifinals set after Allyance FC's
opening victory
http://usopencup.com

The opening match of the Maryland State Soccer Association's Open
Cup qualifying is complete and the semifinals are set. Maryland
Allyance FC defeated Baltimore Bays 91, 4-1, denying the Bays a spot
in the state's final four.

Allyance, making their third straight appearance in cup qualifying,
were eliminated last year in the first round by Baltimore Colts FC,
6-2. Entering their opening round match, Allyance FC were in first
place in the Maryland Major Soccer League (MMSL) with a 9-1-1
record. They will take on Select FC, a mid-table team from the MMSL,
in the next round. The Bays' struggles continue in Open Cup
qualifying, with the club failing to place a team in the state cup
final for the fifth consecutive year.

The other semifinal, scheduled to take place February 17, features
AC United and Baltimore Colts FC.

Maryland Open Cup Qualifying Semifinals
February 17, 2008
Western Regional Park

Baltimore Colts FC
vs. AC United
Kickoff - 11:00am

Maryland Allyance FC
vs. Select FC