http://www.illinoissoccer.org/ussf_open_cup.htm I can't believe I hadn't seen this before, but the five clubs competing to represent the state in the US Open Cup at the non-league level have been posted as well as the competition draw. No games have been scheduled AFAIK, but hopefully we can use this thread to track their progress. AAC Eagles and Vikings are former USOC champions, and I know Green-White. Any information anyone cares to share about these teams or the copetition is welcome in this thread. Thanks.
Both Eagles and Green-White are long standing firms in the Chicago Metropolitan League (Major Division). After the fall part of the 2002-2003 Season, Eagles are in second and Green-White in the middle of the Major Division table, although Green-White are the favourites of many Metro League observers. Green-White started very well but the ending of the Fall Session was not so good and in the last match, they lost to the Lightning 1:4 as far as I remember. Eagles, in my opinion, are a team without any individuals but a very strong and skillful team throughout all ranks. Tarnovia is just an amateur team that will add flavor to the competition but nobody can be serious about any chances for them. The National League contender, United, cannot be counted as a favorite, either, with the whole of the National League fading although Warta from the NL thrashed ML current leaders, Liths in the State Cup late last year.