FC Monmouth Wins 1st Ever Open Cup Match In Thrilling Fashion, Returns Home October 25 Before Next Qualifying Test.
Red Bank, NJ – FC Monmouth’s pursuit of a place in the 2027 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup continues after a dramatic 3-2 road victory over Real Central New Jersey, secured by Davide Caputo’s stoppage-time winner in the 93rd minute.
On a rainy evening at Mercer County Community College, Ben Zakowski opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a strike from roughly 40 yards. Real Central responded four minutes later through Luke Pompiliano, sending the teams into halftime level at 1-1.
Enrique Mutsoli restored Monmouth’s advantage in the 56th minute, but Ilia Sakheishvili equalized in the 62nd. With the match still tied in second-half stoppage time, a deflected cross fell to Caputo, who controlled the ball and finished at the near post. Monmouth then weathered a final flurry of corners to secure its place in the third qualifying round.
“It honestly felt like a regular goal, I’ve had a lot of great moments like this with this team and this added another tally to the list.” Says Caputo, as cool as you like. Monmouth’s highest capped player in club history delivered another for the books.
Twice forced to respond after surrendering a lead, the blue and gold found the decisive moment when it mattered most. The result gives the club an opportunity to extend its qualifying run and adds anticipation to an important stretch of fall matches. Now two wins away from advancing to the Open Cup proper, where a pro team would come next, FC Monmouth has a tough stretch of matches ahead to be able to reach its goals.
“We’re excited for what’s to come, but we need to focus on one game at a time.” Says head coach James Davis.
Before returning to Open Cup competition, FC Monmouth will welcome supporters back to Count Basie Park in Red Bank for its first home match of the fall on Sunday, October 25, at 6:00 PM. This time out, the Blue and Gold will compete in the 2nd round of the National Amateur Cup, the nation’s most prestigious tournament entirely suited for the top semi-pro teams from across the country. The winner of the tournament outright earning a spot into the 2028 Open Cup Tournament proper.
The evening will bring together soccer, community, and art as the club celebrates the Art of the Game installation at Count Basie Park. One of twenty three art sculptures that were placed around New York City and New Jersey to celebrate the world cup this summer will now be placed at Count Basie Park permanently. A testament to the efforts of the borough in hosting community programming to support its local community throughout the history 2026 tournament.
FC Monmouth will be hosting a FREE pre-match youth clinic, powered by Hospital for Special Surgery, will give young players an opportunity to take the field with FC Monmouth’s men’s team before cheering them on that evening. The clinic is for ages 6-14, limited to 100 participants, each receiving a free T Shirt. Following the clinic, participants and fans will be encouraged to get their first ever pictures with the new icon at the park, and to then catch the match for a 6PM kickoff vs Junior Mafia FC, a new semi-pro team based out of Newark. Parents and guardians can sign up their children for the clinic HERE and get their match tickets HERE.
For returning supporters and families attending their first match, October 25 offers a chance to connect with the club and help build the home atmosphere ahead of its next cup challenge.
“This is another historic moment for the soccer community in Red Bank and greater Monmouth County. I could not think of a more deserving place for this piece of art to be placed, following all of the madness and fun that we had together over the summer.” Says Davis.
One week later, Monmouth will travel to Geick Park in Old Bridge to face Bulldogs SC on Sunday, November 1, at 7:30 PM, in the third round of U.S. Open Cup qualifying.
Bulldogs advanced with a 7-4 victory over Jersey Shore Boca, fueled by an Adam Zamraki hat trick. A win for Monmouth would move the club into the final qualifying round for the 2027 tournament. This round will feature a rematch of the 2026 2nd round qualifiers that took place a little over a year ago’s time, with Bulldogs coming out on top 3-1 in extra time in the two team’s first ever matchup. A handful of members of the FC Monmouth squad remain in place for this year’s rendition, and will be looking to get a win back on the field.
Supporters are encouraged to join FC Monmouth at Count Basie Park on October 25, then bring their support on the road to Old Bridge on November 1 as the club looks to keep its Open Cup journey alive.
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