(UPDATED THROUGH SUNDAY, MAY 28th at 9:30 p.m. EST)
After nearly half a year, the qualifying process for the 2006 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is finally coming to a close. The last few matches are yet to be played and after Saturday, there are still THREE PDL sports to be filled. Sunday and Monday are the last two days of qualifying. USOpenCup.com takes a look at who has a shot at getting in, and who needs help in the Premier Development League.
Eastern Conference
PDL Eastern Conference Standings
Qualified: Cape Cod Crusaders, Virginia Beach Submariners
Virginia Beach defeated the Delaware Dynasty on Sunday afternoon, 2-0. It was a makeup game from last Friday when the game was rained out. The Submariners, an expansion team, qualify with a 4-0-0 record.
Southern Conference
PDL Southern Conference Standings
Qualified: Carolina Dynamo, Laredo Heat
Carolina and Laredo both finished unbeaten at 4-0-0. Carolina were the first PDL team to clinch, and Laredo clinched on the second to last day with a 1-0 win over the DFW Tornados.
Central Conference
PDL Central Conference Standings
Qualified: None
Teams With Hope: Indiana Invaders, Michigan Bucks, Boulder Rapids Reserve
After days of confusion during the final weekend, the Central Conference has finally come down to one final game: Indiana Invaders at Michigan Bucks. These two teams will square off at 6:30 p.m. EST on Memorial Day with a lot at stake. These two division rivals have played a lot of big games in the past, and now they are playing for the right to advance to the Open Cup. Here are the scenarios:
If Michigan wins: Michigan/Boulder qualify
If they draw: Michigan/Boulder qualify
If Indiana wins by 1-2 goals: Indiana/Michigan qualify
If Indiana wins by 3+ goals: Indiana/Boulder qualify
Key Games
5/28 Kansas City Brass 0:2 Boulder Rapids Reserve
5/29 Indiana Invaders at Michigan Bucks
Western Conference
PDL Western Conference Standings
Qualified: BYU Cougars, Ogden Outlaws
The Western Conference has concluded with BYU and Ogden moving on to represent in dramatic fashion.
