New York Pancyprian Freedoms Capture the 100th National Amateur Cup with Dominant Performance
The New York Pancyprian Freedoms have claimed the National Amateur Cup title with an emphatic 6-0 victory over the Milwaukee Torrent FC of the NPSL in the final match, held on the campus of Northern Illinois University. This historic win adds another prestigious title to the club’s decorated history, solidifying their status as one of the country's most storied soccer teams.
The Pancyprian’s triumph secures their place as the first team to officially qualify for the 2025 Open Cup. This qualification is the team's eighth since 1995, showcasing their consistent excellence in the sport. The National Amateur Cup, run by the US Adult Soccer Association (USASA), crowns a national champion annually from among the champions of four regions across the country. This year’s victory is particularly significant as it coincides with the 100th anniversary of the tournament and the 50th anniversary of the founding of the New York Pancyprian Freedoms.
"We dedicate this national cup victory to the people of Cyprus who are fighting for freedom and justice. Their courage and resilience inspire us every day,” said Philip Christopher, President, New York Pancyprian Freedoms. “In this moment of triumph, we also remember our late former player and supporter, Constantinos Iordanou, whose spirit remains with us. This victory is for him and all our supporters."
The New York Pancyprian Freedoms, a three-time US Open Cup champion (1980, 1982, 1983), now boast a legacy rivaling that of Major League Soccer’s DC United, with only eight teams in the nation holding more US Open Cup titles. Additionally, the club has previously won the National Amateur Open (Werner Fricker Cup) in 2008, 2010, and 2011. The Pancyprians are the only team to have won the US Open Cup, the National Amateur Cup and the National Amateur Open.
The journey to the national title witnessed the Pancyprian Freedoms winning the USASA Region I Amateur Cup, triumphing over Hoboken FC 1912, Newtown Pride FC, Providence City FC, and securing the regional final against Maryland's Christos FC. Their supremacy was further demonstrated in the national semifinals, where they defeated Tobacco Road FC of North Carolina with a commanding 5-1 victory.
In the final against Milwaukee Torrent FC, the Pancyprian Freedoms delivered an outstanding performance, with goals from Junior Rosero, Sebastian Ruiz Restrepo, Joe Holland, and Rafael Bustamante. This decisive win was highlighted by Joe Holland, Junior Rosero, Sebastian Ruiz Restrepo, and James Thristino tied for the Golden Boot of the National Amateur Cup each scoring five goals.
"This victory is a result of the work, dedication, and talent of our players. They showed incredible skill and determination throughout the tournament,” said Panos Onisiforou, Head Coach, New York Pancyprian Freedoms, “I am immensely proud of their performance and the way they represent our club and our history."
The New York Pancyprian Freedoms' triumph in the National Amateur Cup is a celebration of their storied history and a promising indication of even more successes to come as they prepare for the 2025 Open Cup.
