Congratulations to the fans of all three USL/A-League teams through to the quarterfinals of the Open Cup, and good luck to Richmond!

Congrats also to former Patriots midfielders Freddy Juarez and Kirk Wilson.

I wondered where Kirk's been these days and if he still played competitive soccer. Turns out he's in his fourth season in Rochester and scored the tying goal that allowed the Ragin' Rhinos to beat New England on PK's, 3-1. Great midfielder, though his stats for the Rhinos aren't nearly as impressive as his couple of seasons in his hometown. (They do have a few good players up Rochester way, I'm sure.)

Freddy was the hammer in the Pats defensive midfield for six seasons before moving on to Minnesota when the Pats dropped to the PDL. He hasn't played too many minutes by comparison, but Buzz Lagos likes the big fellas if they're playing any kind of defensive role for him. Minnesota beat Carlos Ruiz and the LA Galaxy, 1-0, last night.

Also winning was Charleston, 1-0, over NY-NJ. The Battery will play at Rochester, while Minnesota will play at home vs. San Jose. Big night for the USL with, hopefully, more to come.

Congrats to Freddy and Kirk!