TheCup.us First 11 for MLS Open Cup Qualifying

Ten clubs battled it out through an eight-game qualifying process to determine the final pair of 2011 US Open Cup entrants from Major League Soccer. Sporting Kansas City and the Chicago Fire claimed their place in the 40-team event, where they will begin play in the Third Round set for June 28.

While Sporting and the Fire were the winning teams, there were plenty of standout individual performances on their clubs and elsewhere, many of which were provided by players who are not always in the regular season starting 11.

Sapong tallied in both SKC wins

Not surprisingly, Kansas City and Chicago made up over half of the list with three players representing each. If an MVP were to be selected, it would probably be between the Sporting duo of CJ Sapong, who was an offensive hero in both wins, and Eric Kronberg, who posted shutouts in both games. Sapong had three goals in qualifying compared to just one in 10 league appearances while the back-up keeper had more clean sheets in the qualifying campaign than he and starter Jimmy Nielsen have for the league season through 10 games.

Here is the final TheCup.us First 11 from MLS US Open Cup qualifying (games played of possible for each player noted).

GOALKEEPERS:

Eric Kronberg (KC) - Made six saves in a 1-0 overtime win against Houston; Shutout in 5-0 win vs New England [2/2 GP]

DEFENDERS:

Jalil Anibaba (CHI) – Game-winning goal in 2-1 victory against Colorado [2/2 GP]
Ike Opara (SJ) – Game-winning goal in 1-0 overtime win against Portland [1/2 GP]
Yamith Cuesta (CHI) - Equalizer in 2-2 draw (pk win) at San Jose [2/2 GP]

MIDFIELDERS:

Brian Carroll (PHI) – Equalizer in overtime in 2-2 draw (pk loss) against DC [1/1 GP]
Branko Boskovic (DC) – Two goals in 3-2 loss to New England [2/2 GP]
Ousmane Dabo (NE) – Outstanding play in 3-2 victory against DC [1/2 GP]
Daniel Paladini (CHI) - Great play, winning penalty kick in 2-2 draw (pk win) at San Jose [1/2 GP]

FORWARDS:

CJ Sapong (KC) – Game-winning goal in 1-0 overtime win against Houston; Two goals in 5-0 win against New England [2/2 GP]
Kheli Dube (NE) – Two goals in 3-2 victory against DC [1/2 GP]
Chance Myers (KC) - Two opening goals in 5-0 win against New England [1/2 GP]

View the short-list to see who else was in the running for First 11 recognition.

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