Akron City FC aims to hoist Fritz Marth Cup, selected to compete in USASA Men’s National Amateur Cup
Writer: Sideline and Beat Reporter, Cade Cracas
Akron, Ohio- A historic chance has presented itself to Akron City FC (ACFC), just years after being established as a club.
Back in 1931, the Akron Goodyear Wingfoots team took home the city’s, and state’s, first-ever national amateur cup championship. This season, 93 years later, the team will have a chance to accomplish that feat again.
ACFC has been selected to compete in the United States Amateur Soccer Association (USASA) National Amateur Cup, with an opportunity to clinch a berth in the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. ACFC enters the tournament at the quarterfinal stage of the Region 2 bracket, meaning five wins will secure the National Cup title! With the team being founded just three seasons ago, this is a chance some clubs only dream about.
“The more opportunities our players have to play in these competitions the better,” said ACFC Owner Nick Turchan. “This is great for the continued growth and recognition of the Akron City FC brand in the area and nationally.”
After going 3-1-8 in 2022, the team has completely revamped its roster, bringing in new faces with high-level backgrounds in the sport.
“There are a number of reasons we were awarded this berth, but without a doubt, the squad we have assembled is one of the biggest reasons,” Turchan said. “This is without a doubt the most talented and well-rounded group we have put together.
We believe we have assembled a roster that will overcome many of our shortfalls from last year, which most importantly includes putting the ball in the back of the net. We are also excited that once again the vast majority of our squad is either from Northeast Ohio or played their college ball here.”
The incoming players have spoken highly of the city of Akron and the chance to play for a team that is gunning for glory.
“I am very excited to be helping out this summer,” said goalkeeper Ty Bowden. “With the talent the club is bringing in, and the local support from the Akron community, I feel that we will have a successful season.”
Alongside the players and Turchan, ACFC Head Coach Andy Hoggarth has praised this handpicked roster.
“I think the entire squad that we’re putting together is continuing to grow the profile and take it to the next level,” he said. “Overall, we have a good group of players who have come through local programs as youth players before continuing into high-quality college environments.”
While these players will be new to playing with one another, the talent they possess has been noticed enough to be selected to play in such a highly touted cup competition.
According to the official USASA website, the “Amateur Cup is the oldest and largest elite open amateur team competition that selects an amateur champion and includes multiple national, regional and state leagues. The National Amateur Cup is an elite program of the United States Adult Soccer Association and includes over 125 high-level amateur teams entering local state association and national league events.”
The players and coaches will have a quick turnaround though, as the team’s first stint in the Cup will come after the players meet just weeks prior.
“We’ll have a handful of practices with two games under our belt…but no excuses, we are in this to return the National Cup to Akron after a 93-year wait, while also bringing a US Open Cup berth to the city and our diehard fanbase.”
Not only is this a chance to bring silverware back to Akron, but it is also a chance to be put on a spotlight stage as 2024’s cup is marked by the 100th anniversary of the tournament.
The team will gear up to play the winner of Northern Indiana FC and Michigan Stars U23 and a yet to be determined date that will fall between May 23rd and June 2nd.
The winner of the tournament is awarded the Fritz Marth Cup and an entry into the US Open Cup, an incredible opportunity for ACFC.
Akron City FC will update this article when the opponent, date, time and location are official.