Wisloka Chicago blanks Strikers 3–0 to reach Open Cup Second Qualifying Round

Sep 14, 2025 286 Views US OPEN CUP

GLEN ELLYN, Ill. — Wisloka Chicago defeated the Chicago Strikers 3–0 on Saturday night at College of DuPage to advance to October’s Second Qualifying Round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Wisloka got goals from #9 Artur Kielar (42nd minute), #7 Olek Melnyk (57th) and #22 Michael Zegarski (84th) to seal the result and cap a commanding performance.

The win continues a strong stretch for Wisloka, which went 8-2-0 in the UPSL Midwest Central North last spring and also beat the Strikers 3–2 in league play on April 19. Chicago was making its third straight Open Cup qualifying attempt after a 2-8-0 spring campaign.

What it means

The Open Cup—U.S. soccer’s oldest national competition, first played in 1914—gives local clubs a pathway to the national stage. Sixteen Open Division qualifiers will emerge from four fall rounds to join next spring’s tournament proper. With the win, Wisloka is 90 minutes from that berth; Second Qualifying Round fixtures are scheduled for Oct. 11–12, with opponent and site to be announced.

Wisloka standouts

A veteran spine powered the clean sheet: GK #31 Konrad Dziedzic behind defenders #2 Kalvin Glodz and #3 Maciej Rzadkosz, with #6 Konrad Rozanski and #15 Adam Przytuła anchoring midfield and attackers #9 Artur Kielar and #25 Dawid Nowicki leading the line. Depth options included #7 Olek Melnyk, #18 Illia Vasylenko, and others who have contributed across the fall slate.

Strikers snapshot

Chicago featured a back line of #34 JJ Flores and #33 Patrick O’Neil in central defense with fullbacks #23 Anthony Cetera and #21 Declan Nugent, a holding group of #14 Juan Garcia, #18 KD Hwema, #22 Donovan Quintanilla, creator #10 Sergio Reyes, and forwards #5 Danny Fanek and #7 Damian Manzilla in front of GK #0 Harvey Partida.