Heading into last Saturday's final round of games, it didn't seem likely that BYU's soccer team or the Ogden Outlaws would qualify for the prestigious Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Both squads, who compete in the USL's Premier Development League, needed to win their games, score enough goals and hope that several other results went their way.
As it played out, that's exactly what happened.
BYU and Ogden each surprisingly qualified for the first round of the U.S. Open Cup, which will be held June 14. Both teams will be making their first appearance ever in the historic knock-out tournament.
It's a huge shot in the arm for Ogden, which is five games into its inaugural season.
"To qualify as an any-year team is difficult because you have 15 teams and two spots," said Ogden coach Mike Hickman. "But to do it as a first-year team is phenomenal."
Getting into the Cup was based on a team's performance in four qualifiers. The top two point-winners from the PDL's Western Conference during those four games got spots in the U.S. Open Cup.
BYU and Ogden finished tied with two other teams at nine points, but the two local squads squeaked through because they had a superior goal differential.
It's likely that Ogden and BYU will match up with Sonoma County of California and the Arizona Sahuaros in the opening round. Both of those teams are in the United States Amateur Soccer Association.
BYU, which is playing its fourth year in the PDL, leads the Northwest Division with 12 points. The Outlaws are in second place with nine.
All major soccer clubs in the United States, including MLS, will compete in the U.S. Open Cup. Real Salt Lake will enter the competition in the third round.
E-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com