Venue Location: Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium (NJIT), Newark, New Jersey. This compact ~1,000–2,000-capacity college soccer venue (artificial turf, lights) serves as FC Motown STA’s home ground for this match and will host under lights in an intimate, electric Open Cup atmosphere with passionate local New Jersey support.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. The game is part of the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup First Round (professional vs. amateur/open-division single-elimination matchup). This nationally televised clash will air on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network (one of the featured broadcast windows). Gates typically open 60–90 minutes prior.
Weather Updates: Cool evening conditions are forecast for kickoff in Newark. Temperatures will drop to 38–45°F (3–7°C) by 7:00 p.m. ET with light winds (5–10 mph variable), humidity near 60–70%, and minimal chance of precipitation (clear to partly cloudy skies). March historical averages and current models point to dry, breezy play—perfect for soccer but bundle up for fans in layers. No weather delays or alerts expected.
Injury Report:
- Hartford Athletic (USL Championship): No major injuries reported heading into the match. The squad is at or near full strength with key returnees (e.g., Sebastian Anderson, Beverly Makangila, Samuel Careaga) available following early-season league play and preseason. Defending USL Cup champions have depth across the roster.
- FC Motown STA (USL League Two): As an amateur/open-division side, no formal injury reports are issued. The roster appears healthy with collegiate and local talent intact after a strong qualification run.
Key
Player Matchups (Key Battles):
Hartford’s professional depth, experience, and attacking quality should dominate most individual duels against Motown’s amateur/college talent, though set pieces and home energy could create moments.
- GK Gerold Ngnepi or Enzo Carvalho (Hartford) vs. Motown forwards/qualifying scorers: Hartford’s pro-level keepers and backline (Jordan Scarlett, Arturo Diz Pe, Baboucarr Njie) should neutralize amateur threats comfortably.
- Defensive core (Sebastian Anderson + Jordan Scarlett + Matt Real) vs. Motown midfield/attack: Built for USL Championship physicality and transitions.
- Midfield creators (Beverly Makangila, Samuel Careaga, Andrés Hernández) vs. Motown defensive unit: Makangila and Careaga bring vision and energy to control the center.
- Forwards Augi Williams + Michee Ngalina + Sadat Anaku + Adewale Obalola vs. Motown backline: Williams and Ngalina (pace/finishing threats) plus Anaku will test an unproven amateur defense; expect set-piece and transition dominance.
Expected Hartford lineup (typical 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 pro setup): Pro depth anchored by Ngalina/Williams attacking output. FC Motown STA (head coach Alan McClintock/Tom Shields) relies on college standouts (e.g., assists leader Kian Alberto types, GK Shane Keenan/Devin Armstrong) and local NJ talent for counters and upset magic.
Recent Team Forms:
- Hartford Athletic: Strong—early league win(s) showcasing attacking sharpness and defensive solidity under Brendan Burke; form carries over from 2025 USL Cup title run.
- FC Motown STA: Excellent in qualifying—dominant playoff results to earn this spot (fifth straight Open Cup appearance). Offensively capable in amateur ranks but facing a massive step-up.
Series History:
This is the first-ever meeting between FC Motown STA and Hartford Athletic. In broader Open Cup context, Hartford is undefeated (4-0) all-time against amateur/open-division sides. USL Championship pros hosting (or visiting) USL League Two teams advance at ~80–85% historically in similar mismatches; Motown’s best prior run reached the Third Round (2022).
Betting Trends:
Div. II pros vs. USL League Two amateurs in Open Cup First Round favor the professional side at 80–85% (often by 1–2+ goals). Hartford’s defending Cup champion pedigree, early 2026 form, and perfect amateur Open Cup record reinforce the pattern. Goal totals trend over when pros push forward; unders possible if they control early. Motown’s home energy and qualifying scoring contrast with the quality gap—trends point to comfortable pro wins or clean sheets in comparable games.
MATCH ODDS
Hartford Athletic – 140
FC Motown STA + 525
Draw + 400
Over 2.5 – 170 Under 2.5 + 125
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, March 17, 2026
