Former Elon Men’s Soccer Players Set For U.S. Open Cup

ELON, N.C. – Four former Elon University men’s soccer standouts are set for action tonight in the U.S. Open Cup 2012, as Clint Irwin, Austen King and Nick Millington will face a pair of Major League Soccer’s top teams, while Steven Kinney’s Chicago Fire will compete as well.

King and Millington, both members of the Carolina RailHawks, will square off against the MLS’s LA Galaxy at 7 p.m. at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. Notable players for the Galaxy include David Beckham and Landon Donovan. King signed with the RailHawks in February and has seen action in several matches this season, while Millington recently signed with the club on May 18 but has not played yet due to injury.

“Being with the RailHawks has been like living a dream, but playing against the defending MLS champions and against a team I’ve seen on TV and watched for years will certainly be an experience,” King said. “We’re going to enjoy it, but we have a business-like approach to every match and we want to go out there and get a win.”

Irwin’s Charlotte Eagles are set for action tonight in Frisco, Texas, against the MLS’s FC Dallas squad. The match is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. (ET) at FC Dallas Stadium. Irwin had an outstanding debut for the Eagles on May 22 at the El Paso Patriots, posting a clean sheet and several impressive saves in a 1-0 victory.

“Everyone’s looking forward to the FC Dallas match. The Open Cup presents an opportunity to match up against the best in this country,” Irwin said. “It’s as close a competition we have to England’s FA Cup and sort of like March Madness in that anyone can go on a Cinderella run and lift the cup. It’s my first chance to play in the competition as a pro, and so far, I’m really enjoying it.”

“We know the quality FC Dallas has and the challenge presented away from home, but we’ve got some confidence after winning in a really tough environment. We have a good road record so I’m anticipating a great match.”

Kinney’s Chicago Fire will also compete tonight, as the club heads to Pontiac, Mich., to take on the Michigan Bucks of the Premier Development League. Kinney will not play tonight for the Fire, as he is currently recovering from injury.