In 25 matches, the underdogs have compiled an amazing 12-23 record. The Rhinos, not surprisingly, made two of the biggest headlines, ousting the past two Cup holders in consecutive matches. The Battery, incidentally, are coached by Alan Dicks, who managed in the English first division before it became the Premiership earlier this decade. And in a local New York derby, the Staten Island Vipers, who stunned the struggling MetroStars in extra time 3-2. The Vipers visit the Battery August 18 for the last quarterfinal encounter.
Times are a-changing, even if it's at a slow pace.
It's getting there. If anything, these upsets have brought more attention to it. Now you can point to last year. This team beat you. It's not an exhibition game.