Cups bring enchantment. Whether it’s the FA Cup or the U.S. Open Cup, unforgettable moments are created and history unfolds during knockout soccer matches.
A new milestone was reached in the 113-year history of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, as Braiden Kalonji became the youngest player to score in the modern era of the tournament.
The 14-year-old, representing Kalonji Pro-Profile, a Georgia-based team competing in the youth-development-oriented United Premier Soccer League, was awarded a penalty early in their first-round Open Cup match against Chattanooga FC. Although Toni Tiente’s penalty was saved, Kalonji followed up with a volley that found the far corner, eluding the reach of Chattanooga’s goalkeeper, Griffin Huff.
The keeper makes the save but 14-year-old Braiden Kalonji floats in the follow-up from distance 😳 pic.twitter.com/QMRfyxADy8
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) March 18, 2026
“It felt really good,” Kalonji stated to the tournament’s website. “I’ve been working for this and God delivered … all the work showed today and I’m really proud of it.”
However, the magic faded shortly after for Kalonji Pro-Profile. Chattanooga, a member of MLS Next Pro in the third tier of American professional soccer, equalized in the first minute of first-half stoppage time and then scored the decisive goal just one minute into the second half.
This marked Kalonji Pro-Profile’s inaugural participation in the U.S. Open Cup. Despite the loss, it was a memorable day in Tennessee that will remain etched in the memories of everyone connected to Kalonji.
