Vereinigung Erzgebirge SC and FC Ballyhoo opened group play in the USYS Eastern Presidents Cup with shutout victories Friday morning at The Proving Grounds in Conshohocken.

Left back Chris Branchide hit home a rebound early in the first half and VE added a second on an own goal in the second half to beat Bridgeport Premier FC 2-0.

“It’s good to get off to a good start,” Branchide said. “We just gotta keep our foot on the pedal and keep it going the next game.”

VE is back in the regionals for a second straight year and has a full roster of 21 players. Head coach Scott Rieber said their depth will be key with the potential to play five games in five days.

“Unfortunately not everyone gets to suit up, that’s the challenging part but potentially playing five games in five days we’re happy we have guys who can come off the bench,” Rieber said. “It’s a long haul if we make it to Tuesday.”

FC Ballyhoo topped Maine Lightning 3-0 in the opener in the 16U Boys Division Friday morning. Maddox Snyder, Amari Lino and Jaiden Eaton had goals and Logan Sumner.

Heavy storms delayed games for three hours. Check back here for updates of the other Eastern Pennsylvania teams.