
The remaining teams from Major League Soccer join the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in the Fourth Round. The 16 games are split in half with eight on Tuesday and eight on Wednesday.
There are no third division Cinderella stories this year as the last remaining teams were eliminated last round (South Georgia Tormenta FC, Union Omaha and Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC all split the $25,000 prize money). No amateur teams are left either as Tulsa Athletic took the $25,000 prize money through a tiebreaker with Chicago House AC, who both had their Open Cup runs end in Round 3.
So the Round of 32 is all MLS and USL Championship teams. There is one match featuring a pair of USL teams (Memphis 901 FC vs. Birmingham Legion FC) so there will be at least one second division pro team representing in the Round of 16.
All 16 games this week will be streamed online for free, each on one of three different channels:
- Bleacher Report’s app and the B/R Football YouTube channel
- CBS Sports Golazo network, available on the free tier of Paramount+, Pluto TV, and this direct stream here.
- US Soccer YouTube channel
Scroll down to find a preview of every game and live stream links.
TUESDAY, MAY 9
Orlando City SC (MLS) at Charlotte FC (MLS)
Mecklenburg County Sportsplex – Matthews, NC
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: CBS Sports Golazo
By Adam Uthe
Defending Open Cup champions Orlando City SC hit the road to take on Charlotte FC in a matchup between two MLS Eastern Conference teams currently looking for some positive momentum. This will be Orlando’s first away game in the Open Cup since the Fourth Round in 2019. The Lions played all five games at home in 2022 and became the fifth champion in the Modern Era (1995-present) to play every match at home – the first since Houston Dynamo in 2018.
Orlando were drawn into the Round of 32 without a Round 3 contest and they currently find themselves in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Lions will be hungry to maintain some consistent success. Since their elimination in the Round of 16 in the CONCACAF Champions League on March 15, they have alternated between a win and a loss in their last seven league games.
Charlotte, meanwhile, are looking to carry over the momentum from some recent success. The Queen City club have won two of their last three league games and managed to take care of business in their 4-1 win over South Georgia Tormenta FC in Round 3. Charlotte got goals from four different players in that match and a similar pattern has borne out in league play for them as well; Enzo Copetti leads the with four goals this season, while three other players have chipped in with two
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Orlando City SC (MLS)
13th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 21-11-5 (5-0 PK) | 9-5-5 (5-0 PK) as MLS
Away: 6-7-2 (2-0 PK) | 3-2-2 (2-0 PK) as MLS
vs. MLS: 6-9-4 (4-0 PK) | 4-3-4 (4-0 PK) as MLS
Best finish: 2022 US Open Cup champions
Charlotte FC (MLS)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-1-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. MLS: 0-1-0
Best finish: Fifth Round (2022)
Charleston Battery (USL-C) at Inter Miami CF (MLS)
DRV PNK Stadium – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report
By Jim Coppock
MLS’ Inter Miami will host USL Championship veteran side Charleston Battery in the Round of 32 on Tuesday. This is the first meeting between the two sides in the competition.
Inter Miami sit in tenth place in the MLS Eastern Conference (4-6-0, 12 points), just outside the playoffs. The team’s form has not been great, back-to-back wins on either side of a six-game losing streak. Miami’s route to the Round of 32 nearly ended at the first hurdle in Round 3, in the second consecutive Magic City Clasico. Miami FC of the USL Championship forced penalty kicks (5-3 to Inter) after finishing 2-2 after extra time. The USL side took a 2nd minute lead, leaving the MLS side scrambling to play catch-up.
The Charleston Battery currently sits atop the Eastern Conference of the USL Championship (5-3-1, 18 pts.) coming off a 1-0 win over Las Vegas Lights last Friday. The team’s best finish in the Open Cup was a loss in the final to DC United in 2008—then, the first non-MLS side to make the final since the Rochester Rhinos won the tournament in 1999. The Battery’s path was slightly longer: a 4-1 win over NISA’s Savannah Clovers in Round 2 and an extra time victory over USL League One side, Charlotte Independence, 1-0 in Round 3.
Recent acquisition, Josef Martinez, scored both of Miami’s goals (against his former club) in a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United this past weekend. The first, his first Inter Miami goal, was a 59th minute penalty kick, just a minute after entering the game. The final goal, what would ultimately be the winning goal, in the 75th. Martinez is the fastest to reach 100 goals in MLS—hitting the century mark in just 142 games.
Augustine Williams leads the Charleston attack with five of their 14 goals (tied for 3rd in league play). Nicholas Markanich has also added three, as well as creating 14 chances in the young season. Derek Dodson and Fidel Barajas each have three assists on the season (and sit in a nine-way tie for the league lead). Barajas is also credited with creating 10 chances this season and has one goal.
Miami’s Martinez must be feeling a new lease on life after his last outing (goalless in the previous 10 games) and be eager to run roughshod over Charleston. Charleston’s attack is coming from multiple players this season, eight different players have tickled the twine, so Miami should not look past the visitors.
Inter Miami has yet to taste defeat in regulation in their limited tournament history. Last year, in their debut, they lost on the road in penalty kicks in the Fifth Round to eventual champion Orlando City SC. However, Charleston has more than two decades of experience in the Open Cup and a team that was one win away from lifting the trophy in 2008 has upset more MLS teams (9) than any active lower division team. The Battery’s 36 Open Cup wins are tied with FC Dallas for the fourth-most in the Modern Era.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Charleston Battery (USL-C)
22nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 36-18-7 (4-3 PK)
Away: 8-10-2 (2-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 7-14-4 (2-2 PK)
Best finish: 2008 Runner-Up
Inter Miami CF (MLS)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-0-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 1-0-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Fifth Round (2022)
Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C) at New England Revolution (MLS)
Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, MA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: US Soccer YouTube
By Josh Taylor
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds will travel on the road in the Round of 32 in the US Open Cup to take on MLS side New England Revolution. This will be the first time these two sides face each other in the US Open Cup. The Riverhounds come into the match after a 2-2 draw against Monterey Bay on the road. The Hounds sit in 6th place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference with 11 points (2-2-5) and remain in the mix for the playoffs.
The Hounds road to the Round of 32 was supposed to begin in Round 2. MLS Next Pro side Rochester New York FC ceased operations and had to forfeit the match so the Hounds advanced to Round 3. Pittsburgh faced a familiar foe in the next round as it hosted the Maryland Bobcats (NISA) for the second year in a row. The Hounds defeated the Bobcats 2-0 at Highmark Stadium. Edward Kizza and Burke Fahling were the goal scorers for the Hounds. A player to keep an eye on for the Hounds is their forward Albert Dikwa. He leads the team with seven goals in the USL Championship. Right Back Luke Biasi is their leader in assists with two for the season. The Riverhounds haven’t won on the road in their last five league matches.
The Revolution got a big win this past weekend north of the border as it shut out Toronto FC 2-0. The Revs have been in good form recently as it hasn’t lost in their last nine matches. The Revolution lead the MLS Eastern Conference with 24 points (7-1-3). The Revolution got here by defeating Hartford Athletic (USL Championship) 2-1 in Round 3 of the US Open Cup with Justin Rennicks and Dave Romney scoring the goals for New England. Giacomo Vrioni along with forward Bobby Wood are the leading goalscorers for the Revs as both have three goals each.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C)
19th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 15-16-3 (1-2 PK)
Away: 3-12-2 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 1-6-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2001)
New England Revolution (MLS)
21st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 22-16-5 (3-2 PK)
Home: 15-5-3 (2-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 7-2-2 (1-1 PK)
Best finish: 2007 US Open Cup champions
D.C. United (MLS) at New York Red Bulls (MLS)
MSU Soccer Park – Montclair, NJ
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: US Soccer YouTube
By Josh Taylor
The Atlantic Cup rivalry returns in the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup between D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls. The Red Bulls defeated D.C. United last year in this round 3-0 down in the nation’s capital. The Red Bulls will host their rivals this time around at Montclair State University Soccer Park. This will be the fourth all-time meeting between the rivals. They met in the 2003 Semifinals and the 2006 Quarterfinals. The Red Bulls won the 2003 meeting to reach the Final (where they would lose to the Chicago Fire), while United got their revenge in 2006.
The Red Bulls lost on the road 1-0 this past weekend against the Philadelphia Union and remain on a seven-match winless streak. The Red Bulls are in last place in the MLS Eastern Conference with nine points (1-4-6). The Red Bulls got here by finishing as one of the top 4 teams in the MLS Eastern Conference last season in MLS so it starts it US Open Cup journey in the Round of 32. It only has seven goals scored this season from seven different goal scorers on the club including Corey Burke and Andres Reyes. John Tolkin is the club’s assists leader with four so far this season.
D.C. United also came into this match off a loss from the weekend losing 2-1 on the road to FC Cincinnati. Prior to that D.C. United was on a four-match winning streak. United is in the mix for the MLS playoffs sitting in 8th place with 14 points(4-5-2). D.C.’s journey to the Round of 32 came from a 1-0 win at Audi Field against USL League One side Richmond Kickers with Yamil Asad scoring a penalty kick goal in Round 3. A player to watch is Christian Benteke who leads the club with five goals while Mateusz Klich leads in assists with three.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
D.C. United (MLS)
23rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 35-15-7 (3-4 PK)
Away: 10-9-2 (2-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 11-11-3 (0-3 PK)
Best finish: 1996, 2008, 2013 US Open Cup champions
New York Red Bulls (MLS)
23rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 26-21-3 (2-1 PK)
Home:12-6-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 11-13-3 (2-1 PK)
Best finish: 2003, 2017 Runner-Up
St. Louis CITY SC (MLS) at Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
SeatGeek Stadium – Bridgeview, IL
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report
By Adam Uthe
MLS and Open Cup debutants St. Louis CITY SC will travel to the Windy City to take on four time Open Cup Champions Chicago Fire. Both teams were drawn into Round 3 and both won comfortably against lower division opponents. St Louis won their inaugural Open Cup match 5-1 against USL-1 side Union Omaha in front of a record crowd while Chicago took care of business with a 3-0 win over local amateur side Chicago House AC.
St. Louis CITY could not have dreamt up a better start to their inaugural Open Cup campaign. Aziel Jackson opened the scoring just three minutes in and St. Louis fans turned out in force with an announced attendance of 22,423 – a new Open Cup Modern Era record for a Third Round game (and the 10th best attendance of any game in tournament history). The result was an extension of what has already been a stellar start to league play in MLS for St. Louis. The expansion side currently find themselves tied for first place in the Western Conference, with a league-leading goal difference of +10 (tied with Western Conference co-leaders Seattle Sounders).
Chicago Fire, on the other hand, find themselves in desperate need of positive vibes as they currently find themselves second-to-last in the MLS Eastern Conference standings. Not only do the Midwestern club have just one MLS playoff appearance since 2012, they’ve also lost their first Open Cup match in each of the last two tournaments – including a 2-1 loss at the hands of former USL Championship Saint Louis FC in 2019. Fire fans will be hoping their Round 3 win over Chicago House can provide a much needed spark and maybe a coaching change will help continue that momentum. Shortly before the team’s Round 4 match, the Fire fired head coach Ezra Hendrickson and replaced him with a familiar face. Frank Klopas, one of the great players in club history, will take over for the remainder of the season. It is his third stint as head coach of the Fire. Klopas is the reason why the Fire won the 1998 US Open Cup when he scored the tournament-winning golden goal in the 99th minute in a 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew at Soldier Field. As a coach, he led the Fire to the 2011 US Open Cup Final (where they lost to Seattle on the road) and the 2013 Semifinals.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
St. Louis CITY SC (MLS)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
24th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 43-16-7 (4-3 PK)
Home: 27-1-3 (1-2 PK)
vs. MLS: 22-10-2 (2-0 PK)
Best finish: 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006 US Open Cup champions
Philadelphia Union (MLS) at Minnesota United FC (MLS)
Allianz Field – St. Paul, MN
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report
By George Diamond
Two MLS teams on different trajectories will contest a midweek matchup in the Midwest. Minnesota United are on the wrong end of a five-game winless streak in league play, including four losses, and will be looking to continue their run in the Cup. Union were recently eliminated in the CONCACAF Champions League Semifinals, but have won their last two games in the league.
Minnesota entered the competition in the previous round and, despite conceding first, dispatched a plucky Detroit City FC side 3-1. Philadelphia will enter the Open Cup in this round. Since finishing as runners up in 2018, the Union have not advanced out of the Fourth Round and will look to break this duct. Meanwhile, Minnesota were famously upset in last year’s Round of 16 by Union Omaha. The Loons finished as runners up in 2019.
It is unclear how exactly each team will approach this fixture. Both played in MLS over the weekend. The Union’s Champions League exit could reinvigorate past desires for the Open Cup or they could view it, as they have in the last two editions, as a way to rest starters and give backups minutes. Head coach Jim Curtin could reinstate defenders Jack Elliot, Olivier Mbaizo and striker Mikael Uhre, usual starters who were rotated in Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Red Bull Arena. The Loons will be seeking stability and hoping to get their first win at home this season, across all competitions, in what promises to be a tough matchup for them. Expect Robin Lod to maintain his place in the lineup. The Finnish midfielder is Minnesota’s all time scorer in MLS and scored in the 2019 final against Atlanta.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Philadelphia Union (MLS)
10th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 16-6-6 (3-3 PK)
Away: 1-4-4 (2-2 PK)
vs. MLS: 8-6-5 (2-3 PK)
Best finish: 2014, 2015, 2018 Runner-Up
Minnesota United FC (MLS)
12th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 12-9-2 (1-1 PK) | 7-4-1 (1-0 PK) as MLS
Home: 5-4-0 | 4-1-0 as MLS
vs. MLS: 5-7-0 | 4-4-0 as MLS
Best finish: 2019 Runner-Up
Los Angeles FC (MLS) at Monterey Bay FC (USL-C)
Cardinale Stadium – Seaside, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: CBS Sports Golazo
By William Hodges
Monterey Bay FC look to continue their magical 2023 Open Cup run Tuesday night when they host Los Angeles FC at Cardinale Stadium. Monterey earned their spot in the Round of 32 after delivering the tournament’s first ‘Cupset’ by eliminating the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0. Monterey was able to get it done behind staunch defense and taking advantage of a costly Earthquakes mistake in the backline. Christian Volesky took stole the ball and scored the lone goal of the game in the first half. Volesky’s goal, combined with his overall performance was enough to earn him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors. The victory came on the heels of Monterey nabbing their first Open Cup victory ever in the Second Round.
Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) enter the Open Cup for the first time in 2023. This year marks the fourth time the club will compete in the tournament, with their best finish coming in 2018 when they made it to the semifinal round – ultimately falling to Houston Dynamo in penalties (7-6).
LAFC come into the game 2-1-2 across all competitions over their five matches. Interesting, last Saturday, they lost 2-1 against the Earthquakes, who were eliminated by Monterey FC. Monterey FC come into the match after drawing Rio Grande Valley 0-0 on April 29.
Can Monterey FC keep the magic alive? They certainly seem up to the task, but will need monster games out of Hugh Alexander Dixon (7 goals) and Christian Volesky (4 goals) and another solid defensive performance to fend off players such as forward Dénis Bouanga who leads MLS in goals with eight (8).
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Los Angeles FC (MLS)
4th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 7-2-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 1-1-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 3-0-0
Best finish: Semifinals (2018)
Monterey Bay FC (USL-C)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-1-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. MLS: 1-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022)
Colorado Rapids (MLS) at Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
Heart Health Park – Sacramento, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report
By William Hodges
Sacramento Republic FC play host to Colorado Rapids in the Fourth Round of the 2023 US Open Cup where they will look to extend their home unbeaten streak to 15 games – second longest streak in the Modern Era – and add a win to their incredible 18-1-1 all-time home record in the tournament. Last year, Republic FC became just the second lower division side to upset three or more MLS teams in one tournament en-route to the Open Cup Final. A win Tuesday night would give them six wins against MLS teams, which would be tied for the third-most in the Modern Era. If they are able to pull off another upset, it will be without the services of captain Rodrigo Lopez who underwent surgery last week to repair the rectus tendon in his right leg.
On the other side, Colorado will be looking to snap a streak of seven consecutive road losses (second longest in the Modern Era) as well as the “Curse of the Rhinos.” Since the Rapids lost the 1999 Open Cup Final to the Rochester Raging Rhinos, they have failed to win multiple games in 17 straight tournaments. If they are able to beat Sacramento, they will snap both streaks.
Republic FC advanced to the Fourth Round following a 1-0 win over USL Championship rival Oakland Roots behind defender Nick Ross’ goal in the 49th minute. Colorado advanced 3-1 over Northern Colorado Hailstorm behind a brace from Rapids midfielder Jonathan Lewis.
Both teams have played well recently in league play. Sacramento is the only remaining undefeated team in the USL Championship (5-0-3). They also lead the league in goals allowed (2) and goal difference (+12). The Rapids got off to a slow start with a four-game winless streak (0-3-1), but followed that up with an eight-game unbeaten streak in all competitions (3-0-5). Last weekend, they went on the road and beat the LA Galaxy, 3-1. They are currently tied for 8th in the MLS Western Conference standings.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Colorado Rapids (MLS)
21st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 14-19-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 5-17-0
vs. Div. 2: 6-8-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: 1999 Runner-Up
Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
8th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 20-6-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 18-1-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 4-5-2 (1-1 PK)
Best finish: 2022 Runner-Up
WEDNESDAY, MAY 10
New York City FC (MLS) at FC Cincinnati (MLS)
TQL Stadium – Cincinnati, OH
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: CBS Sports Golazo
By Bridget McDowell
FC Cincinnati had to outlast Dirty River Derby rival Louisville City to advance from the Third Round. It took 85 minutes of sloppy play for FCC to find the breakthrough, with Arquimides Ordóñez scoring the lone goal on a cross from Álvaro Barreal. While head coach Pat Noonan was disappointed with his squad’s performance, the result did bolster his side’s six-match win streak at their home ground, TQL Stadium. FCC stretched that streak to seven with a 2-1 win over DC United on Saturday night (MLS Matchday 11), improving to 7-3-1 in league play and holding on to second place in the East.
Cincinnati will have to harness all of that home energy when they host New York City FC on Wednesday for Round 4. NYCFC has held FCC winless in all meetings, leading with a record of 6-2-0. New York sits in fifth, going 4-3-4 in league play. It is tough to say whether having the Round 3 bye is an advantage or a hindrance to New York’s chances at Cincinnati, but the match comes on the heels of a two-game skid on the road (which followed a four-match unbeaten stretch). Much of their energy has come from Santiago Rodríguez and Gabriel Pereira, both of whom scored in the 3-2 loss at Charlotte FC on Saturday. Given their full shifts in that match and the upcoming Hudson River Derby, it is doubtful that both will be made available for long stretches as the squad enters Open Cup play.
Cincinnati seems to have a more balanced bench and utility tends to be a winning factor at this stage of the tournament. Perhaps that is what FCC needs to finally get a USOC win against an MLS opponent – a feat they have not accomplished since 2017, when the USL side made a run to the Semifinals. New York City can make it difficult, if only they conquer their road yips.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
New York City FC (MLS)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-4-2 (0-2 PK)
Away: 1-3-2 (0-2)
vs. MLS: 2-3-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2019, 2022)
FC Cincinnati (MLS)
6th US Open Cup appearance (3rd as MLS)
Overall: 10-4-2 (1-1 PK) | 3-2-0 as MLS
Home: 8-1-2 (1-1 PK) | 3-0-0 as MLS
vs. MLS: 1-2-2 (1-1 PK) | 0-1-0 as MLS
Best finish: Semifinals (2017)
Columbus Crew SC (MLS) at Loudoun United (USL-C)
Segra Field – Leesburg, VA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report
By Jason Herbert
The Fourth Round of the 2023 US Open Cup will see the Columbus Crew travel to USL Championship side Loudoun United in Leesburg, Va. on Wednesday night. After starting strong in the 2023 campaign, Columbus has slowed a bit and now sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, seven points out of the top spot. The Crew did prevail in their Third Round match that saw them dominate statistically against Indy Eleven but they still needed a late winner in order to do so. That win however, was sandwiched between two league losses to Charlotte and Miami, respectively. Columbus have been boosted nonetheless by the return of Cucho Hernandez with the hopes that he can rekindle his attacking partnership with Lucas Zelarayan and further bolster the Crew’s attack with Aidan Morris and Alex Matan.
The Crew are also trying to snap an unfortunate streak. Every since Columbus lost to the Seattle Sounders in the 2010 US Open Cup Final, the Crew have not won multiple Open Cup games in a single tournament. That’s a stretch of 10 consecutive tournaments. A win on Wednesday would snap that streak.
Loudoun United, who made their debut as a team in 2018 as the reserve team for D.C. United (MLS) enter the Fourth Round of their inaugural cup play in third spot of the USL Championship. Loudoun are currently only four points out of first place despite a 2-1 loss over the weekend to Indy Eleven. Zach Ryan has been integral to Loudoun’s attack as he leads their efforts this season with five goals and two assists. Kalil ElMedkhar has also played a major part in the Loudoun attack as he leads the team in chances created.
Since Loudoun United were just purchased this season by Attain Sports and Entertainment and are no longer an official MLS reserve team, they are eligible, for the first time, to participate in the US Open Cup. Columbus, on the other hand, have a long history in the Open Cup including one championship trophy and three appearances in the final. In what is being touted by Loudoun United as the ‘biggest match in club history.’
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Columbus Crew SC (MLS)
22nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 24-17-3 (0-3 PK)
Away: 7-10-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 8-3-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: 2022 US Open Cup champions
Loudoun United FC (USL-C)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 2-0-0
Home: 2-0-0
vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Memphis 901 FC (USL-C) at Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
Protective Stadium – Birmingham, AL
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: US Soccer YouTube
By Chuck Carlson
Last year, USL Championship side Sacramento Republic FC reached the US Open Cup Final. If there is to be a repeat of that lower division Cup success in 2023, the winner of this All-USL Championship Round of 32 match between Birmingham Legion FC and Memphis 901 FC, might just be the team to accomplish it.
Birmingham Legion currently sit in second place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference standings, but they have started off May with a couple of tough league losses, so they will be looking to turn their recent form around with a Cup win. Legion entered the Cup in the second round, where they defeated USL League One side Chattanooga Red Wolves 4-1 on the road. Then they beat Chattanooga’s other third division side, Chattanooga FC of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), 4-3 in penalties, after drawing 1-1 in regular time. That 3rd Round match was technically a “home” match for Legion, but it was played at the University of Alabama Soccer Complex in Tuscaloosa, Ala. in front of a small crowd.
While Legion have been more successful in USL Championship League play, Memphis 901 FC, who currently sit eighth out of twelve teams in the Eastern Conference, have been on a bit of a run. Since losing 3-1 to Pittsburgh Riverhounds on March 18, the Bluff City men have not lost a game. This undefeated run has included two wins, three draws, and a couple of Open Cup victories as well. Memphis started their Cup campaign with a 2-1 Second Round win over fellow Tennesseans Knoxville One SC, then upset MLS Atlanta United in a dramatic Third Round match. Atlanta looked to be on their way to the Round of 32 with a slim 1-0 win, but Memphis equalized in the 95th minute, then won the match 2-1 in extra time.
This “Southern Harm” derby match is the first time these USL Championship rivals are meeting in an Open Cup match, and it should be an intense encounter. Strong goalkeeping will clearly be in evidence as Legion backup Trevor Spangenberg is coming off a big shootout win in the Open Cup Third Round, and former MLS/USA keeper Bill Hamid will almost certainly be in the nets for Memphis. Birmingham will be hosting at their home ground of Protective Stadium where they drew over 10,000 for a 2021 match against Memphis.
One result is guaranteed from this matchup, there will definitely be a USL Championship Eastern Conference team in the US Open Cup Round of 16. In the Modern Era, every year there has been a Round of 16 (from 1997 – present) there has been at least one lower division club included.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Memphis 901 FC (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-2-0
Away: 2-1-0
vs. Div. 2: 1-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2019)
Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Home: 2-1-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2019, 2022)
Sporting Kansas City (MLS) at Houston Dynamo (MLS)
Shell Energy Stadium – Houston, TX
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: US Soccer YouTube
By Adam Uthe
You’d be hard pressed to find a more competitive – and recurring – Open Cup fixture than Sporting Kansas City and Houston Dynamo. These two sides have met in six of the last seven tournaments and only three other pairs have been drawn together more often in the Modern Era; Seattle Sounders-Portland Timbers currently lead the way with eight meetings. Sporting KC have won three of the past five – including their 2022 matchup – but neither side has won two in a row for five consecutive meetings now. Both sides also have four Open Cup title to their name in the last 10 tournaments; Houston most recently in 2018 and Kansas City won in 2012, 2015 and 2017.
Hosts from Houston had the more nerve wracking of the Round 3 results between these two. The Texas side found themselves making the trek east to Florida where they squared off with USL Championship side Tampa Bay Rowdies. Houston ultimately needed a goal from teenage prospect Brooklyn Raines to squeak past the second division side. It’s been a decent start to the MLS season for Dynamo as they currently find themselves in sixth place in the Western Conference; right in the thick of the playoff race. Amine Bassi leads the way for Houston with five goals in eight league matches so far in 2023.
Sporting Kansas City’s comfortable 3-0 win over NPSL side Tulsa Athletic in Round 3 has so far masked an otherwise disastrous MLS campaign. Peter Vermes’ side are the only MLS yet to earn a win in 2023 and as a result, they find themselves with the worst record in the league – a meager three points to their name. Things have gotten so bad, supporters group The Cauldron sent a letter to the club explicitly calling out ownership, the front office, and the coaching staff – and they made their concerns quite plain.
“There is a strong perception that the club does not care about its invested fans. There is a lack of community, and an overall feeling of not being valued.”
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
23rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 32-15-7 (4-3 PK)
Away: 8-8-5 (2-3 PK)
vs. MLS: 16-10-3 (3-0 PK)
Best finish: 2004, 2012, 2015, 2017 US Open Cup champions
Houston Dynamo (MLS)
15th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 20-12-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 16-5-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 6-10-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 2018 US Open Cup champions
FC Dallas (MLS) at Nashville SC (MLS)
GEODIS Park – Nashville, TN
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report
By Jordan Beech
FC Dallas makes their 2023 US Open Cup debut as they travel to the Music City for a showdown with Nashville SC. The Hoops will be looking to advance out of their debut round for the first time since 2019, while host-side Nashville are trying to advance to the Quarterfinals for the second time in as many seasons.
Dallas are one of eight MLS sides making their first appearance in the tournament in the Round of 32. Last season, they fell to Sporting Kansas City, 4-2, after extra time. Dallas currently sits in fifth place in the Western Conference, going 2-1-2 in their last five matches after their meeting with St. Louis CITY SC was abandoned due to weather over the weekend. Two-time Cup winners, Dallas hasn’t reached the summit since 2016.
Nashville advanced to the Round of 32 on the strength of a 1-0 victory over the USL Championship’s San Antonio FC. Ethan Zubak scored the lone goal in the contest, ensuring his side would remain unbeaten at home in cup play. Sitting in third in the Eastern Conference, Nashville has been on a tear going 4-1-2 across all competitions since April 1st.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
FC Dallas (MLS)
24th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 36-20-6 (5-1 PK)
Away: 14-13-2 (2-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 13-14-3 (2-1 PK)
Best finish: 1997, 2016 US Open Cup champions
Nashville SC (MLS)
4th US Open Cup appearance (2nd as MLS)
Overall: 7-1-2 (0-2 PK) | 3-0-1 (0-1 PK) as MLS
Home: 6-0-1 (0-1 PK) | 2-0-0 as MLS
vs. MLS: 2-0-1 (0-1 PK) | 1-0-1 (0-1 PK) as MLS
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2022)
New Mexico United (USL-C) at Austin FC (MLS)
Q2 Stadium – Austin, TX
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report
By: Seth Biddulph
In only their third ever tournament appearance, New Mexico United enters this year’s Round of 32 with the ‘Giant Slayer’ moniker. In 2019, the club made a splash in their tournament debut when they upended two MLS sides (FC Dallas and Colorado Rapids) before bowing out in the quarterfinals.
This time out, they’ve advanced this far by virtue of two wins, first over UDA Soccer, an amateur side based out of New Mexico State University and then rivals Phoenix Rising FC. One of the biggest reasons for their success has been the play of Josh Dolling. Dolling has found the back of the net four times through two appearances and has put himself in a position to compete for the Golden Boot.
Austin FC makes their 2023 Open Cup debut at a time when they are desperate for some sort of consistency. In league play they have struggled, and are winless since March 11. Their tournament debut on Wednesday comes by way of their CONCACAF Champions League participation after the 2022 season.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
New Mexico United (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 5-2-2 (2-0 PK)
Away: 2-2-2 (2-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 1-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2019)
Austin FC (MLS)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-1-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)
Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) at LA Galaxy (MLS)
Dignity Health Sports Park – Carson, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: CBS Sports Golazo
By Wendy Pintor
The US Open Cup Round of 32 match between the LA Galaxy and Seattle Sounders FC marks the 47th meeting across all competitions between the two teams as MLS franchises. The Galaxy following the all-time series 15-18-13. Against Seattle, the Galaxy hold a 10-13-13 record in league play, a 4-3-0 record in the MLS Cup Playoffs. But Seattle has won two of the three meetings in US Open Cup play as MLS teams. Overall, the Galaxy have won three of the five all-time meetings.
In the last US Open Cup meeting between LA and Seattle, the Galaxy earned a 4-2 win over Sounders FC in the Quarterfinals of the tournament on July 20, 2016. Last year, the Galaxy lost at home against Sacramento Republic FC a non MLS team who then went on to be the runner up last year in the 2022 Cup. It snapped a six-game home winning streak. Galaxy have won 23 of their last 25 Open Cup home games, LA Galaxy has won the cup twice in 2001 and 2005 once against New England Revolution and the other occasion against FC Dallas. Sounders were dominant in the USOC from 2009-2014, winning four titles. They are trying to win a fifth which would tie the tournament’s all-time record. But in recent years they’ve struggled. They haven’t won multiple games in a tournament since 2016. They were one-and-done three years in a row (2018, 2019, 2022).
Alan Pulido scored his first goal since August 2021 as visiting Sporting Kansas City finally snapped their winless start to the season with a 2-1 victory over Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday, which became the last MLS team to win its first game against a Sounders team that remains atop the Western Conference standings. Nicholas Loderio scored from the penalty spot for his first goal of the season for the Sounders, who were previously unbeaten at home. Seattle (6-3-2, 20 points) also conceded at home for the first time this season on a day the Sounders missed starters Cristian Roldán, Raul Ruidiaz and Nouhou to injury, and Joao Paulo to a yellow card suspension. Sporting came to Seattle with only one goal scored away from home all season, but took the lead in just the fourth minute.
And to add to the bad news LA Galaxy is coming off a 3-1 home loss to the Colorado Rapids which have them with a record of (6-3-1) in league, the force has not been with LA Galaxy this weekend but it was Kevin Cabral who scored against his former team while Lalas Abubakar and Jonathan Lewis added goals. The visiting Colorado Rapids extended their unbeaten run to seven games with the victory over the Galaxy. The game this week will be played at the Sports Dignity Stadium and although fans are mad and disappointed with the team and staff it’s not clear to say they will be there to support. With LA Galaxy struggling in league it’s also very much safe to say this week’s game will not only be extremely difficult to focus on but will give both Seattle and Galaxy an opportunity to redeem themselves and find some good fortune going into the Cup this year.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
25th US Open Cup appearance (13th as MLS team)
Overall: 37-17-7 (4-3 PK) | 22-6-5 (3-2 PK) as MLS
Away: 8-13-4 (2-2 PK) | 4-4-3 (2-2 PK) as MLS
vs. MLS: 19-11-4 (2-2 PK) | 15-4-3 (1-2 PK) as MLS
Best finish: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014 US Open Cup champions
LA Galaxy (MLS)
21st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 35-18-1 (1-0 PK)
Home: 25-4-0
vs. MLS: 13-13-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 2001, 2005 US Open Cup champions
Real Salt Lake (MLS) at Portland Timbers FC (MLS)
Providence Park – Portland, OR
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: Bleacher Report
By Andrew Mosier
Wednesday’s Round of 32 meeting between the Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake affords both sides the opportunity to salvage underwhelming 2023 league campaigns. Both clubs, separated by a single point, are hovering around the Western Conference playoff line. Portland sits uncomfortably above the line in ninth place (12 points, 3-5-3) after Saturday’s 2-2 draw versus a struggling Austin FC side at Providence Park behind goals by Dario Zuparic and Claudio Bravo. With a game in hand, Real Salt Lake sits in eleventh place in the Western Conference, (11 points, 3-5-2) after playing the revitalized Houston Dynamo to a 0-0 draw on the road Saturday.
Wednesday’s match will be Portland’s second Open Cup match this year at home. Marvin Loría, Tyler Clegg, and Jarosław Niezgoda all tallied in the Timbers’ 3-1 win over Orange County SC of the USL Championship. The Timbers featured a reserve-heavy side versus Orange County. The Timbers were winless in the 2022 Open Cup, entering in the Round of 32 and losing at LAFC 2-0. Portland is 20-15-1 all-time in 17 Open Cup appearances, and 13-9-0 as an MLS franchise, making it to the semifinals in 2013 and 2019.
Salt Lake snapped the longest winless streak in the Modern Era (1995-present) of the Open Cup with the club’s Third Round win at Las Vegas Lights FC. After playing to a scoreless draw in regulation, Damir Kreilach scored in the 106th and 116th minutes, and Danny Musovski sealed the club’s first away Open Cup victory in club history. In Salt Lake’s first and only Open Cup final appearance, the club played all five matches—including the final—at America First Field in Sandy, Utah. In 2022, Salt Lake was shocked by USL League One side Northern Colorado Hailstorm, 1-0. Salt Lake is 10-11-2 all-time in 13 Open Cup appearances.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Real Salt Lake (MLS)
13th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 10-11-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 1-5-0
vs. MLS: 3-6-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: 2013 Runner-Up
Portland Timbers FC (MLS)
17th US Open Cup appearance (10th as MLS team)
Overall: 20-15-1 (0-1 PK) | 13-9-0 as MLS
Home: 10-6-1 (0-1 PK) | 8-2-0 as MLS
vs. MLS: 9-11-1 (0-1 PK) | 9-8-0 as MLS
Best finish: Semifinals (2013, 2019)