For a second straight tournament two lower division professional teams have reached the US Open Cup Quarterfinals. They and six teams from Major League Soccer (Division I) will battle on Tuesday and Wednesday night to reach next month’s semifinals.
Birmingham Legion FC and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC of USL Championship (Division II) beat MLS teams in Round 5 to reach the last eight. On the MLS side, three former Open Cup champions (LA Galaxy, Chicago Fire FC, Houston Dynamo FC) are looking for another piece of silverware.
Both of the western region games feature all MLS match-ups, while the east has two MLS visiting USL-C teams.
All four games this week will be streamed online for free, each on one of two 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.
Scroll down to find a preview of every game and live stream links.
Tuesday, June 6th
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C) at FC Cincinnati (MLS)
TQL Stadium – Cincinnati, OH
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: B/R Football YouTube channel
By Rachael Kriger
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds have a tall mountain to climb tonight in the quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The ‘slayers of MLS’ are looking to take down their third club. However, it’s an opponent they know from the past.
Well, sort of.
FC Cincinnati and the Riverhounds were rivals once when Cincinnati spent time in the USL in 2018, before becoming an MLS club in 2019. The team looks much different than when they were in the USL. Honestly, FC Cincinnati look completely different from the team that first spent time in MLS. A once head-shaking club has become an MLS Cup fighter, with key acquisitions and upgraded management under Pat Noonan. Despite the ‘new history’ being created in Cincinnati, it’ll be a blast from the past having Pittsburgh at TQL Stadium. The history between the two cities goes back. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals are fierce rivals. The Reds and the Pirates go at it. Only about 300 miles separate the two cities.
Tonight, it’ll be much more than a rivalry match ignited. It’s the shot for Pittsburgh to make history and be the first Western Pennsylvania club to reach the Semifinals since Beadling SC did it in 1958. And FC Cincinnati will do everything they can, at home, to crush that dream.
Take a look at how each side can fare at TQL Stadium.
FC Cincinnati
Last year, Cincinnati got rocked in the Open Cup Round of 32 by New England — a team that Pittsburgh took down in the same round this year. FC Cincinnati, if the MLS season were to end today, would be the runaway Supporters’ Shield winner. They sit in the first place spot and are riding an 11-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. Their last loss was April 15 against expansion side St. Louis. In fact, the loss was their lone one this season. Cincinnati has three draws on the season, so this team is used to winning.
Luciano Acosta leads the way with seven goals and has three assists to his name. Sergio Santos and US men’s national team youngster Brandon Vazquez have four goals each. While Brenner is on the out (he’ll be joining Udinese in July), it didn’t affect the team too much on the scoresheet, as the Brazilian only found the scoresheet once this season. Álvaro Barreal is Cincinnati’s playmaker, with five assists to lead the team.
However, defense is where heads should be turning. Matt Miazga, once a US international and looking to get his way back into the team, leads the defenders in minutes, but has been prone to pick up a few yellow cards. He and goalkeeper Roman Celentano have played every minute this season. The goalkeeper has recorded a whopping eight clean sheets in 16 matches this season in MLS play. Don’t sleep on defender Yerson Mosquera, too — especially on set piece plays.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds
The Riverhounds are clearly the underdog. To get to this point, Pittsburgh — led by head coach and USL mastermind Bob Lilley — took down the New England Revolution and Columbus Crew SC by scores of 1-0 each, respectfully. Pittsburgh has enjoyed a recent streak of four-straight wins, starting on May 13 with a 2-1 win over Birmingham Legion. Right now, they sit in second — just one point behind first-place side Charleston — in the USL Championship Eastern Conference. In fact, the two teams will face off on Saturday for a shot at the top spot.
There is a bit of a halt for Pittsburgh. Leading goal scorer Albert Dikwa, who has nine goals to his name so far, is out with a hip injury. However, Pittsburgh Soccer Now writer John Krysinsky recently got an update from Lilley after Pittsburgh’s 1-0 win over Phoenix Rising this past weekend, stating: “He didn’t dress tonight, but he’s close. We’re unclear at this point, but I think he’ll be available to us in some capacity, but that will be determined in the next couple of days.”
Pittsburgh got into town early, with Krysinsky reporting that they trained at TQL Stadium on Monday. Dikwa’s return for the Open Cup match will be much needed for a variety of reasons. First, the second-leading goal scorer on the team is center back defender Arturo Ordoñez. The big-man has scored all three of his goals in the last three league games for the Riverhounds, being a crucial playmaker on set pieces. The third-leading scorer on the team is Edward Kizza, who is suspended after receiving a red card late in Pittsburgh’s win over Columbus.
The Riverhounds need a strong output from Danny Griffin, who returned to the team on May 3, and from hometown kid Robbie Mertz, who both have one goal on the season. Griffin was the hero against New England, scoring the lone tally. To no one’s surprise, USL-leading assist star Kenardo Forbes leads the Riverhounds in the same category with four. On defense and goal, Jahmali Waite has appeared in 12 USL Championship matches, making 14 saves and recorded four clean sheets. In the Open Cup, he has recorded a clean sheet in all four of Pittsburgh’s games. On defense, the combination of Ordoñez and Mike DeShields at center back has worked wonders, with two-straight games with zero goals conceded.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)
19th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 17-16-3 (1-2 PK)
Away: 4-12-2 (0-2 PK)
vs. MLS: 3-6-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2001, 2023)
FC Cincinnati (MLS)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 11-4-3 (2-1 PK) | 4-2-1 as MLS
Home: 9-1-2 (1-1 PK) | 4-0-0 as MLS
vs. Div. 2: 6-2-0 | 3-1-0 as MLS
Best finish: Semifinals (2017)
Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) at Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
SeatGeek Stadium – Bridgeview, IL
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: CBS Sports Golazo Network
By George Diamond
Two teams that have struggled in league play but found success in the Cup will clash at SeatGeek Stadium on Tuesday. Chicago Fire have shown flashes of their potential this season, but have rarely been able to finish games as strong as they start. The Houston Dynamo have similarly struggled for consistency but find themselves only a point away from crossing the playoff line in the west.
Chicago interim coach Frank Klopas knows a thing or two about the Open Cup. He did the double as a player with Chicago in 1998, winning MLS Cup and the Open Cup. Since then, he has been the Fire’s head coach on three separate occasions. He’ll need to use that experience because the Fire must find stability. They have dropped points from winning or tying positions in seven games this year. They have been solid in Open Cup play though, only conceding one goal through three rounds of play thanks to goalkeeper Spencer Richey.
A problem Klopas has to solve revolves around their DP number 10. In theory, Shaqiri is the best player on the team. In practice, not so much. The accomplished player has missed time through injury and has not been in form. However, homegrown Brian Guitierez has shown the ability to pick up the slack. In recent MLS matches, Shaqiri has started while Guitierrez comes off the bench. Klopas may start both in order to create as many chances for their forwards as possible. Przybyłko and Kamara are proven goal scorers, but they need service. That could spell danger for the Dynamo, who have shipped nine goals in the last two league matches.
However, Ben Olsen also knows a thing or two about Open Cups having won the tournament twice in his career. Both trophies came with DC United, one as a player in 2008 and another as their head coach in 2013.
Olsen may turn to forward/midfielder Corey Baird in pursuit of more goals. Baird bagged a hat trick in the Round of 16 against SKC and is currently tied for second in the Golden Boot race. Expect the midfield to contain Hector Herrera and Adalberto Carransquilla. Both players are integral to the Dynamo attack and frequently progress the ball into the opponent’s third. The chances they create are often finished by winger Amine Bassi who has scored a team leading six goals. Additionally, Artur is critical to their shape. He rarely gets on the scoresheet, but is excellent at recovering the ball via tackles and interceptions and is able to distribute effectively. They have yet to concede a goal in Open Cup play behind three shutouts from backup keeper Andrew Tarbell.
The Chicago Fire are historically the more successful side, laying claim to four Open Cups including the ‘98, 2000, ‘03 and ‘06 editions of the Cup. The Dynamo only have one, defeating the Philadelphia Union in 2018.
The fact of the matter is that at this point in the competition, every team is only two wins away from playing in a final. Some of the hardest fought, most chaotic and entertaining Open Cup games come at this point in the competition. Both the Fire and Dynamo have some real talent on their rosters and both head coaches have played and managed in these types of games. This game is poised to be a back and forth affair that should have both sets of fans stressed out and the neutrals entertained.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
15th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 22-12-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 4-7-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 8-10-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 2018 US Open Cup champions
Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
24th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 45-16-7 (4-3 PK)
Home: 28-1-3 (1-2 PK)
vs. MLS: 24-10-2 (2-0 PK)
Best finish: 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006 US Open Cup champions
Wednesday, June 7th
Inter Miami CF (MLS) at Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
Protective Stadium – Birmingham, AL
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: CBS Sports Golazo Network
By Jordan Beech
Birmingham Legion FC looks to continue their magical cup run as they welcome Inter Miami CF to Protective Stadium. Wednesday’s contest will mark the US Open Cup Quarterfinals debut for both clubs.
Miami snuck past Nashville SC, 2-1, in the last round to reach the Quarterfinals. Franco Negri and Alex Muyl tallied in the win. Inter entered in Round 3, getting past the USL Championship’s Miami FC on penalties before a 1-0 win over the Charleston Battery to set up the tie with Nashville.
Leonardo Campana leads IMCF with three goals this season. However, no player for Miami has scored more than one goal in Open Cup play this year.
Earning just four wins in nine across all competitions the last month, the Herons announced the dismissal of Phil Neville last week while installing Javier Morales on an interim basis. This season marks Morales’ managerial debut.
A bit up-and-down of late, Birmingham is one of just two USL Championship sides remaining in the tournament following a 1-0 triumph over 10-man Charlotte FC in the Round of 16 thru Adilson Malanda. Prior to securing the side’s first-ever win over an MLS opponent, Birmingham got past Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL1), Chattanooga FC (NISA), and Memphis 901 FC (USL-C). This is the first time an Alabama-based team has reached the Quarterfinals.
Since May 3, Birmingham is 2-5-0 across all competitions — both wins coming in Open Cup play. Enzo Martínez leads the Legion with five goals this season, while Juan Agudelo leads all Birmingham players with three goals in USOC action. Agudelo needs one goal to tie the lead for the USOC Golden Boot (Josh Dolling, 4).
The winner of Wednesday’s contest secures a first-ever berth in the US Open Cup Semifinals where they’ll meet the winner of Tuesday’s tie between FC Cincinnati and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
Inter Miami CF (MLS)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-0-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 1-0-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 2-0-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Round of 16 (2022, 2023)
Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
3rd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 5-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Home: 4-1-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 1-0-0
Best finish: Round of 16 (2023)
LA Galaxy (MLS) at Real Salt Lake (MLS)
America First Field – Sandy, UT
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: B/R Football YouTube channel
By Wendy Pintor
After a 3-2 comeback win on the road against Real Salt Lake in league play on May 31, the LA Galaxy return to action by traveling to face RSL again in the Quarterfinals of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup at America First Field. Wednesday’s match marks the 57th all-time meeting across all competitions between the two teams, LA leading the all-time series of 24-19-13. Against RSL, the Galaxy hold a 20-17-11 record in league play, a 4-1-2 record in the MLS Cup Playoffs and a 0-1-0 record in the US Open Cup. In the only Open Cup meeting between LA and RSL, the Galaxy fell 1-0 on the road in the 2015 Quarterfinal Round. Aaron Maund scored a late 87th minute goal to decide the game that day.
LA will be looking to advance to the Semifinals of the US Open Cup for the eighth time in the club’s history, with the Galaxy last advancing to the Semifinals in 2016. They took out their neighborhood rival, LAFC, 2-0, at the BMO goals both in second half by Taylor Boyd in the 49th minute coming in as a substitute and also former Barcelona player Riqui Puig, in the 52nd minute with a takeaway that none of the young LAFC defenders could stop and with an excellent finish, he closed the game and took the victory. RSL, on the other hand, beat the Colorado Rapids on the road 1-0 with Jefferson Savariano scoring the lone goal. And also in league play taking the away victory 2-1 and staying active.
Now this being the second time these two meet in a week, with Galaxy coming in with the win gives RSL the comeback position in this case.
“We don’t compete well away, we’ve seen that, but last week I was very proud of the group, we fought hard and came together and saw a different version of us,” said Galaxy head coach and sporting director Greg Vanney.
The LA Galaxy has also only scored one goal over their first seven away games (0-5-2) in regular season play.
Both LA and RSL have a few unfortunate injuries. Diego Luna, Zack Farnsworth, Moses Nyeman, Erik Lee Holt and Marcelo Silva are not expected to play for RSL. The Galaxy will be missing Sega Coulibaly, Douglas Costa, and Chris Mavinga.
The LA Galaxy have parted ways with president Chris Klein, the club announced Tuesday. Vanney will continue to lead all soccer operations while reporting directly to Dan Beckerman, the president and CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group.
“As a club we have not achieved our goals or met the standard that we have established for the LA Galaxy,” Beckerman said. “We believe it is in the best interest of the club to make a change and begin a comprehensive process to seek new leadership that will return the club to the level that our fans and partners expect. We are thankful to Chris for his years of dedication and commitment to the LA Galaxy as both a player and an executive.”
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
LA Galaxy (MLS)
21st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 37-18-1 (1-0 PK)
Away: 11-14-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 15-13-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 2001, 2005 US Open Cup champions
Real Salt Lake (MLS)
13th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 12-11-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 9-6-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 5-6-1 (0-1) PK
Best finish: Runner-Up (2013)