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2023 US Open Cup

2023 US Open Cup Semifinals Preview: Messi mania joins the final four

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After a two and a half month pause, the 108th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is back.

Wednesday night will feature a Semifinal doubleheader with the first game taking place in Cincinnati and the second in Houston.

Since the Quarterfinals in early June, a lot has changed. The inaugural Leagues Cup took place with Inter Miami CF winning their first trophy armed with one of the greatest players to play the game. Miami will now try to bring a Open Cup title to South Beach for the first time in the Open Cup’s 107-year history. Their opponent, FC Cincinnati, are trying to be the first team from the Queen City to lift the trophy.

Meanwhile, down south, the only remaining team with an Open Cup title under their belt, the Houston Dynamo (2018), will host Real Salt Lake, who are looking to be the first team from Utah to win the tournament.

The winners of Wednesday night’s final four matchups will advance to the US Open Cup Final on Sept. 27. If Real Salt Lake wins, they will host the Final. If Houston wins, the winner of Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati will get home field advantage in the title game.

You can find in-game updates on TheCup.us’ Twitter account (@USOpenCup)

You can find a preview of both Semifinal games below:

Inter Miami CF (MLS) at FC Cincinnati (MLS)
TQL Stadium – Cincinnati, OH
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
ENGLISH BROADCAST: Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network
SPANISH BROADCAST: Telemundo, Peacock

By Wendy Pintor & James Knowles 

Inter Miami has come from out of nowhere in the US soccer landscape. Lionel Messi has somehow managed to live up to the hype since signing with Miami last month. Messi, along with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, have made the team instant contenders for trophies. They already lifted one by winning the revamped Leagues Cup this past Sunday in Tennessee, with a 10-9 penalty kick shootout win over Nashville SC. Messi scored Miami’s lone goal in the final and converted his PK in the shootout. The World Cup winner has scored 10 goals and dished out four assists in his first seven games leading Miami to seven straight victories (including PK shootouts). His countless remarkable moments finding the back of the net in every game so far, has captivated American fans, making Inter Miami tickets a hot commodity.

Now, Inter has another trophy in their sights as they take their new-look roster on the road to Ohio to resume US Open Cup play.

Miami faces a tough test with FC Cincinnati, a team that has the best record in MLS (15-3-6). Inter began Leagues Cup play with the league’s worst record (5-14-3) and the second-worst goal difference (-14). However, those 22 games were in the Pre-Messi Era. As a result, Wednesday’s Semifinal is difficult to handicap.

Miami’s journey to the club’s first US Open Cup Semifinal appearance has been a challenge. The club’s four games were all decided by a single goal and one penalty kick shootout. Their opening game in Round 3 nearly saw a one-and-done performance at the hands of a Vice City rival. After an own goal by DeAndre Yedlin put The Miami FC (USL Championship) up 2-1 in the 116th minute, Inter found a late equalizer (118th min.) by Ryan Sailor to send the match into a PK shootout. Inter won win the shootout 5-3 to survive and advance.

Photo: FC Cincinnati

Another USL Championship team gave the MLS side a scare in Round 4. The Charleseton Battery scored the lone goal of the game, but it was a ball that ended up in the back of their own net. In the Round of 16 at home, Nicolas Stefanelli scored a 73rd minute game-winner to send them past Nashville SC, 2-1.

Stefanelli was the hero again in the Quarterfinals when he scored the lone goal in a narrow 1-0 road win over the Birmingham Legion FC.

Officially speaking, Inter Miami have never lost a US Open Cup game (5-0-2, 1-1 PK). This is just their second tournament appearance and last year, they were eliminated by eventual champion Orlando City SC in a penalty kick shootout, which is officially listed as a draw.

A team from Miami has never lifted the trophy in the 107-year history of the US Open Cup. In fact, when Orlando City SC won the tournament last year, it was just the second time a team from the Sunshine State had won. The only Miami team to have success in the competition was the now-defunct Miami Fusion, who reached the 2000 Final only to lose to the Chicago Fire in the championship game.

Leading the Eastern Conference in MLS, FC Cincinnati come into the US Open Cup on Wednesday hoping to snap a recent funk. After bowing out of the Leagues Cup competition with a disappointing, but still laudable, penalty kick loss to Nashville SC, Cincy kicked off their return to MLS play with an embarrassing defeat to intrastate rivals, the Columbus Crew.

Cincinnati’s Major League Soccer campaign in 2023 has been downright stupendous. They lead the overall table by at least seven points and their own conference by eight. Pushing for a good run in the playoffs wasn’t necessarily their only shot at a trophy, though, with their Open Cup exploits looking just as good so far. Cincy entered the competition in the Third Round, like most MLS clubs, and squeaked past local former rivals Louisville City 1-0. A late goal from homegrown Quimi Ordonez was all they needed.

Photo: Inter Miami CF

In the Round of 32, they drew fellow MLS team New York City FC. Another 1-0 result was sufficient here, even if the standard in opposition had gone up. It was US international Brandon Vasquez who scored the lone goal that night.

Cincy moved on to the Round of 16, where they drew the other New York (area) team, the Red Bulls. This one was another cagey affair, with the hosting Red Bulls scoring an equalizer in second half stoppage time. Their goal scorer, Dante Vanzeir, had his attempt saved in the penalty kick shootout as Cincinnati advanced to the Quarterfinals, 5-3. Alvaro Barreal fired home the winning PK.

Cincinnati went back as hosts in early June, facing another club from the USL Championship, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. FC Cincy won 3-1 as their cross-border rivals were unable to muster the necessary spirit and gave up three goals in the second half before finding a consolation goal of their own.

Starting July 21, the Leagues Cup, a creation of MLS and Mexican top division Liga MX, got going with all the teams in each league taking part. Cincinnati’s first involvement was two days later, when they drew Sporting Kansas City and then beat them on penalties. A 3-1 win over Mexican side Chivas of Guadalajara put them through to the another Round of 32 game. In this one, they would not be able to overcome Nashville in a shootout.

That game was on August 4, the last day Cincinnati kicked a ball in a competitive game until Sunday August 20. The derby loss to Columbus Crew left one opponent saying Ohio was yellow now. The ability of the Orange and Blue to take that insult and use it for fuel becomes all the more necessary when one sees their opponent is newly crowned Leagues Cup champions Inter Miami.

While Cincinnati has never lost a home game in the Open Cup as an MLS franchise (5-0-0), this could possibly be their biggest test yet. It should be noted, of course, that Miami is now home to the biggest scoring threat in the history of the sport. Lionel Messi descends on the Buckeye State with visions of his second trophy in his new colors. Containing him will be a massive task.

Nashville SC, who beat Cincinnati in that shootout on the way to the Leagues Cup final, gave up just two shots on target against Miami in that game. Both were to Messi, who managed to score one and hit the post with the other. Nashville also has the best goals against stat in the entire league, giving up only 22 all season, six fewer than Cincy. Keeping a shutout may be as close to impossible as it can get in soccer. But, Cincinnati will be hoping to take advantage of one of the MLS’s worst defenses as well. Without their recent additions, Miami gave up 36 goals in league play.

While other signees Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba help form a formidable wall, Brandon Vazquez will be looking to pick up his goalscoring exploits again. With five goals in his three Leagues Cup games before the break, his tag team with Cincy’s own recent signing, Aaron Boupendza, will need to be firing on all cylinders to get this club past the Herons. If they can beat this opponent, all signs will point to them winning just the second Open Cup title for the state of Ohio in the tournament’s 107-year history (2002 Columbus Crew). Then, they could hope to repaint the state in Orange and Blue.

MORE: Cincinnati’s forgotten US Open Cup history (2017)

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

FC Cincinnati (MLS)
6th US Open Cup appearance (3rd as MLS team)
Overall: 12-4-3 (2-1 PK) | 5-2-1 (1-0 PK) as MLS
Home: 10-1-2 (1-1 PK) | 5-0-0 as MLS
vs. MLS: 2-2-3 (2-1 PK) | 1-1-1 (1-0 PK) as MLS
Best finish: Semifinals (2017)

Inter Miami CF (MLS)
2nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 5-0-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 2-0-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 1-0-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Round of 16 (2022)

Real Salt Lake (MLS) at Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
Shell Energy Stadium – Houston, TX
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. ET
ENGLISH BROADCAST: Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network
SPANISH BROADCAST: Telemundo, Peacock

By Andrew Mosier

There are a lot of unknowns going into Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal between the Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston.

In the 75 days since the Quarterfinal round, both sides have played only a handful of matches as MLS took a nearly month-long hiatus for the Leagues Cup. Both clubs made Round of 16 exits. Houston played one game since a 5-0 win against the Portland Timbers in return to league play last Saturday, while RSL hasn’t played a competitive game since August 8 when it was eliminated from the Leagues Cup by LAFC, 4-0.

Photo: Real Salt Lake

Houston has conceded only one goal in four Open Cup matches this year, earning clean sheets in the first three matches of the tournament: 1-0 at the Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C), 1-0 at home against Sporting Kansas City, and 4-0 against Minnesota United. Houston earned a berth in the Semifinals June 6 with a 4-1 win at the Chicago Fire, extending the club’s home Open Cup win streak to four matches dating back to the 2022 tournament.

However, Houston is going to have to contend with RSL captain and USOC scoring co-leader, Damir Kreilach, who has four goals in Open Cup play this year. He was also last round’s TheCup.us Player of the Round. He is joined by the newly-acquired, Chicho Arango, who has one goal for RSL since his July transfer from Pachuca.

Corey Baird and Aliyu Ibrahim both have three goals for Houston in Open Cup play this year. Baird also scored on Saturday in league play.

Photo: Houston Dynamo

Prior to this year’s tournament, RSL set a modern-era record with a seven game Open Cup winless streak dating back to 2014. RSL broke the streak with a 3-1 extra time win at Las Vegas Lights (USL-C), followed by road wins at Portland (4-3) and Colorado (1-0) before beating the struggling LA Galaxy 3-2 in the Quarterfinals at home.

This is Houston’s third trip to the Open Cup semifinals. In 2009 the Dynamo lost in extra time on the road to Seattle and beat LAFC in penalty kicks in en route to its only Open Cup title in 2018, steamrolling a heavily favored Philadelphia Union 3-0 in the final.

RSL have one US Open Cup semifinal appearance, in 2013, beating the Portland Timbers 2-1 before falling to D.C. United 1-0 in the club’s only USOC final appearance.

The two clubs have met once this year in league play, a scoreless draw at Shell Energy Stadium on May 6. Coincidently, the next scheduled league match for the two clubs is next Saturday, August 26, at America First Field in Sandy, Utah. In league play, RSL (10-7-7) sits in third place in the western conference. Houston (9-10-5) is in sixth.

Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
15th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 23-12-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 18-5-1
vs. MLS: 9-10-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 2018 US Open Cup champions

Real Salt Lake (MLS)
13th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 13-11-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 3-5-0
vs. MLS: 6-6-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Runner-Up (2013)

2023 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Damir Kreilach of Real Salt Lake voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

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Damir Kreilach of Real Salt Lake celebrates after scoring a goal against the LA Galaxy in the Quarterfinals of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: RSL
Damir Kreilach of Real Salt Lake celebrates after scoring a goal against the LA Galaxy in the Quarterfinals of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: RSL

At this time a year ago, Damir Kreilach was recovering from back surgery, a microdiscectomy procedure in his lower back where doctors removed portions of a herniated disc on his spine to relieve pressure.

The procedure, for as successful as it was, cast a shadow over the 33-year-old team captain’s career. At the very least, it ended the season prematurely for the native of Vukovar, Croatia.

Now he’s better than ever.

After scoring just one goal in five appearances a year ago prior to his injury, Kreilach has rejuvenated his game — and his Real Salt Lake squad’s hopes in Major League Soccer — with a team-high four goals and an assist in league play.

His own rejuvenation, though? Well, one could make an argument for some credit going to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Kreilach’s two goals in RSL’s 3-2 win over the LA Galaxy earned the RSL midfielder/forward/utility star TheCup.us Player of the Round honors for the Quarterfinals.

Other nominees for Player of the Round included Houston Dynamo forward Ibrahim Aliyu, FC Cincinnati’s Alvaro Barreal and Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callendar. The Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers of TheCup.us on Patreon (donors that pledge $10 or more).

The former Union Berlin midfielder who signed with Real Salt Lake in 2018 did his scoring on seven shots, including five shots on target.


He also had two goals in sparking Salt Lake’s 6-2 win over Las Vegas Lights FC in the club’s Open Cup opener, a first-ever road win in the early rounds of the Cup competition and first win since 2016.

Now RSL moves on to the US Open Cup Semifinals, where it will face former homegrown striker (and Round of 16 Player of the Round winner) Corey Baird and the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday, Aug. 23 at Shell Energy Stadium (11:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports). The winner will advance to the Open Cup final against the winner of FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami.

It’s also helped spark his club’s season, turning around a brutal four-game losing skid and just two wins in the first nine weeks of the season into a run of form that includes its current five-match unbeaten run, an MLS-best 5-3-2 road record, and a 10-3-6 record in 19 games across all competitions in the past 75 days.

“I think overall, the confidence is here,” Kreilach said after the team’s 2-2 draw with Minnesota United. “The team found themselves in great shape, and we show this week-by-week — especially in away games, where we are the tough team to play against, as well as the second half against Minnesota. We played our game, with our identity, with who we are, and I think if we had another 2-3 minutes, we’d win that game. But we showed our identity, and that is to never give up. Because of that, I’m proud of this team.” 

2023 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Inter Miami CF edges Birmingham Legion as world awaits Lionel Messi

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Photo: Inter Miami CF
Photo: Inter Miami CF

Although the Battle of the Magic Cities was dwarfed by other soccer news internationally, the US Open Cup Quarterfinal was the biggest thing happening in the city of Birmingham on Wednesday evening as host as the USL Championship side Legion FC looked to advance past visiting MLS side Inter Miami CF.

While the soccer world was fixated on the announcement that Lionel Messi intends to sign with Inter Miami, the current players on the field had a game to play.

The Magic of the Cup may have died for the Alabamian Magic City, but the magic lives on in South Beach as Inter Miami advanced to the competion’s Semifinal with a 1-0 victory. The only goal came in the 56th minute off the foot of Nicolás Stefanelli.

“This win is very important, not just for us as a team, but for the whole organization,” said Javier Morales, Inter Miami’s interim head coach. “We made history today — it’s the first time that the team makes the semifinals.

“This is not just about one player or the coach, this is about everyone. Inter Miami made history today…”

The first moment of this match came early for Legion, with their first attack of the game, Enzo Martinez forced a huge save out of Drake Callender, who had to extend to his left to deal with the attack. From that moment, it became a battle of wits between the two clubs. Inter Miami looked to slowly build up in attack, while Birmingham Legion looked to spring a counter at any possible opportunity.

The biggest moment of the match was one that is still one of the main talking points of the night. On a Legion counterattack, there were several shots taken in the Inter Miami box, and it finally lands at the feet of Prosper Kasim. Kasim, the Round of 16 hero, fired a shot on the half volley that very clearly hit the Inter Miami defender’s arm. 

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a "We Want The Cup" shirt in your team's colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP
Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHOP

Alas, no penalty was given, and a corner was given instead. For the most part, the end of the half fizzled out from there.

To start the second half, it was a different attack out of Legion. Pressing high and looking to force Inter Miami to make a mistake, it also left the 3 Sparks open at the back. 

In the 56th minute, Inter Miami sent a massive attack up the right side, a deviation from the left sided bombardment from the half before. From Corentin Jean to Stefanelli, Inter Miami CF had gotten their first ever goal in a US Open Cup Quarterfinal. This would prove to be the game winner for Inter Miami, La Familia celebrating accordingly, sending pink smoke high into the Birmingham night.

The rest of the match was filled with shoving, slapping, arguing, and cramping. It ended with more than 10 minutes of stoppage time added, but even after chance after chance, the Legion were unable to find their equalizer. 

Before it was all set and done, over 18,418 fans packed Protective Stadium, smashing the previous record of just under 13,000. According to TheCup.us records, the game marked the 24th largest crowd to witness a US Open Cup match in the tournament’s 108-year history. 

Legion players and coaches were only talking about the crowd and club despite the loss although they were beyond upset that they could not secure the equalizer for the biggest crowd in club history.

Alex Crognale, Legion Center Back, said, “The crowd came out tonight, Birmingham showed out. They deserved more. That was the loudest game I have ever been a part of…” which includes the 2017 US Open Cup Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati match, which drew over 30,000.

 

2023 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Real Salt Lake hold off late push by LA Galaxy to advance to Semis

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Damir Kreilach of Real Salt Lake celebrates after scoring a goal against the LA Galaxy in the Quarterfinals of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: RSL
Damir Kreilach of Real Salt Lake celebrates after scoring a goal against the LA Galaxy in the Quarterfinals of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: RSL

Whatever’s gotten into Rubio Rubin the last few days, Real Salt Lake might want to make it a double.

Four days after scoring a brace in a 2-1 road win over Austin FC in MLS play, Rubin had two assists and Damir Kreilach scored twice to help RSL hold off the LA Galaxy, 3-2, and advance to the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for the first time since 2015.

Jefferson Savarino added a goal for RSL, which will face the Houston Dynamo at a site determined by a hosting priority draw Thursday at 1 p.m. ET on CBS Sports’ Golazo network.

But Wednesday night’s win meant a little bit more to Rubio: not only did it keep RSL alive for a trophy and the club’s first CONCACAF Champions League berth since 2016.

And after dispatching three-straight opponents on the road, Salt Lake finally got to do it at home.

“We’re always playing for something, competing for a trophy,” Rubin said. “The Open Cup is a special tournament. We have two more games, and we want to lift the trophy this year. MLS Cup, as well.”


Rubin, who also won a penalty for RSL, has had a hand in each of the last five goals for Salt Lake.

The Guatemalan international from Beaverton, Oregon, who didn’t score a goal in 830 minutes is now pulling out points in bunches for an RSL club that advanced to the Open Cup semifinals for the first time since 2015.With RSL controlling nearly 2/3 of early possession, Kreilach capitalized with the go-ahead goal off his right foot, picking out the back of the net after Rubin set him up with a pass from Savarino.

“I couldn’t be happier for Rubio,” RSL manager Pablo Masatroeni said. “He’s an unbelievable teammate, an unbelievable player, and now he’s putting goals in the back of the net, which is great for his career.”

Things went from bad to worse for the Galaxy by the 25th minute, when star forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez had to be removed from the pitch with a right knee injury. The former Mexican international did not return, replaced by Dejan Joveljić for the remainder of the match.

The Galaxy are awaiting results of an MRI to determine the extent of the noncontact injury for Chicharito, who did not put any weight on his injured leg as he left the stadium pitch midway through the first half.

Kreilach doubled his account in the final minute of first-half stoppage time, bagging a brace from the penalty spot after Julian Aude was called for a foul against Rubin while attempting a corner kick.

Rubin had his second assist of the night, setting up Savarino for RSL’s third goal of the night in the 51st minute to stretch the home side’s lead to 3-0.

But the Galaxy wasn’t done yet.

Gaston Brugman pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute, and Douglas Costa added a wonder strike less than two minutes later to cut LA’s deficit to one.

But Gavin Beavers made four saves, including one to open seven minutes of stoppage time, to help RSL hang on for the club’s third Open Cup semifinal appearance all-time. The ultimate goal is not only to win the US Open Cup for the first time in club history, but they would also be the first team from Utah to lift the trophy in the tournament’s 108-year history.

“It was, for us, a huge opportunity, playing this Open Cup game at home after three road games,” Kreilach said. “The fans got their final opportunity; they’ve been waiting for a long time. Now we have to keep going, stay humble, and take it game-by-game.”

 

2023 US Open Cup Quarterfinals Review: Underdog stories end as MLS teams advance to final four

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Photo: FC Cincinnati
Photo: FC Cincinnati

Once the dust settled on the Quarterfinals of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the underdogs of the tournament made their exit. What was left were four Major League Soccer teams. Three of them are seeking to lift the trophy for the first time in club history.

Scroll down for a brief summary of each game, along with a link to a full recap.

TUESDAY, June 6

FC Cincinnati (MLS)
3:1
Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C)

By Rachael Kriger

The Cinderella story for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is officially over. The Riverhounds fell, 3-1, against FC Cincinnati, their old USL rival, on Tuesday night.

Pittsburgh held Cincinnati scoreless through the first half but Cincinnati scored right out of the gate in the second half. Although their first of two goals provided plenty of controversy, as video replay appeared to show that it was offside. Dominique Badji was the guilty party of being offside, and assisted US men’s national team forward Brandon Vazquez for the opener.

In the 71st minute, clear as day, Alvaro Barreal scored off a corner kick, hitting the ball on the volley and smashing it past Riverhounds goalkeeper Jahmali Waite, who couldn’t do anything to stop it. In second half stoppage time, Cincinnati put Pittsburgh to sleep with a corner kick header from Santiago Arias, with plenty of power behind it. Pittsburgh did get a consolation goal, less than a minute after Cincinnati’s third tally. Tola Showunmi got on the board after a slick back-heel pass from Kenardo Forbes, the USL’s all-time leader in assists. The play was started by Danny Griffin. Pittsburgh’s storybook run in the Open Cup is over. One consolation prize is that the Riverhounds will be awarded the $25,000 prize money as the Division 2 team that reached the farthest. They won the tiebreaker with Birmingham Legion since Pittsburgh upset two MLS teams, while Birmingham only upset one.

For FC Cincinnati, it’s their first Semifinal appearance as a MLS team, but their second since their magical run as a USL team in 2017. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
1:4
Houston Dynamo (MLS)

By Tim Abbott

In this match-up of struggling MLS sides, it was arguably about one penalty awarded (to Dynamo) and one not awarded (for the Fire). Amine Bassi had the tally from the spot in the 12th minute, and then Ibrahim Aliyu made it 2-0 around the half-hour mark. Near the end of the first half, Arnaud Souquet scored for the Fire, to cut the lead in half just before the break. And then a stonewall penalty that was not awarded could have equalized the scoreline. Instead, Aliyu made it 3-1 in the 59th minute and Nelson Quinones put the game away for the Dynamo in the 74th minute.

Houston advances to the Semifinals for the fourth time. The last time they reached the final four was in 2018, the year that they lifted the trophy for the first and only time. In the end, Houston will be the only final four team remaining who has won the US Open Cup. With the loss, Chicago is unable to reach the Semifinals for the 14th time, which would have added to their all-time record. It also was just the second time in 33 home matches that the Fire have lost a home game in the US Open Cup. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT 

Wednesday, June 7

Birmingham Legion FC (USL-C)
0:1
Inter Miami CF (MLS)

By Tim Abbott

When Inter Miami CF came to Alabama to take on Birmingham Legion FC, the player everyone was talking about wasn’t playing in the game. The announcement that Lionel Messi plans to sign with Inter Miami overshadowed the last remaining David vs. Goliath matchup of the round.

Unfortunately, the referee played a key role as Legion fans will be left to wonder what might have been as Inter Miami held on for a 1-0 win in front of a record crowd of more than 18,000. The moment came early in the game, when the ball hit Inter central defender Serhiy Kryvtsov flush on his arm as he spun down to the ground to block a Prosper Kassim shot. No penalty kick was called.

The second half opened with Legion goalie Matt van Oekel stopping a Coco Jean shot for Inter with his face. The deadlock was finally broken in the 56th minute by Nicolas Stefanelli, tapping home from close range, bouncing past the keeper after a neat interchange between second half substitute Robert Taylor and Coco Jean. Tyler Pasher also had a couple of chances to tie the game, but remarkably the best chances the Legion had during the ten minutes of stoppage time were from potential own-goals close in – blocked by Drake Callender, and a Juan Agudelo shot, deflected out for a corner.

In the end, Miami advances to the Semifinals for the first time in club history. They are just the ninth Florida team to reach the final four. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

Real Salt Lake (MLS)
3:2
LA Galaxy (MLS)

By Sean Walker

Four days after scoring a brace in a 2-1 road win over Austin FC in MLS play, Rubio Rubin had two assists and Damir Kreilach scored twice to help RSL hold off a late push by the LA Galaxy, 3-2, and advance to the Semifinals of the US Open Cup for the first time since 2015.

Jefferson Savarino added a goal for RSL, which advanced to the final four for the third time in club history (2013, 2015, 2023) and kept alive its hopes of the club’s first CONCACAF Champions League berth since 2016.

LA’s Gaston Brugman pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute, and Douglas Costa added a golazo less than two minutes later to help the Galaxy pull within a goal.
But Gavin Beavers made four saves, including one to open seven minutes of stoppage time and help Salt Lake hold on to advance to keep its hopes of lifting the trophy for the first time. [+] FULL MATCH REPORT

2023 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: FC Cincinnati reaches 2nd Semifinal after pulling away from underdog Pittsburgh Riverhounds

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Photo: FC Cincinnati
Photo: FC Cincinnati

Boasting an impressive undefeated streak at TQL Stadium in all competitions this season, FC Cincinnati and the visiting Pittsburgh Riverhounds had some similar qualities in terms of being on hot streaks. Cincinnati entered the match atop MLS’ Eastern Conference while Pittsburgh currently are second in the USL-C’s Eastern Conference, winning their last four league matches and going undefeated in their last nine across all competitions.

But the MLS side used early goals in the second half to propel them into the US Open Cup Semifinals with a 3-1 victory to continue their record of not losing at home and advance in the competition.

Rather than bunker down and defend FCC’s attack like several lower division clubs often do, Pittsburgh opted to take a more proactive strategy and challenged the MLS side. In the 23rd minute, Pittsburgh’s Luke Biasi took a page from the cities’ NFL counterparts and essentially made a football tackle against a streaking Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta, who had space for a run at the top of the Pittsburgh box.

Biasi only got a yellow for his effort with the gamble paying off in the moment as Acosta’s free kick sailed well over the Riverhound’s goal. This play followed through the half as both teams amassed four yellow cards and 14 fouls. The teams would hit halftime a bit bruised and scoreless.

After a handful of substitutions to begin the second half, Cincinnati took a much more commanding presence and would shortly break through to open the scoring. A beautiful, but controversial, passing sequence lead to Cincinnati scoring in the 56th minute with Brandon Vazquez putting the home side ahead. It was thought that Dominique Badji was offside but after conversations among officials, the goal would stand. The goal is Vazquez’s second of the 2023 Open Cup tourney and eighth all-time.

Alvaro Barreal added to the lead as he turned a corner from Acosta into a one-timer. The rocket from the top of the box launched into the left corner of the net to give FCC a 2-0 lead.
Despite many substitutions, Pittsburgh couldn’t generate enough momentum to pull themselves back into the match.

Extra time did see more scoring as Cincinnati’s Santiago Arias headed in a Barreal corner then shortly after, Pittsburgh’s Tola Showummi snuck in behind the FCC defense to get one back for the Riverhounds.

This will be FCC’s first trip back to the Open Cup Semifinals since 2017 when the club was still in the USL.

2023 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Houston Dynamo win in Chicago following offensive explosion

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Photo: Houston Dynamo
Photo: Houston Dynamo
Going into Tuesday night, the focus was mainly on the Chicago Fire. They were the ones at home at SeatGeek Stadium. They were the ones going after a historic fifth US Open Cup title. They were the ones who really needed a win. The Houston Dynamo did not care for any of that. They rocked up and outplayed the hosts for most of the contest, ultimately coming away with a 4-1 victory to book their spot in the Semifinals of the competition. “I’m super excited to just keep moving in this tournament,” said Houston head coach Ben Olsen. “We’ve advanced in an important competition, one we’ve taken seriously from the start, and we’re looking forward to being in the Semifinals and trying to create a culture of winning.” After a back-and-forth start to the contest, Houston opened the scoring. Arnaud Souquet tripped up a streaking Nelson Quiñónes, and the referee decided that it was enough contact to point to the spot. Amine Bassi stepped up to take the spot-kick, and he calmly converted it with a powerful strike down the middle. “It took a little sting out of the crowd. They’re a good team, and it was a good atmosphere,” Olsen said. Bassi had a big chance to double the advantage about five minutes later, as a loose ball fell perfectly to him on the edge of the penalty area. His first-time effort was decent, but Spencer Richey was able to make the important save. It was 2-0 at the half hour mark, though. Hitting on the break, the Dynamo had two men flying forward. Ibrahim Aliyu was on the ball, and he smartly went for goal himself, passing the ball towards the near post and into the back of the net. Things were looking bad for the hosts, but they found a lifeline before the break. A corner picked out Arnaud Souquet, and his header was perfect, as he redirected the ball into the bottom corner to halve the deficit. The Fire came out hot to start the second half, and they were robbed of a clear penalty. Brian Gutiérrez was brought down by an onrushing Andrew Tarbell, who missed the ball completely. However, the referee saw otherwise, giving a corner kick instead of a penalty, showing the need for VAR in this part of the USOC. Despite their spell of dominance, it was the Dynamo who scored next. A mazy run from Quiñónes led to him getting a strong shot off, and even though his attempt was saved, the rebound fell right to Aliyu for an easy tap-in. “We dodged a couple of bullets in the first half, and we did a better job in the second half in terms of fixing things,” Olsen said. “It was a scrappy game. The field wasn’t perfect, and that led to more duels. It becomes more of a true cup game, a true fight. We had to make sure we were up for that.” Chicago sent bodies forward in search of a goal, but that cost them. Houston hit on the break once again, with Héctor Herrera blowing by his marker before setting up Quiñónes for a simple finish at the back post. “The goal was a reward for a really good performance,” Olsen said when asked about Quiñónes. “He’s simplified his game and boiled it down to the areas where he can have success. Offensively he’s got real pace and quality and technical ability. His talent is scary. He also gave a real shift on the defensive end, constantly getting back in the right spot, constantly helping match the numbers down the flank.” “Our transition was good,” Olsen said. “Seeing out goals in the run of the play has been better as of late, but scoring goals and that final ball has haunted us, so it was nice to score a bunch tonight.” That killed off the contest, and the Dynamo held on to secure the victory. They now await the winner of Wednesday’s Quarterfinal between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake. “When we came here we wanted to change the culture. Wins help change that,” Olsen said. “It’s nice to advance, get to the Semifinals, put yourself in a spot to be two games away from a trophy. It won’t be easy, every round gets more difficult, but we’re thrilled to be one of the remaining four teams.”

2023 US Open Cup Quarterfinals Preview: Two USL teams, Six MLS teams battle for spot in Semifinals (with video links)

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Photo: Birmingham Legion FC
Photo: Birmingham Legion FC

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:

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)

2023 US Open Cup Round of 16: Corey Baird of Houston Dynamo voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

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Photo: Houston Dynamo
Photo: Houston Dynamo

Twenty two months ago, the Houston Dynamo obtained forward Corey Baird in a trade with LAFC for cash and international slot. The 27 year old, in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, showed why Houston wanted him so badly. Baird had a hand in all four Houston goals in a 4-0 rout of Minnesota United FC.

As a result, Baird was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round.

Baird ran away with the voting for the award. Albert Dikwa (Pittsburgh Riverhounds) finished second, with a pair of goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg (Birmingham Legion FC) and Alec Kann (FC Cincinnati) also receiving strong support. The Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) of TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

Baird began his night converting a penalty kick in the 33rd minute. The conversion came after a handball call in the box against the reigning Player of the Round winner Bongokuhle Hlongwane. Five minutes later, El Naranja were up a man following a red card for card accumulation against Minnesota’s Kevin Arriega.

In the 68th minute, the 2018 MLS Rookie of the Year secured the brace. His second goal presented a much different style. Unlike the penalty conversion that he buried past Minnesota goalkeeper Clint Irwin, Baird took a through ball from Amini Bassi and calmly chipped a right footed shot over the onrushing keeper from the center of the box. The Houston forward’s career night continued moments later when he assisted on the Dynamo’s third goal of the match. His pass found an unmarked Ibrahim Aliyu at the top of the 18 yard box. Aliyu slotted it past Irwin for the third Dynamo marker of the night in the 79th minute. Baird turned his brace into a hat trick in the 89th minute of play. This time Baird put it past the Loons keeper with his left foot. The breakout night for the Houston forward has been long in the making. Now with his third Houston head coach in less than three seasons, the Poway, Calif. native may be finally finding his footing under current head coach Ben Olsen.

“It’s really nice to have some forwards get on the scoresheet,” Olsen said. “Corey, obviously, with a few goals, and that’s going to help him in a big way.”

Baird may be the answer to Houston continuing its strong run of play through the US Open Cup and bringing the Houston Dynamo back to soccer relevancy.

2023 US Open Cup Round of 16: Chicago Fire continue quest for five with win over Austin FC

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Austin FC vs. Chicago Fire FC - Photo: Scott W. Coleman
Photo: Scott W. Coleman

Frank Klopas wants to help the Chicago Fire become the winningest MLS team in US Open Cup history.

The Fire continued their journey towards an all-time record-tying fifth Open Cup trophy on Wednesday night, going on the road to beat Austin FC 2-0 at Q2 Stadium.

“If you’re in a tournament then you want to win,” Klopas said. “Every time we play we want to win. That’s the way we approach it. We’re always going to put our best team forward that is going to give us opportunities to win the game.”

Chicago will travel to face the Houston Dynamo in the Quarterfinals the week of June 6-7.

Despite losing the possession battle, the Fire were able to frustrate Austin FC and held a 12-9 advantage in shots, including an 8-2 lead in shots on goal. 



Rafael Czichos opened the scoring with a header in the first half before Kacper Przybylko scored for the fifth time in all competitions off an assists from Xherdan Shaqiri in the second half.

“It was a great win,” Klopas said. “Any time you’re on the road, especially when you’re playing against a really good team in a great atmosphere, it’s always difficult. We had a really good gameplan. We were good with the ball and made them chase.”

Austin FC was on a bit of a high entering the Open Cup match after winning back-to-back MLS games for the first time this season to vault back up into a playoff spot.

“It’s disappointing to get knocked out,” Austin FC head coach Josh Wolff said. “This is a competition we wanted to progress in. Physically, we looked fatigued. When the team isn’t performing well, you’ve got to stay resolute.”

Both teams had their chances for the first 20 minutes of the game, but then Austin started getting sloppy with its passes, and Chicago started to have their way a bit more.

Kei Kamara took advantage of an Austin FC turnover with a shot from inside the penalty area in the 25th minute. Less than a minute later, Xherdan Shaqiri picked out Maren Haile-Selassie behind the back line for an open look, forcing Austin keeper Brad Stuver into a diving save.

The Fire took advantage of the ensuing corner as Rafael Czichos headed home a corner form Brian Gutierrez into the top corner to give Chicago the lead in the 27th minute.

“After 20 minutes, it looked leggy with a lot of sloppiness,” Wolff said. “It almost becomes contagious. It’s an elimination game, and dueling is important. It was concerning that we looked a little labored and physically slow.”

The Verde & Black started the second half strong, with headed chances on goal with headed caches for Gyasi Zardes and Aleksandar Radovanovic.

Shaqiri had his initial shot saved in the 77th minute, but he passed the rebound to a wide-open Kacper Przybylko in front of net for an easy tap-in goal to seal the win.

“We were very disciplined, organized and we had really good moments with the ball where we created lot of opportunities,” Klopas said. “We had some great individual performances, but from a collective standpoint, that was a the difference.” 

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