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Champions: Los Angeles FC

2024 US Open Cup Final: LAFC needs OT to beat Sporting KC, win first USOC trophy

September 26, 2024

On the back of three straight finals losses in three different competitions, Los Angeles FC needed to bounce back after losing its lead in regulation to beat Sporting Kansas City 3-1 in overtime at BMO Stadium on Wednesday. The spark in the Black and Gold’s offense came from substitute defender Omar Campos — his crunching tackle, […]

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2024 Overall Player of the Tournament Winner

2024 US Open Cup: Cristian Olivera of LAFC voted TheCup.us Player of the Tournament

October 25, 2024

The Player of the Tournament 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) from TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

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2024 Lower Division Player of the Tournament Winner

2024 US Open Cup: Dembor Benson of El Farolito voted TheCup.us Lower Division Player of Tournament

October 19, 2024

Two game-winning goals, one equalizer, and the opener on the road against bitter rivals. Dembor Benson balanced quantity and quality in a red-hot Open Cup campaign. Benson scored four goals in three games which saw him tie for top scorer in the tournament despite only making it to the third round. With a three-way tie […]

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2024 US Open Cup: Dembor Benson of El Farolito voted TheCup.us Lower Division Player of Tournament

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Graphic by Phil Naegely

Two game-winning goals, one equalizer, and the opener on the road against bitter rivals. Dembor Benson balanced quantity and quality in a red-hot Open Cup campaign. Benson scored four goals in three games which saw him tie for top scorer in the tournament despite only making it to the third round.

With a three-way tie for the Golden Boot, multiple players were in the running for this accolade. However, given the circumstances and magnitude of Benson’s performances, he was voted the clear winner of the 2024 TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament award. 

Benson is the first player from an NPSL team to win it since TheCup.us added a Lower Division version of the Player of the Tournament award in 2012. 

“I was a little surprised because there are so many teams, there are so many good players and well, I understand it’s a bit difficult (to win this award) but I’m very happy to be honest,” said Benson after learning that he won the award.

Benson run away with the vote with NYCFC II’s Jonathan Jimenez finishing second. Jimenez led the tournament in scoring with four goals and two assists, helping NYCFC II (MLS NEXT Pro) reach the Round of 16 (and the $25,000 Division 3 prize money). Indy Eleven goalkeeper Hunter Sulte, who had three clean sheets to help his team reach the Semifinals, finished third.

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) from TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

Early on in the tournament, El Farolito looked unstoppable. They caused back-to-back upsets against professional sides with Dembor Benson scoring four of the team’s five goals. The first goal was a 68th minute winner in a 2-1 road win against Timbers2 (MLS NEXT Pro). That performance made him just the second Honduras native to be voted TheCup.us Player of the Round, joining Romell Quioto who won the award as a member of the Houston Dynamo (MLS) in the 2018 Quarterfinals.

The next two goals came in the form of a brace against Central Valley Fuego (USL League One), where he scored an equalizer just before halftime as well as an 88th minute winner to secure his team’s place in the Third Round.

His fourth and final goal of the tournament came in the first half of a road game against local rivals Oakland Roots (USL Championship). El Farolito wasn’t able to hold on to that early lead as the Roots came back to win 2-1 in extra time.

When asked about his thoughts on being knocked out of the tournament early despite his success in front of goal he had this to say: “Well, the personal aspect was good, to be honest, but we also knew that they were favorites on paper even though we were also good on paper but we kept believing. We were like a family and we knew that the other team would be stronger than us. Pitifully, the expulsion for us made us fractured and what happened, happened. If we hadn’t had that player expelled, then things would’ve been different to be honest because we were very comfortable in that game, we started off winning. We felt really good in that game but to play with one man down is difficult … we believed we could’ve achieved more.”

After an impressive few years with El Farolito, Benson’s performance has earned a spot with one of his US Open Cup opponents: USL League One side Central Valley Fuego where he scored three goals in his first 10 games.

When asked what inspires him to remain consistent he said “Well to be honest, the main thing that inspires me is my family,” said Benson about his . My family is always looking out for me. We’re always going to watch soccer, that’s our passion. My son, my wife, and my mother it’s a passion of theirs… their support is always there and every time I take the pitch I go ‘This is for my family.’ ‘I’m going to do it for my son, for my wife, and for my family who is always raising me up and supporting me.’ and I think that’s the primary motivation that pushes me in every game.”

2024 US Open Cup Final: Omar Campos of LAFC voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

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2024 us open cup final player of the round
Graphic by Phil Naegely

For his late heroics in Los Angeles FC’s 3-1 extra time win over Sporting Kansas City in the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final on Wednesday, Sept. 28, Omar Campos has been selected TheCup.us Player of the Round.

The left-foot-dominant defender’s unpredictable right-footed finish that curled beyond Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia earned the Black and Gold its first etch onto the Dewar Challenge Trophy.

“Truly it was a lovely moment to see the people scream,” Campos added. “For everyone to get up — it was something very emotional to me.”

LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo opted for the defender 67 minutes into a final that saw Black and Gold forward Olivier Giroud put the hosts in front eight minutes into the second half before midfielder Erik Thommy leveled the scoring for the Wizards after an hour of play.

With three minutes remaining before the end of the first extra time, Campos found himself in unfamiliar territory.

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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

“Omar has been fantastic not just because the goal,” Cherundolo said following LAFC’s 1-0 win over St. Louis City SC on Wednesday. “Defensively he broke up a lot of plays. His positioning has been much, much better. He’s understanding covering width, but also, he’ll shoulder up the center back at the same time which means your positioning is perfect, and yeah he’s improving before our eyes and that’s a great sign.”

Campos’ move started at the touchline. He noticed forward Cristian Olivera drag two defenders away from goal so his decision to turn his run forward into the inside of the field became the key step in what happened next.

“I’m always near the wings,” Campos admitted about his unusual choice to take up space centrally. “I’ve never tried to hit it with my right, but it was something that in the moment I didn’t hesitate to shoot.”

Olivera noticed the left-back and released him with a pass that led the goalscorer toward the top of the box. After ghosting past midfielder Zorhan Bassong and setting his hips, Campos’ shot whipped around defender Robert Castellanos and past the goalkeeper for LAFC’s game-winning goal that got the Black and Gold over the hump after failing to win in each of its last three finals appearances.

“It was actually the first time I’ve seen him strike the ball with his right foot since he’s got here,” Cherundolo said. “He is somebody who is technically very good in possession.

“Can beat you one-v-one. These are the things we show him weekly, ask him to do daily.”

His five duels won led all substitute players while his three of four successful dribbles was the highest success rate of all players that attempted two or more dribbles.

Campos’ emergence on the LAFC left side has allowed Cherundolo to adjust his backline that will look to move defender Ryan Hollinshead into the right side of a back three after the Black and Gold have used the latter on the left side of a line of four defenders.

2024 TheCup.us Player of the Round
FINAL: Omar Campos (LAFC)
SEMIFINALS: Tim Melia (Sporting KC)
Q-FINALS: Augustine Williams (Indy Eleven)
RD. 5: Kieran Phillips (Sacramento Republic)
RD. 4: Zico Bailey (New Mexico United)
RD. 3: Stefano Pinho (Birmingham Legion)
RD. 2: Dembor Benson (El Farolito SC)
RD. 1: Kyle Bennett (FORO SC)

With three games remaining in Major League Soccer’s regular season before MLS Cup Playoffs begin, Cherundolo has some time to figure out how Campos and his latest formation can help LAFC succeed in the postseason.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel of from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. Anyone interested in voting for this award in future rounds may consider pledging $10 or more and help us with the continuing coverage of the US Open Cup and research on the tournament’s storied history. 

Campos beat out a pair of teammates for the award. Kei Kamara, who came off the bench and scored the third goal in the match, finished second, followed by LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris who made four saves in the championship game.

Campos’ win is just the third time since 2006 that a defender has won the award for the Final. He joins last year’s winner Griffin Dorsey (Houston Dynamo FC), and Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City) in 2012.

2024 US Open Cup Final: LAFC needs OT to beat Sporting KC, win first USOC trophy

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Los Angeles FC celebrates after a 3-1 extra time win over Sporting KC in the 2024 US Open Cup Final. Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

On the back of three straight finals losses in three different competitions, Los Angeles FC needed to bounce back after losing its lead in regulation to beat Sporting Kansas City 3-1 in overtime at BMO Stadium on Wednesday.

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

The spark in the Black and Gold’s offense came from substitute defender Omar Campos — his crunching tackle, which earned him a yellow card five minutes after he was introduced in the 67th minute, sparked the crowd while his five duels won led all substitute players.

“This team showed tonight the character and personality when you’re ready to face difficulties,” LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris said. “When you’re ready to step up for the big moments like tonight, it means a lot.

“Now it’s the moment to enjoy.”

With four minutes remaining in the first period of extra time, Campos capped off his valiant performance with a title-deciding goal that any forward would be proud of.

Campos collected a pass in stride from forward Cristian Olivera that freed him up at the edge of the box and resulted with a curling shot that beat SKC goalkeeper, and two-time winner of the Cup with the Wizards, Tim Melia.

This was LAFC’s first time in an Open Cup final while SKC lost its first championship game in the competition after winning its first four appearances (2004, 2012, 2015, 2017). LAFC becomes the 16th California club to lift the trophy in the tournament’s 109-year history, and the 11th Los Angeles-based club.

The game’s first goal came early in the second half when LAFC forward Olivier Giroud found himself in space and found the net with a tap-in goal.

Controversy rose upon the restart when the Video Assistant Referee took time to look for a foul in the lead up as well as a possible offside by LAFC forward Mateus Bogusz.

LAFC defender Maxime Chanot picked the pocket of SKC midfielder Erik Thommy in the center circle which resulted with Bogusz streaking toward the goal with Giroud ready to sweep home.

Two extra time goals by Omar Campos and Kei Kamara delivered Los Angeles FC the club's first US Open Cup title with a 3-1 win over Sporting KC.
Olivier Giroud of LAFC celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Sporting KC in the 2024 US Open Cup Final. Photo: Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images

Thommy remained on the ground while Bogusz beat Melia to the ball and passed across to a wide open Giroud for the goal.

After review, the goal stood and Giroud earned his second goal in a final for LAFC.

“I stayed onside,” Giroud said about his goal. “And Matty did really well and I was so happy to score another goal in a final and to help the team.”

“We’re so happy for our fans and ourselves and our families.”

The goal for the hosts was a good omen for a team itching to lift a cup after three consecutive disappointments — in the Modern Era (since 1995) the home team’s record in the final after scoring first was 14-2.

Thommy got his revenge seven minutes later when his run into the box went unmarked which allowed him to power a shot from SKC midfielder Daniel Salloi’s drop-back pass past LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris for the equalizer.

The match went on to finish 1-1 after regular time and, in the extra 30 minutes, Campos and LAFC forward Kei Kamara made sure the Black and Gold faithful would go home happy.

Kamara, who scored a penalty in regular time as well as in the deciding shootout as a part of the SKC team that were crowned champions in 2012, secured LAFC the win with 11 minutes remaining on a powerful header that Melia had no chance to reach.

“It’s one of those where I have to be honest I was a little nervous coming into this game,” said Kamara who has seven career US Open Cup goals. ”It’s one of those where you look at your history and the only trophy I’ve won was the US Open Cup and today was a special day to play against the team that I won that trophy with.

“And a bit nervous to feel like ‘is it going to happen?’ Or is it one of those where you just get there and it doesn’t happen? I’m just glad we were able to finish the game and be able to say we won the cup.”

SKC finished extra time with zero shots on target despite taking the lion’s share of possession during the additional 30 minutes.

Up next for LAFC and SKC is the run-in for Major League Soccer’s regular season.

The Wizards have three meaningless matches remaining since they’ve been eliminated from playoff contention while LAFC have five games to climb the table and tune-up before 2024 MLS Cup playoffs begin.

 

2024 US Open Cup Final Preview: Why LAFC will win and why Sporting KC will win

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The 109th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup will kick off in Los Angeles on Wednesday night. Los Angeles FC is seeking to lift the trophy for the first time in the club’s nine-year history, while Sporting Kansas City is trying to join the exclusive five-time champions club (Bethlehem Steel FC, Maccabee AC, Fall River Marksmen/New Bedford Whalers).

The 2024 US Open Cup Final kicks off at 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time and can be watched live, for free, on Apple TV.

Which Major League Soccer team will make history on Wednesday night? Two of our reporters, Ignacio Cervantes (LAFC) and Liam Keating (Sporting KC) took a closer look at the keys to victory for both teams.

Why LAFC will win the 2024 US Open Cup
by Ignacio Cervantes

Take a look at the current Major League Soccer standings, then have a glance at Los Angeles FC and Sporting KC’s rosters. The theory of an LAFC victory on Wednesday in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final becomes a likelihood.

Winners of the Cup four times, SKC are at the foot of the MLS table with the fourth-least total points across the league (31 pts). LAFC (49 pts) sit nine points behind the top of the Western Conference with two games in hand.

Denis Bouanga is leading an attack alongside Mateus Bogusz and MLS newcomer/former World Cup champion Olivier Giroud that combines for 48 goal contributions on the year.

LAFC has 2-to-1 odds to win the final outright and, on its day, the squad has what it takes to beat anyone in the competition.

Kei Kamara celebrates his first goal with LAFC in a Fourth Round match in the 2024 US Open Cup against Las Vegas Lights FC. Photo: Los Angeles FC
Kei Kamara celebrates his first goal with LAFC in a Fourth Round match in the 2024 US Open Cup against Las Vegas Lights FC. Photo: Los Angeles FC

“On the day if we bring it we’re really confident in ourselves that we can beat anyone in this league,” said LAFC defender Aaron Long, who reached the 2017 final with the New York Red Bulls. “We are confident in ourselves. We like our roster. We like our tactics, we like our formations that we’re cooking up here.”

It’s all fun and games at LAFC — until recently.

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

A handful of MLS games in a row without a win (0-3-2) since its 1-0 victory against the Seattle Sounders in the Open Cup Semifinals is the most LAFC has gone without a win since going six winless games in May/June 2023.

There is also the recent championship game failures, such as in last season’s MLS Cup Final and the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League Final in December. Combined with last month’s Leagues Cup title-deciding loss and The Black and Gold are surrounded with negative energy approaching this title game.

A coy Steve Cherundolo refused to address recent form during the pregame press conference, saying that any form before this game means nothing since it’s “a different time of year” and a “one-off” game.

“The reality is every game has its own story,” Cherundolo said. “Nothing that has happened in the past can hurt us Wednesday night. It can only help. We have experiences in these games and that can only be positive. But again it’s a completely different game.”

The bad luck in title matches surrounding LAFC has been amplified as a result of its uncharacteristic September form. In the last seven games the Black and Gold has scored multiple goals just once, while failing to score in just two of those games.

David Martinez of LAFC battles for the ball with a New Mexico United defender in the Quarterfinals of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: LAFC

The Black and Gold head into its first Lamar Hunt US Open Cup final appearance limping on the back of five games without a win with desperate need of righting the ship before the start of MLS Cup playoffs.

First, LAFC will have to overcome its spell in finals Wednesday night against Sporting KC in a championship match that can finish as the team’s fourth straight title-game loss.

Advantages over SKC lie in its lethal attack where one mistake or open lane will be taken advantage of by Bouanga, Giroud or Bogusz.

The killer instinct possessed by each of them will keep veteran goalkeeper and two-time winner of the Cup with SKC (2015, 2017) Tim Melia working — LAFC’s 15.5 shots per game in MLS leads the league while the Wizards defense gives up a top six average of 11.3 per game.

In 167 minutes played against SKC over two matches, Bouanga has one goal while Bogusz picked up an assist in 247 minutes over three appearances against the Wizards.

Los Angeles FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against Loudoun United in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: LAFC
Los Angeles FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against Loudoun United in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: LAFC

“We put in a lot of hard work,” Cherundolo said. “And in this industry trophies is the proof of that.

“We’re looking to be solely focused on that objective and whatever has happened prior to, or happens after, plays no role in our thinking and our preparation at the moment.”

It’s all eyes on the prize for the Black and Gold skipper and his squad.

“It’s a trophy that LAFC has not won and that’s motivation enough for us,” Cherundolo added.

“As an American, it’s really important to keep this cup alive. I know there’s a ton of MLS teams that really love this tournament and felt like they for short sided a little bit for not being able to play in it so we felt fortunate we wanted to go for it from the beginning and now we get the chance so we’re just trying to complete the job here.”

Why Sporting Kansas City will win the 2024 US Open Cup Final
By Liam Keating

Sporting Kansas City have been focused on one thing all season, a chance at the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup title. The team has struggled in MLS play as they currently sit third to last in the Western Conference.

But, the league competition is then, the Open Cup is now. While some MLS teams have tried to avoid Open Cup play, Sporting have rededicated their affinity for the Cup.

Willy Agada of Sporting KC attempts a shot against FC Dallas in the Quarterfinals of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sporting KC

“I can only say that we’ve always taken this tournament very seriously,” Sporting manager Peter Vermes said after their win in the Quarterfinals. “I always say that. I think every other team does. It’s just that sometimes it doesn’t work out for them because of the team they put on the field or the way they played that day.”

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

Taking the Cup seriously can only take the club so far. While play in MLS has been a struggle, Sporting has looked solid for most of their matches. They’ve outscored their opponents 8-1 in their last three matches.

Kansas City have had a favorable draw into the final. They defeated USL Championship sides Indy Eleven in the Semifinals and FC Tulsa in the Round of 16. In the Quarterfinals, Sporting defeated FC Dallas in a rain soaked match. The toughest match during their Open Cup run came in the Round of 32 when they went to extra time against USL League One’s Union Omaha. The Owls controlled a majority of the match and led 1-0 at halftime.

Marinos Tzionis equalized in the second half of that game against Omaha. For what its worth, Tzionis will not be available to play in the Final as he was transferred to Seribian team FK Čukarički this summer. Alan Pulido scored the winning goal in the closing seconds of extra time as Sporting avoided the early cupset.

Kansas City comes into the final against LAFC with little to no form. They have won just one game out of their last four matches. They suffered a disappointing MLS match loss to Minnesota 2-0 on Saturday.

“You have to put it past you because that’s not good enough on any level. You put a performance in against Colorado and then you go in the complete opposite tonight,”

Sporting captain Johnny Russell said following Saturday’s loss. “That’s been the problem with our season: inconsistency, lack of quality and then we just allowed teams to punish us,” said Sporting captain Johnny Russell. “It’s a horrible feeling but you have to get over it and you have to get over it quick. We’ve got a cup final to play on Wednesday.”

Sporting Kansas City players celebrate after scoring a goal against FC Tulsa in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sporting Kansas City
Sporting Kansas City players celebrate after scoring a goal against FC Tulsa in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sporting Kansas City

Like the captain said, inconsistency has been a major issue. It seems like a different Sporting team steps on the pitch each game. The team that struggles to string passes together could come out on Wednesday. Or, maybe the side that dominated Colorado on Sept. 18. Sporting destroyed the Rapids 4-1 as Pulido and midfielder Erik Thommy found the back of the net twice. If Pulido and Thommy are on the mark, Sporting is tough side to take down due to their high pressing ability and tactical awareness. If they are not locked-in, it could be another tough night for the Kansas club.

“It’s going to be a big challenge but we we’ll work towards that on Monday and Tuesday to get ready for Wednesday,” Vermes said on Saturday night.

When it comes to a final, you throw the records out. Vermes has been there many times, he is one of the best managers to have in the dugout when it comes to title matches.

Sporting has won four US Open Cups with the latest coming in 2017. Two players on the current roster played in that match where Sporting defeated the New York Red Bulls in front of a packed Children’s Mercy Park. Midfielder Daniel Salloi secured the win with a goal in the 66th minute. Tim Melia also featured in goal for Kansas City and was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round as well as Player of the Tournament.

These two players will be big important on Wednesday. Not just their skill, but their experience, too.

Tim Melia of Sporting KC makes a save against Indy Eleven in the 2024 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

“Grind,” goalkeeper Tim Melia said on Saturday. “You have got to be super organized defensively. Going back a long time in that Philadelphia game, we defended for long, long stretches of that game and that is perfectly okay. We don’t need to drive the game.”

Melia is a referring to the 2015 US Open Cup Final where Sporting defeated the Union 7-6 in a penalty kick shootout after a 1-1 draw. Melia was also voted TheCup.us Player of the Round for that performance (and player of the 2017 tournament), something he’s earned three other times including in this year’s semifinals. Kansas City played their brand of football. A controlled one where they were organized and took their chances. That is something Sporting is hoping to accomplish in the 2024 Final.

“Everyone’s got to be in whatever position we need them in that moment. I think our team understands that and is very capable of it and we’ve shown it,” Meila said. “It’s got to be a place where we go in against a very, very good LAFC team away from home and if we have got to sit back, we sit back and defend. Who cares? All we have got to do is do everything we can to win the game.”

2024 US Open Cup Final Preview: LAFC seeks first USOC title as they host four-time champ Sporting KC

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The Final of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup caps off one of the most talked about tournaments in recent memory, and the two clubs in the Final have quite the opposite history with the championship game. On one side we have Los Angeles FC, a nine-year-old club making its Open Cup Final debut, representing a city with a rich history in the tournament’s championship game.


Sporting Kansas City, their opponents, are one of the founding members of Major League Soccer. Sporting reps a city with virtually no open Cup history outside of its own but is chasing the ultimate in Open Cup history by joining Bethlehem Steel, Maccabee AC and the Fall River Marksmen/New Bedford Whalers in the exclusive 5-time champions club.

The Final will be carried live by Apple TV with kickoff scheduled for 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

LAFC and Sporting have met just once this year, a scoreless draw, way back on March 9 at LA’s BMO Stadium, so it’s hard to judge the two teams on a game played six months ago. What is known is that the two clubs’ seasons took different turns since then. 

US Open Cup winners missing MLS Cup playoffs
2018 Houston Dynamo (10-16-8)
2013 D.C. United (3-24-7)
2008 D.C. United (11-15-4)

Sporting KC’s year immediately got off to a bad start, going 2-2-5 in their opening nine games. Then SKC would lose 11 of their next 13 games, anchoring them to the bottom of the MLS Western Conference. The club has gone 5-3-2 since then, but with just three games remaining the club was mathematically eliminated from reaching the MLS Cup playoffs.

Since 2010 seven teams have reached the Open Cup final while missing out on the MLS Cup playoffs. Inter Miami were the last club to accomplish this feat in 2023. Only three clubs, Houston Dynamo in 2018 and D.C. United in 2013 & 2008, have managed to win the Open Cup without making the MLS post-season cut.

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

On the other hand, Los Angeles FC has been near the top of the MLS Western Conference standings all season. After a shaky start to the season that saw LAFC go 2-3-1, the club caught fire once April started. From April 6 to July 4 LAFC went 11-4-1, including a 10-game unbeaten streak. Since then, LAFC have won just one league contest in their last seven and are 0-3-2 since resuming MLS play after the Leagues Cup. Among the losses is a 4-2 defeat to El Trafico rivals LA Galaxy, and a 3-1 loss away to FC Dallas on Sept. 21. One has to wonder if reaching the Leagues Cup Final took something out of LAFC, as they haven’t won a league game since. 

The scoring tandem of Denis Bouanga and Mateusz Bogusz have been quiet since finishing with the Leagues Cup, having only scored a goal each in the five games. Despite the slowdown, Bouanga sits tied for second in MLS in goals scored with 17.

OPEN CUP PEDIGREE

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

Initially known as the Kansas City Wiz, then the Kansas City Wizards, and now Sporting Kansas City, along with the Chicago Fire and Seattle Sounders, are on the cusp of joining Bethlehem Steel, Maccabee AC and the Fall River Marksmen/New Bedford Whalers as five-time Open Cup champions. After a slow first few years, KC hit their stride in the Open Cup, and since 2002 they’ve never gone more than two years between reaching at least the Quarterfinals. Sporting is 16-11-3 (1-2 PK) against fellow MLS clubs in its long Open Cup history, although they have faced MLS opposition just four times since the Open Cup was called off in 2020 and 2021.

The last three years are a stark contrast to the five years before the COVID-19 cancelled tournaments. From 2015-2019, 14 of SKC’s 16 Open Cup opponents were from MLS. SKC’s Open Cup record in road games isn’t as stellar, sitting at 9-9-5 (2-3 PK). Their last road win against an MLS team came in the 2018 Fourth Round, a 2-0 defeat of Real Salt Lake. SKC’s one and only Open Cup trip to California was in the 2022 Semifinals, where they were eliminated on penalty kicks by Sacramento Republic of the USL Championship.

The Kansas City Wizards celebrate lift the Dewar Trophy after winning the 2004 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Photo: Sporting Kansas City
The Kansas City Wizards celebrate lift the Dewar Trophy after winning the 2004 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Photo: Sporting Kansas City

LAFC made a splash in their inaugural Open Cup appearance in 2018, reaching the Semifinals where they were ousted by the Houston Dynamo on penalties after a 3-3 draw. Since then, a Quarterfinal finish in 2019 is the deepest LAFC has gone, getting eliminated by “El Trafico” rivals LA Galaxy in 2022 & 2023. LAFC are the first MLS club since Real Salt Lake in 2013 to reach the Semifinals without playing another MLS team in previous rounds. LAFC has not beaten another MLS club in the Open Cup since their 2-0 win over the Portland Timbers in the 2022 Fourth Round. The loss to Portland was also LAFC’s last Open Cup defeat at home, where they hold a 8-2 record.

HOW THEY GOT HERE

SPORTING KANSAS CITY

Dany Rosero of Sporting KC celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against Indy Eleven in the Semifinals of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sporting KC
Dany Rosero of Sporting KC celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against Indy Eleven in the Semifinals of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sporting KC

Fourth Round >> Sporting Kansas City 2:1 (AET) Union Omaha (USL League One)

In their rematch from the 2022 Quarterfinals, Sporting Kansas City narrowly avoided a penalty shootout with Union Omaha, snatching a 2-1 win at the end of extra time. Omaha held a 1-0 lead at halftime, but Marinos Tzionis equalized for SKC just after the break. The teams battled through over 70 more minutes of scoreless play and just as it looked like a penalty shootout was necessary, Alan Pulido snuck a shot by Omaha goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu from the top of the penalty area to give Sporting the win. (VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS)

Fifth Round >> Sporting Kansas City 4:0 FC Tulsa (USL Championship)

In the Round of 16, KC dominated FC Tulsa 4-0 at home. Felipe Hernández scored on both sides of halftime and Stephen Afrifa and Marinos Tzionis provided the other goals as Sporting outshot Tulsa 34-3. (VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS)

Quarterfinals >> Sporting Kansas City 2:1 (AET) FC Dallas (MLS)

Looking to go 6-0 in the Open Cup against FC Dallas, SKC hosted their MLS rivals where they hadn’t lost an Open Cup game in 14 tries. After 51 minutes of scoreless play, thunderstorms rolled into the area causing the match to pause for almost an hour and a half due to lightning. When the game finally resumed, most of the 12,943 fans in attendance were chased away. SKC’s Willy Agada opened the scoring in the 77th minute, and to make the night just a bit longer, Petar Musa equalized for FC Dallas with three minutes remaining. Finally, at 12:32 a.m. local time, Dany Rosero headed home a Johnny Russell corner kick for a 2-1 lead SKC would not give up. (VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS)

Semifinals >> Sporting Kansas City 2:0 Indy Eleven (USL Championship)

Mother Nature struck again, turning another Open Cup match into an all-night marathon. Before SKC and Indy could even kick off, thunderstorms in the area kept the game from starting for almost three hours. Once the game finally kicked off, Sporting ended the upset dreams of Indy Eleven 2-0, and kept alive their quest for a record-tying fifth Open Cup championship. Johnny Russell opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a long-range blast. Twenty minutes later Dany Rosero doubled the lead after he headed home a Remi Walter pass. Indy came to life in the second half, but GK Tim Melia held the in check, earning TheCup.us’s “Player of the Round” for the semifinals. TheCup.us has awarded a Player of the Round award since 2006. During that time, Melia has won the award three times, which is more than anyone during that span. Melia has won this award two times (2015 Final, 2017 Final) during his time at Sporting KC, and once as a member of the Charleston Battery in 2010. (VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS)

LOS ANGELES FC

Los Angeles FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against Loudoun United in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: LAFC
Los Angeles FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against Loudoun United in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: LAFC

Fourth Round >> Los Angeles FC 3:1 Las Vegas Lights (USL Championship)

LAFC kicked off their tournament in the Fourth Round, putting away the Las Vegas Lights 3-1. After the teams traded goals early in the second half, Cristian Olivera came through with a pair of scores in the 70th minute and stoppage time. 

Fifth Round >> Los Angeles FC 3:0 Loudoun United (USL Championship)

In the Round of 16, LAFC had little trouble with Loudoun United, who traveled across the country to the west coast. LAFC defeated the USL Championship side 3-0. Timothy Tillman opened the scoring in the 8th minute and Cristian Olivera and Tomas Angel added second half goals. (VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS)

Quarterfinals >> Los Angeles FC 3:1 New Mexico United (USL Championship)

Waiting for LAFC in their first Open Cup Quarterfinal since 2019 was a home matchup with the USL Championship’s New Mexico United. Timothy Tillman put the home side ahead early with a 6th minute goal, collecting the rebound off a save from New Mexico goalkeeper Alexandros Tabakis. David Martinez doubled the lead in the 37th minute and then after his initial shot was saved by Tabakis, Martinez scored off the rebound. Greg Hurst pulled New Mexico to within one in the 57th minute with a blast from just outside the top of the penalty area. Then, Mateusz Bogusz snuffed out any hope of a comeback for New Mexico in the 77th minute with his first goal of the tournament and a 3-1 lead. (VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS)

Semifinals >> Los Angeles FC 1:0 Seattle Sounders SC (MLS)

LAFC and Seattle were the first MLS opposition for each other in the 2024 Open Cup. Fresh off a disappointing Leagues Cup Final loss to the Columbus Crew, LAFC rebounded with a hard fought 1-0 win over the Seattle Sounders at Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila, Washington. The win not only earned LAFC their first Open Cup Final appearance but also stopped Seattle’s quest to join the exclusive club of five-time Open Cup winners. After a scoreless 80 minutes, LAFC won a penalty kick when Seattle’s Pedro de la Vega was called for a handball in the box. Denis Bouanga stepped up and converted the spot kick for the game’s lone goal. (VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS)

Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
24th US Open Cup appearance (1996-98, 2000-06, 2008-19, 2022-23)
4th Final appearance
Overall: 36-16-7 (4-3 PK)
Away: 9-9-5 (2-3 PK)
vs. MLS: 17-11-3 (3-0 PK)
Best finish: Champions (2004, 2012, 2015, 2017)

Los Angeles FC (MLS)
5th US Open Cup appearance (2018, 2019, 2022, 2023)
1st Open Cup Final appearance
Overall: 12-3-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 8-2-0 (0-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 5-3-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Semifinals (2018)

 

 

2024 US Open Cup Semifinals: Tim Melia of Sporting KC voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

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tim melia sporting kansas city
Photo by Sporting Kansas City | Graphic by Phil Naegely

After a stellar performance where he made four saves on his way to a clean sheet and a spot in the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final, Tim Melia of Sporting Kansas City has been voted TheCup.us Player of the Round.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel of from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. Anyone interested in voting for this award in future rounds may consider pledging $10 or more and help us with the continuing coverage of the US Open Cup and research on the tournament’s storied history. 

Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC finished as the runner-up with his game winning goal from the penalty spot on the road against the Seattle Sounders FC, and Melia’s Sporting KC teammate and goalscorer Johnny Russell finished third.

Melia’s four saves against USL side Indy Eleven came spread out as it seemed every time they had possession, they pushed forward quickly to try and test the 38-year-old. 

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

Melia now has two straight games with at least four saves, the other match being against FC Dallas in the Quarterfinals where he made seven saves including a late diving save in the 122nd minute on a close range Sebastian Llegget shot that would have been the equalizer.

TheCup.us has been awarding a Player of the Round award since 2006. During that time, Melia has won the award three times, which is more than anyone during that span. Melia has won this award two times (2015 Final, 2017 Final) during his time at Sporting KC, and once as a member of the Charleston Battery in 2010.

In addition, he also won TheCup.us Player of the Tournament in 2017 where he led his club to their fourth US Open Cup title where they defeated New York Red Bulls 2-1 in the Final. He kept three shutouts en route to the title, only allowing two goals in five matches.

Melia’s road to this stage has been arduous. Before arriving at Sporting KC in 2015 he served as Chivas USA’s backup keeper in 2013. During his time there, he made six appearances where he conceded 11 goals. But when Chivas USA dissolved in 2014, he ended up in the MLS goalkeeper pool, which seemed like a black hole for someone at the age of 28. But in 2015, Sporting KC had a goalkeeper sized hole as all three of their first team keepers were hurt, and Melia took the opportunity as quick as he could and proved he still had it. He went on to win 2015 MLS Comeback Player of the Year along with two US Open Cup titles in 2015 and 2017, along with the latter years MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award.

He looks to help bring home Sporting KC’s fifth US Open Cup title on Wednesday September 25 when he faces LAFC in the final, where he will possibly play his last final for the club he spent the majority of his career at.

 

2024 US Open Cup Semifinals: Who should be voted TheCup.us Player of the Round?

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Photo by LAFC Communications | Graphic by Phil Naegely

The Semifinals of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup are complete with Sporting Kansas City and Los Angeles FC punching their ticket to the Final.

Sporting Kansas City are seeking to win a record-tying fifth US Open Cup title, and they got there with a 2-0 home win over Indy Eleven (USL Championship) on Tuesday night. The day after, Los Angeles FC needed just a single goal to get past Seattle Sounders FC. With a 1-0 win at Starfire Soccer Complex, LAFC will play in the club’s first-ever Open Cup Final.

There were some key players that propelled both teams into the tournament’s 109th championship game and are being considered for TheCup.us Player of the Round.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. If you’d like to vote in this, or upcoming rounds, consider pledging $10 or more and help us continue to cover the US Open Cup and research its long history. If you did have a vote, which player do YOU think should win?

Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order):

Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC): Bouanga started, played all 90 minutes and scored the lone goal from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute in LAFC’s 1-0 road win over Seattle Sounders FC (MLS).

Tim Melia (Sporting Kansas City): Melia started, played all 90 minutes, made five saves and earned a clean sheet in a 2-0 home win over Indy Eleven (USL-C).

Johnny Russell (Sporting Kansas City): Russell started, played 88 minutes and scored opening goal (14th min.) in Sporting KC’s 2-0 home win over Indy Eleven (USL-C).

2024 US Open Cup Semifinals: Late PK helps LAFC edge Seattle Sounders to reach first USOC Final

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Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC scored the lone goal from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute in a 1-0 win over the Seattle Sounders in the Semifinals of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: LAFC

In a battle of MLS Western Conference heavyweights, Los Angeles FC outlasted Seattle Sounders, 1-0, on Wednesday night at Starfire Sports Stadium in the Semifinals of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The match hinged on a controversial handball called on Seattle in the 80th minute of an otherwise even affair.

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

As a result of Wednesday night’s triumph, LAFC will advance to the Open Cup Final for the first time in club history. The club previously reached the Semifinals in the 2018 edition of the Cup in their debut season. Seattle will have to wait another year in their attempt to become just the fourth team to win five Open Cup titles – the first among MLS clubs.

Denis Bouanga converted from the spot for the match’s lone goal in the 83rd minute. The tally stands as Bouanga’s first career goal in Open Cup action.

For LAFC forward Kei Kamara, he was proud of the way his team responded after losing to the Columbus Crew in the Leagues Cup Final just a few days before.

“This was really a tough game,” said Kamara, who won the 2012 US Open Cup with Sporting Kansas City, the team LAFC will face in next month’s Final. “It’s a tough game for everybody that has been in the final before and … lose a final, you know, to go back to the next game and see what you can do, how the locker room is gonna pick themselves up.”

Neither team was able to break through in the first half, but not for a lack of trying by Los Angeles. Bouanga whipped in a free kick that led to a Kei Kamara effort that was saved brilliantly by Andrew Thomas. The save rebounded to Lewis O’Brein who then saw his volleyed effort blocked by the Seattle defense to preserve parity.

After the interval, both teams had chances to score a decisive opener. However, Thomas and Hugo Lloris proved equal to every effort through the first 38 minutes of the second half. 

Unfortunately for Thomas, Pedro de la Vega was called for a handball in the box that set up a penalty attempt for Bouanga. The Gabonese striker stepped up to the spot and snuck it past Thomas, just inside the netminder’s right post.

In the second minute of stoppage time, Seattle thought they’d fought back to find an equalizer. Unfortunately, Jordan Morris was judged to be a step offside prior to his headed effort. With the Sounders throwing numbers forward in the dying moments of the match, LAFC’s defense stood strong and denied the hosts a clean look at goal.

Dating back to Seattle’s first Open Cup appearance in 1995, it was just the sixth time in 39 all-time home games that the Sounders were eliminated. It was also the first time that the four-time champions have ever lost a Semifinal match (5-1-0).

It was just the Wednesday night was the fourth win for LAFC against Seattle in 2024. Los Angeles will play host to Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday, Sept. 25 in the US Open Cup Final at BMO Stadium. Sporting defeated Indy Eleven 2-0 in the other Semifinal on Tuesday night. It will be the first time that the tournament’s championship game will be hosted in Southern California since 2005 (LA Galaxy). LAFC are the 26th Southern California club in tournament history to reach the championship game.

2024 US Open Cup Semifinals: Sporting KC work late to end Indy Eleven’s Cinderella run, return to USOC Final

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Dany Rosero of Sporting KC celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against Indy Eleven in the Semifinals of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sporting KC
Dany Rosero of Sporting KC celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against Indy Eleven in the Semifinals of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Sporting KC
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

Sporting Kansas City said goodbye to the last remaining lower division club as the MLS side shutout Indy Eleven, 2-0 to advance to their fifth US Open Cup Final.

Two first half goals by Johnny Russell and Dany Rosero boosted KC past Indy as Sporting learned from their mistakes in 2022 and defeated a USL team in Tuesday’s Semifinal match of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

With the win, Sporting will advance to the Final where they will play on the road against the winner of Wednesday’s Semifinal between the Seattle Sounders FC and Los Angeles FC.

If Kansas City is able to win the 109th US Open Cup Final, tentatively scheduled for Sept. 25, the club would tie the tournament’s all-time record with a fifth championship. Only three clubs in history have lifted the trophy five times: Bethlehem Steel, Maccabee AC, Fall River Marksmen/New Bedford Whalers.

Before the match could even begin, a storm swept over Kansas City. Thunderstorms along with large lightning strikes surrounded Children’s Mercy Park and the match’s kickoff was delayed from 7 p.m. local time all the way to 9:45 p.m., an almost three-hour delay. This isn’t the first time this has happened though, as the second half of SKC’s quarterfinal affair against FC Dallas was delayed for over two hours as well.

Though the delay didn’t seem to impede KC’s intentions on getting to the final and putting themselves in position to win a record-tying fifth US Open Cup title.

In the 14th minute, Sporting’s Jake Davis decided to take on a defender, then laying it off to Johnny Russell who buried a long-range effort into the bottom left corner. Russell’s fifth career US Open Cup goal proved to be the game’s winning strike. This goal is historic as it was the Scotsman’s 67th for the club, which ties former striker Dom Dwyer for second all-time in scoring.

Although Russell has been at the club since 2018, this will be the first final he will be a part of.

“I’m buzzing to be back (in a final),” said Russell. “Just to have an opportunity going there with these guys and hopefully to go win a trophy. I’m 0-for-5 in finals so winning this one would be very special.”

Though Sporting had already taken the lead, they continued to lay the pressure on Indy.

Erik Thommy hit the post twice, one that rattled the crossbar coming off of a long range effort in the 10th minute, the other coming from a close range freekick that nailed the inside of the left post.

Indy only threatened KC twice in the first half, one being a close-range shot in the 22nd minute from Augustine Williams that Melia got himself in front of, and the other being a ball played across the box that the dangerous Williams narrowly missed getting a foot to it in the 41st minute.

“We did really well (in the first half), pulling them out of their shape, eliminating their ability to play the ball over the top,” said Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia.

In the 35th minute, Remi Walter collected a semi-cleared out corner and lofted to the back post where Dany Rosero lurked and headed home a second for KC. The Colombian scored his second goal of the tournament, coming in back-to-back games. It was also his seventh goal for the club, all seven coming from headers. 

Indy faced an unlikely comeback scenario as there have only been four instances in the Modern Era where an MLS side has been eliminated by a lower-level club when leading by two goals or more.

Indy was a lot more lively in the second half, producing eight of their ten shots in the half. They had great chances in the 52nd minute, when Williams’ had another shot saved by Melia, and a deflection that Melia also tipped wide. Jack Blake also had two long range volleys coming from semi-cleared corners, both of which were saved by Melia.

Melia’s heroics in the second half earned him man of the match honors and is expected to be a nominee for TheCup.us Player of the Round with another stellar performance in the Open Cup. He produced five saves or more saves in the second consecutive Open Cup game and kept his second consecutive clean sheet in all competitions. 

“We had to grind in the second half, they’re a good quality opponent, and we shouldn’t take anything away from them,” said Melia.

Although happy about the result, Melia sees this as a way to redeem a season that hasn’t fully met his team’s standards.

“Yeah. I think this one’s different because we’re not where we wanna be right now,” said Melia, who was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round for the 2015 and 2017 US Open Cup Finals. “So I think this one is a little bit more important to, I don’t wanna say make something with the season, but this one just means more because of the position that we’re in within the (MLS) season.”

In the last minute of play, Agada was able to win a late penalty to cap off an important win, though Alan Pulido’s attempt was saved to the keepers right by Hunter Sulte. This was KC’s third penalty attempt that has been unsuccessful this season in all competitions. The game also marked Pulido’s 100th appearance in all competitions for the club, in which he joined in 2020.

This win takes Sporting’s home unbeaten streak in the Open Cup to 16 matches, the second longest streak in the Modern Era (1995-present). Kansas City hasn’t suffered a loss at home in the tournament since Fifth Round match in 2014 against the Portland Timbers. Sporting KC’s manager Peter Vermes has always treated this tournament different than most MLS clubs and feels that the tournament needs to be respected.

“I think from a commercial perspective, the tournament has to get better,” said Vermes, who earned his 26th career Open Cup win, which is tied for second among all Modern Era coaches. “I just think there are certain things within the tournament that can be better. Unfortunately, that’s a responsibility of US Soccer. That has to take another level up.”

They will face the winner of the other semifinal match between LAFC and Seattle on Wednesday, and if LAFC is victorious in that match, Kansas City will have a place in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup as LAFC have already qualified for the competition via the Leagues Cup earlier this month, meaning the spot falls to the next highest finishing team.

Sporting added to the club’s tournament resume, earning a 36th win, which moves them into a tie for sixth place in the Modern Era with the Richmond Kickers.

During Vermes’ press conference, he mentioned that a fan was struck just outside the stadium before kickoff. “ Our thoughts and prayers and everything goes to the family involved. Very sad news to hear coming off the field”. KCPD has released an update that the victim is, “at a local hospital with potential life-threatening injuries” as of 11:45 p.m. local time.


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