Chicago Fire MLS

2018 US Open Cup Semifinals: Burke’s brace sends Philadelphia Union to Final for third time

August 8, 2018 by Michael Berton

Cory Burke of the Philadelphia Union celebrates one of his two goals in a 3-0 home win over the Chicago Fire in the 2018 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: Chris Szagola | Philadelphia Union

Three second-half goals propelled the Philadelphia Union to its third Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final, blowing away the Chicago Fire, 3-0.

Cory Burke and Alejandro Bedoya were the heroes for the Union, as Bedoya set up Burke twice to break the deadlock that lasted into the 60th minute. CJ Sapong added a third goal on an assist from Fafa Picault to put the game away late.

In the first half, four-time Open Cup winners Chicago was first to have a clear shot on goal, but the Union’s Haris Medunjanin provided the first highlight of the game. His free kick from about 30 yards out beat goalkeeper Richard Sanchez but rattled the crossbar, tantalizingly close to the game’s first goal.

The teams traded chances 20 minutes later. First, in the 37th minute, Bastian Schweinsteiger just barely missed a bicycle kick attempt, to the oohs and aahs of home and away fans alike. Two minutes later, it was the Union’s turn, as Jack Elliott headed a corner kick just high over the bar.

After the halftime break, Sanchez made a point-blank save on Bedoya. A free kick rebounded out to David Accam. His shot deflected to Bedoya, whose close range effort required a spectacular save by Sanchez.

Bedoya was involved in the action again for the Union’s first goal. Bedoya and Borek Dockal played a one-two sequence at the top of the Chicago box, then Bedoya chipped the ball perfectly to Burke on the right side of the box. Burke powered it home for the game’s opening goal.

The same two players were involved when Philadelphia doubled its lead. Just seconds after a hydration break finished in the 77th minute, Bedoya got the ball wide open on the right. He crossed it to Burke, who smashed it to the left of Sanchez for his third goal of the tournament. It was Bedoya’s fourth assist, which is tied for the tournament lead.

Sapong capped off the scoring in the 86th minute. Fabian Herbers got the ball to Picault, entering the Fire box from the left. He tapped it to Sapong, who redirected the ball into the net.

After the game, Union head coach Jim Curtin thanked the fans.

have a way of making the Open Cup special for us,” said Curtin, who played in three US Open Cup Finals as a defender for the Fire, winning the tournament in 2003 and 2006. “It pushes our guys when we need it. We weren’t sharp with the ball . The players deserve all the credit for the halftime turnaround.”

That turnaround means Philadelphia heads to the Open Cup final for the third time in five years. The team lost consecutive US Open Cup Finals in 2014 and 2015 to the Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City, respectively. The Union is also looking to end a long Open Cup drought for Philadelphia teams. The last team from the City of Brotherly Love to lift the trophy was the Ukrainian Nationals back in 1966.

They become the 19th Eastern Pennsylvania team to reach the US Open Cup Final.

“It is a hard accomplishment,” said Curtin. “It’s not as easy to get to finals as people think. In this life, you never know how many opportunities you’re going to get to play in a final. The next big challenge is to lift a trophy. We’ve had about as heartbreaking losses as you could have. You have to go for it and have a team that’s brave and tries to play the right way.”

The Union also extend their tournament unbeaten streak to 14 games (9-0-5, 2-3 PKs), which is the second-longest streak of the Modern Era (1995-present). Matches that end in a penalty kick shootout are officially listed as draws. The club’s home unbeaten streak is now at 11 games, which is also the second-longest streak in the Modern Era.

The Union will not have an opportunity to add to that streak as they will play the Final on the road against on the winner of the Houston Dynamo and Los Angeles FC on Sept. 26.

HIGHLIGHTS

MORE HIGHLIGHTS

“I think that the guys emptied their tanks for the club, for the badge, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.” pic.twitter.com/RWHyY9R095 — Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) August 9, 2018

2018 US Open Cup Semifinals Preview: Who will reach the 105th Final?

August 8, 2018 by Josh Hakala

The 105th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup are down to the final four as the tournament’s semifinal round kicks off on Wednesday night. The Semifinals feature three teams that are seeking their first-ever US Open Cup title and a fourth who are trying to make history by lifting the trophy for the fifth time.

No team in the history of the tournament has reached the Semifinals more than the Chicago Fire and they have their eyes on a fifth US Open Cup championship. However, they haven’t lifted the trophy since 2006 and if they are able to defeat the Philadelphia Union on the road on Wednesday night, they would host the championship game on Oct. 3.

The Fire will travel to face the Philadelphia Union who are trying to become the first Philadelphia area team to win the tournament since 1966 (Ukrainian Nationals). The Union have had two golden opportunities to win their first major trophy when they hosted the 2014 and the 2015 US Open Cup Final, but each time they lost a game that required extra time. In 2014, they lost to the Seattle Sounders 3-1 in extra time and in 2015 they lost in a penalty kick shootout to Sporting Kansas City.

In the other side of the bracket, the Houston Dynamo will not only try to win the US Open Cup for the first time, but they will try to become the first team from South Texas to win the tournament. They will square off with Los Angeles FC, a MLS expansion team who are looking to win a trophy in the club’s first season. The winner of this game will get to host the US Open Cup Final if the Philadelphia Union defeat the Chicago Fire.

There will be no television coverage of either game, but there will be an online stream available on USSoccer.com.

Check out a preview and video links for each game below:

#USOC2018 coverage:
* 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup schedule, results
* 2018 US Open Cup statistical leaders
* 2018 US Open Cup Player of the Round winners
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 1 review
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 2 review
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 3 review
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 4 review
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 5 review
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Quarterfinal review

MORE COVERAGE:
* Milwaukee’s Bavarian SC qualify for 2019 US Open Cup by winning Amateur Cup title
* Which PDL teams will qualify for 2019 US Open Cup?
* US Soccer legend Walter Bahr leaves behind Hall of Fame legacy
* How amateurs Dallas Roma FC beat World Cup champs, an MLS team and it cost $75,000

* Things you should know about the Semifinals of the US Open Cup

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BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO STREAM

By Michael Berton

Four-time Open Cup winners Chicago Fire are two wins away from a record-tying fifth championship, but in their way are the Philadelphia Union, unbeaten in 13-straight Open Cup games and a two-time runner-up (2014, 2015). The Union is seeking its third Final appearance in the last five years and trying to end Philadelphia’s lengthy Open Cup title drought.

HOW THEY GOT HERE

Round 4: 5-0 win vs. Richmond Kickers (USL)
Round 5: 2-1 vs. New York Red Bulls (MLS)
Quarterfinals: 1-0 vs. Orlando City SC (MLS)
Semifinals: vs. Chicago Fire (MLS)

Philadelphia’s 13-game unbeaten streak (8-0-5, 2-3 PKs) is the second-longest in the Modern Era. (NOTE: Matches that end in penalty kicks are officially listed as draws.) That streak includes three victories in 2018 edition of the US Open Cup.

In the Fourth Round, the Union easily dispatched the Richmond Kickers (USL), scoring all its goals in the first 50 minutes in a 5-0 win. In the Round of 16, the Union hosted the New York Red Bulls for the fourth year in a row in Open Cup play (at the time, this was the first time two teams have met four straight years). On the back of two second half goals from Haris Medunjanin and Cory Burke (both assisted by Alejandro Bedoya), Philadelphia earned a 2-1 victory. A Quarterfinal matchup with first time Open Cup opponents Orlando City SC proved to be no problem for the Union. Hosting its third game in a row, Philadelphia rode a fourth minute Alejandro Bedoya goal to earn a comfortable 1-0 win.

The Chicago Fire started its quest for a fifth US Open Cup title with two games on the road.

The Fire were taken to a shootout in the Fourth Round against Columbus Crew SC after a 2-2 draw. The shootout made it all the way to the goalkeepers, with Fire goalie Richard Sanchez scoring the go-ahead PK, then stopping his counterpart’s shot, to give his team a 10-9 penalty kick win. Chicago then pulled off one of the bigger upsets of this year’s tournament with a 1-0 win over Atlanta United. Facing the MLS leaders and their 41,012 rabid fans (the largest crowd to ever watch a US Open Cup game in the 105-year history of the tournament), Nemanja Nikolic netted his third goal of the competition in the 54th minute en route to a 1-0 victory. The Fire then avoided an upset in the Quarterfinals, defeating Louisville City FC, 4-0, to advance to their all-time record 13th Lamar Hunt US Open Cup semifinal.

CURRENT FORM

The Union’s uneven season continued since its Quarterfinal win over Orlando City. After losing at home, 3-1, to the Los Angeles Galaxy, Philadelphia went on the road for two games. The team earned a 3-1 win at the Houston Dynamo on July 25, but then fell to the Portland Timbers, 3-0, on Aug. 4 in a game where they rested a number of starters to prepare for Wednesday’s Open Cup game. They currently sit in 7th place in the Eastern Conference, two points out of the playoffs.

Chicago have not won a MLS game since June 30, losing six in a row overall and three in a row since beating Louisville City in the Quarterfinals. Since that Quarterfinal win, the Fire lost 2-1 at home to Toronto FC on July 21, 3-0 at Toronto FC on July 28, then 2-1 at Real Salt Lake on Aug. 4. Chicago is next-to-last in the Eastern Conference, six points behind the final playoff spot in the conference.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Philadelphia Union (MLS)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 15-3-6 (3-3 PK)
Home: 14-2-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 7-3-5 (2-3 PK)
Best finish: Runner-Up (2014, 2015)

Chicago Fire (MLS)
21st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 41-14-6 (4-2 PK)
Away: 15-13-3 (2-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 22-9-2 (2-0 PK)
Best finish: 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006 champions

The Union are on a 13-game unbeaten streak in the Open Cup (matches that end in penalty kicks are officially listed as draws), and made the Semifinals for the first time since 2015. After falling in consecutive US Open Cup Finals in 2014 and 2015 to the Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City, respectively, the Union have been ousted in penalty kicks the last two years (vs. New England Revolution in 2016, vs. New York Red Bulls in 2017). In addition to trying to win the club’s first major trophy, the Union are trying to break an Open Cup title drought for the city of Philadelphia. The last team from the City of Brotherly Love to lift the trophy was the Ukrainian Nationals back in 1966.

The Chicago Fire are the most successful MLS team in US Open Cup history, and one of the most successful all-time. They are one of eight clubs in the history of the 105-year-old US Open Cup to win four tournament championships (1998, 2000, 2003, 2006), but they have not lifted the trophy since 2006. No team in the history of the tournament has more Semifinals appearances (13) than the Fire, and only two teams (Kutis SC, FC Dallas) have more Quarterfinal appearances than Chicago’s 14. They are also the only club in the history of the tournament to reach four consecutive Semifinals twice (2003-06, 2013-16).

If the Fire reach the championship game, they would tie Maccabee AC (Los Angeles, Calif.) for the all-time record for most US Open Cup Final appearances with seven.

PAST MEETINGS

This is the second Open Cup meeting between the Union and Fire, and both meetings have come in the Semifinals. The first took place in 2015. The Union became the first Philadelphia team since 1964 to make back-to-back Finals by beating the Fire 1-0. In the 74th minute, Sebastien Le Toux added to his legendary Open Cup resume with his Modern Era record 15th career tournament goal. Le Toux just recently became Philadelphia’s first Ring of Honor inductee.

In MLS play, Philadelphia holds a narrow edge over Chicago at 9-8-5. The Union won both regular season meetings this year, including a 3-1 home win on May 30 and a 4-3 road win on July 11. The Union will be happy to host, as they hold a 6-2-2 record against the Fire at home, and earned a victory over Chicago at home in their only Open Cup meeting. In Open Cup play, the Union are 14-2-2 (1-1 PKs) all-time in tournament play at Talen Energy Stadium.

TOP SCORERS/PLAYERS

The Union are led by Borek Dockal, who leads the team in both goals and assists, with five and nine respectively. Haris Medunjanin and Alejandro Bedoya marshall the midfield, while they are led from the back by goalie Andre Blake. Cory Burke, who played big roles in the Union’s Open Cup wins, is tied for the team lead with five goals, and had a two-goal performance in his team’s last meeting against the Chicago Fire.

The Fire have been led to the Semifinals by star striker Nemanja Nikolic, who is tied for second place in the tournament with four goals and he has scored 10 goals in league play. Aleksander Katai is second on the team with nine league goals. The legendary Bastian Schweinsteiger leads his team with six assists. Richard Sanchez has 73 saves this season, and led Chicago to its penalty kick victory over Columbus Crew SC in the Fourth Round by making a pair of saves and also scoring the game-winning spot kick in the shootout.

WEATHER

As of the Sunday forecast, it will be hot and humid in the Philadelphia area with a 50% chance for thunderstorms.

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO STREAM

By Thomas Hodul

The western Semifinal of the US Open Cup pits two sides both trying to reach the Final for the first time in their respective club’s history as the Houston Dynamo host 2018 MLS expansion side Los Angeles FC. The Dynamo have twice reached the Semifinals twice (2006, 2009). First, in 2006, they lost 3-1 to the LA Galaxy and then again in 2009 when they lost 2-1 in extra time to the eventual champion Seattle Sounders.

On the other side of the field, LAFC are making their first run in the tournament as a club, but are led by a man in Bob Bradley who is no stranger to winning this tournament, having done so twice with the Chicago Fire in 1998 and in 2000. Much like this years LAFC squad, Chicago was a MLS expansion side in 1998 meaning not only has Bob won this tournament twice, but he did so with an expansion side once already as well.

HOW THEY GOT HERE

Round 4: 5-0 home win vs. NTX Rayados (USASA)
Round 5: 1-0 home win vs. Minnesota United FC (MLS)
Quarterfinals: 4-2 home win vs. Sporting KC (MLS)
Semifinals: home vs. Los Angeles FC (MLS)

Houston’s run to the Semifinals began with a comfortable 5-0 win over Open Division qualifiers North Texas Rayados. The Dynamo were led on the night by two goals from home grown product Memo Rodriguez and two goals from Aldo Quintanilla. Next, they bested fellow MLS side Minnesota United as Mauro Manotas scored the lone goal to help his side advance 1-0. They were then able to beat the defending champions Sporting Kansas City in the Quarterfinals by a score of 4-2 as Manotas and Romell Quioto both scored twice.

LAFC began their run to the Semifinals by knocking out USL side Fresno FC at home by a score of 2-0. Diego Rossi scored the first goal that night for LAFC before Latif Blessing, champion with Sporting KC last year, added a second. In the Second Round, they faced a difficult Sacramento Republic FC (USL) side who were coming off an upset over the Seattle Sounders in the previous round. LAFC twice had to come from behind to eventually win 3-2 when Man of the Match Diego Rossi, found Blessing for the winner in the 89^th minute.

In the Quarterfinals, LAFC defeated the Portland Timbers by the score of 3-2 in a game that would be more memorable by the drama that came after the game. However controversy would ensue post game when the Timbers filed a complaint with the US Open Cup committee over LAFC’s roster, leaving LAFC’s position in the Semifinals in doubt. In the end, the protest filed by Portland over an ineligible player fielded by LAFC was withdrawn as it was deemed “a good faith misunderstanding among U.S. Soccer, Major League Soccer and Los Angeles Football Club.”

CURRENT FORM

Houston currently sit in 10^th place in the 12-team MLS Western Conference. They are coming off three consecutive league losses including a 1-0 loss last weekend to Sporting Kansas City with their last point coming in a 1-1 draw in the Texas Derby to FC Dallas back on July 21.

LAFC has hit their first major bump in the road in their inaugural season, as they haven’t won in league play since July 7. They most recently lost away to the New York Red Bulls 2-1 this past weekend. Before that, they blew a 2-0 lead late to rival LA Galaxy to drop two points, and before that they were thrashed 5-1 by Minnesota United. However, the team is still comfortably in a playoff spot as they currently sit in fourth place in the MLS Western Conference.

US OPEN CUP HISTORY

Houston Dynamo
13th Open Cup Appearance
Overall: 15-10-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 12-4-0
vs. MLS: 5-8-0
Best finish: Semifinals (2006, 2009)

Los Angeles FC (MLS)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 3-0-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. MLS: 1-0-0
Best finish: N/A

Los Angeles FC, an MLS expansion team, is experiencing the US Open Cup for the first time. Their leader is a two-time US Open Cup champion in head coach Bob Bradley who guided the expansion Chicago Fire to a tournament title in 1998, and another one in the club’s third year in 2000. He even guided the Metrostars (New York Red Bulls) to the US Open Cup Final in 2003 … losing to the Chicago Fire at Giants Stadium.

Houston is also seeking their first US Open Cup Final appearance as the Dynamo have knocked on the door twice. In 2006, their first season after moving from San Jose, the Dynamo reached the final four only to fall to the Los Angeles Galaxy, 3-1. They would return to the Semifinals in 2009 and would lose a tight extra time battle on the road against the Seattle Sounders.

Aside from those two runs to the Semifinals, Houston’s Open Cup success has been fairly limited. They would not win multiple games in a single tournament until they reached the Quarterfinals in 2015 and 2016 only to lose to Sporting Kansas City and FC Dallas, respectively. Both teams would go on to win the tournament. Last year, they were eliminated by Kansas City again, this time in the Round of 16 as Sporting would also move on to win the Open Cup.

PAST MEETINGS

The last time these two teams matched up it was the Houston Dynamo who came back from 2-0 down scoring in the 94^th and 96^th minute to earn the comeback win against LAFC who has all to often this season blown multiple-goal leads. To this point that is the only meeting between the two sides as their next MLS match doesn’t happen until the end of October.

TOP SCORERS/PLAYERS

Houston’s players to watch include Mauro Manotas who has score three times in three games so far in this year’s Open Cup. Manotas is the club’s all-time leading scorer (7 goals) in US Open Cup play and he scored a pair of goals in the Dynamo’s 4-2 win over Sporting Kansas City in the Quarterfinals. Romell Quioto also scored two goals against Sporting and was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round in the Quarterfinals for his two-goal effort against Sporting KC.

For LAFC players to watch are Latif Blessing who has said that this is his favorite tournament, having won it last year with Sporting KC. Latif helped LAFC reach this round with a goal in Round 4 and 5. The other player of note is Benny Feilhaber, who will be looking to lift the Open Cup Trophy for a third time in four years.

WEATHER

Clear skies are in the forecast but it will be warm and humid in Houston (nothing new to Houstonians).

2018 US Open Cup Round 4: PK shootout decided by goalkeepers as Chicago Fire oust Crew SC again

June 7, 2018 by Ben Ferree

For the second year in a row, the Chicago Fire had to go to a shootout to determine a winner against an Ohio team. This year things were different. After falling to FC Cincinnati in their magical cup run, the Fire were able to come out on top against league rivals Columbus Crew SC, a 10-9 penalty kicks win after a 2-2 draw in the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup.

Chicago started many of their offensive starters, while Crew SC opted for a lineup full of reserve players. Still, it was Columbus who struck first in an sloppy — but even — first half. After a bad turnover, Niko Hansen was able to feed Cristian Martinez for an open look that the Panamanian buried. Columbus came close to taking a lead into the half, but Nemanja Nikolic found the back of the net at the buzzer after a perfect cross from Rafeal Ramos.

The deadlock would hold until extra time, when Nikolic again found the net in the 109th minute. Crew SC keeper Logan Ketterer parried a shot away, but the ball dropped right at Nikolic’s feet for an easy goal. Somehow, Columbus was able to strike again just five minutes later with Adam Jahn powering a shot past Richard Sanchez. That brought the game to a shootout.

Nikolic took the first kick and missed, giving Crew SC the advantage. But Hector Jimenez missed the second attempt for Columbus, and Chicago wouldn’t miss again. It came all the way down to the keepers, and Sanchez scored on Ketterer and was able to then stop his Crew SC counterpart to advance Chicago into the round of 16.

@RICHSANZ45 #USOC2018 #cf97 pic.twitter.com/CoXwUbdvSN

— Chicago Fire (@ChicagoFire) June 7, 2018

“If you told me my first game was going to be 120 minutes and 11 rounds of PKs I’d tell you that you were crazy,” Ketterer said. “It was a great experience, tons of credit to the guys, for battling for that long, getting that goal. Going until the end, just like that Toronto game last weekend. It shows a lot of the character that is in this locker room.”

“I don’t recall taking a PK in these circumstances, but you do train for them,” Sanchez said. “You train for them during practice and I myself train them, so it feels good. It gives me confidence. I think it gives the players confidence as well for the ones that made it and we just continue to build from this.”

Head Coach Veljko Paunovic was pleased with his squad.

“I think it was important to advance to the next round,” he said. “I think it was a huge effort from the team. Both teams I think did a huge effort today. I think we both tried until the end. It literally decided the small detail, with the PK spot. The last player had to take it, the goalkeepers in this case. I think it is good for us to get this win in the Open Cup and it’s very important for our club.

This very important competition gives us more confidence to move on. Not only in the next round, but in the next couple of games, the next stretch of games we have at home and on road.”

With the win, the Fire remain unbeaten (5-0-1, 1-0 PKs) all-time against the Crew in US Open Cup play. The four-time champions also maintain their unbeaten record (8-0-2, 2-0 PKs) in Fourth Round games.

2017 US Open Cup Round 5: FC Cincinnati blanks Chicago Fire, advances on PKs in front of another record crowd

June 29, 2017 by Ben Ferree

Mitch Hildebrandt made 10 saves, then stopped three of four Chicago Fire penalty kicks after extra time to help FC Cincinnati advance in the Round of 16 of the 2017 US Open Cup Wednesday night. After 120 minutes of scoreless soccer, Cincinnati won the shootout 3-1 sending one of the biggest crowds in tournament history into a frenzy at Nippert Stadium.

“The team was absolutely unbelievable. The amount of work they put in for 120 minutes…I can’t even fathom how they feel right now,” Hildebrandt said. “You dream of moment. Bottom of the ninth hitting a home run in the World Series, that’s the American version of this. You just want to be there for your team. You try not to think about any of the pressure. A World Cup winner stands up to take a penalty against you and you try to forget who he is and try to stop the ball. It’s exciting.”

MORE: Cincinnati’s forgotten US Open Cup history

Cincinnati will travel for their next match, a meeting with Miami FC of the NASL. The two second tier clubs matching up ensures there will be at least one lower division representative in the semifinals this year. The game will be played July 12.

“That’s a very good team packed with a lot of big time stars,” said FC Cincinnati manager Alan Koch, “I’m very proud of the team. I’m equally as proud of the club and the job they do to promote…it’s absolutely first class. I’m also proud of the city of Cincinnati. Their passion, you don’t get that in many places. There is a lot of passion in our sport across the world, but that was pretty unique tonight.”

WATCH: Mitch Hildebrandt 3 PK saves to help #FCCincy beat the Chicago Fire! #CINvCHI pic.twitter.com/31eHqZg5Qa

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) June 29, 2017

FC Cincinnati continues to break records on their way through the Cup. For the second time in a row, the club broke the non-final attendance record, this time bringing in 32,287 fans for the Round of 16 matchup against Chicago.

Cincinnati’s lineup was vastly different from previous Open Cup matches. Noticeably absent was forward Djiby Fall, who had scored all three game winning goals in the tournament so far. Also absent was defender Tyler Polak who came up with multiple blocks in the prior game against Columbus Crew SC.

Wednesday night's US Open Cup action, headlined by FC Cincinnati's upset on ESPN was trending nationally on Twitter. — Wednesday night’s US Open Cup action, headlined by FC Cincinnati’s upset on ESPN was trending nationally on Twitter.

On the other side of the ball, the Fire didn’t pull any punches. Leading MLS goalscorer Nemanja Nikolic started, as did Bastian Schweinsteiger, Juninho, and Michael de Leeuw. But the vaunted Fire attack, which had won nine consecutive games in all competitions, launched 26 shots at the Cincinnati goal but ultimately fell in penalty kicks.

Despite having 70 percent possession and outshooting Cincinnati 26-20, Chicago could never find the back of the net. This was due in large part to the outstanding net minding by Hildebrandt. The only kick he didn’t save was in the shootout on a goal by World Cup and UEFA Champions League veteran in Schweinsteiger.

Josu, Harrison Delbridge, and Jimmy McLaughlin scored on their kicks in the victory.

The passion was on full display when Cincinnati thought they found the game winner in extra time when Andrew Wiedeman slotted the ball past a diving Matt Lampson, but the assistant referee called it offside. Replay shows Wiedeman was onside, and to add insult to injury he picked up a yellow card for taking off his jersey in celebration.

“This group was fantastic. Normally after a moment when you think you scored it’s pretty deflating,” Koch said, “give the guys a lot of credit for bouncing back and keep on pushing and keep on going.”

2014 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Chicago Fire burn Atlanta Silverbacks 3-1 to earn record 10th Semifinal berth (video)

July 10, 2014 by Laura Taylor

On a typically hot summer night in Atlanta, the Silverbacks looked to keep their Cinderella run going as they welcomed the Chicago Fire to town for the Quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Unfortunately for the home fans in attendance, the four-time champions proved to be the superior side as the Fire defeated the Silverbacks 3-1 to move on to the Semifinals. Chicago’s Quincy Amarikwa, Jeff Larentowicz, and Alex all scored second half goals to lead the visitors to the Final Four.

The Fire reach the Semifinals for a Modern Professional Era record 10th time and will travel to Tukwila, Wash. to take on the Seattle Sounders on Aug. 13. It will be a rematch of the 2011 US Open Cup Final.

Atlanta began the match – a trial by Fire, if you will – down three starters and two coaches following the last round’s “Mile High Melee” against the Colorado Rapids that saw field players Borfor Carr, Jaime Chavez, Kwadwo Poku, Technical Director Eric Wynalda and Assistant Coach Ricardo Montoya red-carded. On the other side of the pitch was a Fire team playing its third game in seven days, one with a 2-12-4 record on artificial turf since 2010.

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Wynalda expressed confidence in his side before the game, telling 92.9FM The Game’s Alec Campbell, “The last two weeks are the best the team has looked in training since been here.”

The match opened evenly with the Silverbacks seeing better chances from forward Junior Sandoval, forcing a nice kick save from Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson. On the flip side, Fire forward Quincy Amarikwa was in alone on Silverbacks netminder Derby Carrillo but failed to pull the trigger. 20 minutes in, the Silverbacks held a slight edge in shots, 3-1.

In the 31st minute, tempers flared between Chicago’s Mike Magee and Atlanta’s Jesus Gonzalez. Magee kicked out at a 50-50 ball near the sideline and after Gonzalez confronted Magee about it, both players appeared to attempt to head-butt each other at the same time. There was no injury, but referee Edvin Jurisevic hit both players with straight red cards. The night was over for Magee and Gonzalez.

Just three minutes later, the Fire’s Matt Watson earned himself a yellow card, and just to even things out Atlanta got a yellow of their own in the 43rd, Ferrety Sousa with the booking. On the ensuing free kick, Chicago’s Jeff Larentowicz headed a sharp angle shot into Carrillo’s waiting hands.

The half ended scoreless with Atlanta seeing the better chances and looking a little more aggressive. However, Chicago’s forwards showed some creativity and the ability to slice through the Silverbacks’ back line if they wanted to. But Magee’s ejection obviously changed the tenor of the Fire’s attack.

“ put us on the back foot in the first half,” said Johnson, who hails from nearby Lilburn, “and we had to
dig ourselves out of a hole and regroup at halftime.”

The stalemate was finally broken in the 50th minute when Amarikwa scored on a rebound as he lifted the ball over the outstretched hands of Carrillo. Chicago led 1-0.

It didn’t take long for the home side to equalize. Junior Sandoval received a perfectly timed pass and went in 2-
on-0 against Johnson. Sandoval smartly played the ball off for Deon McCaulay to finish to tie the game at 1-1 in the 54th minute.

The teams played an even game through the 75th minute. Atlanta’s young speedster Alex Harlley replaced Sousa and had an immediate impact down the right wing. The night began to cool as a breeze blew in and a bit of lightning appeared on the horizon. In the 76th minute, Silverbacks defender Mike Randolph unleashed a rocket shot that sailed just over the crossbar.

Shortly after nearly putting Atlanta ahead, Randolph put his team in a hole in the 82nd minute as he took down Matt Fondy in the box which gave Chicago a penalty kick. Larentowicz converted to give Chicago the 2-1 lead with fewer than 10 minutes remaining.

Just two minutes later the Silverbacks threatened when Harlley juked a defender but shot high.

“We didn’t put balls into the net …balls that we we should have.” said acting-coach Alejandro Pombo, specifically
lamenting that missed opportunity by Harlley to equalize.

A minute later the Fire extinguished any chance of an Atlanta comeback when Alex put the visitors up 3-1, again finishing a juicy rebound left by the Silverbacks goalkeeper.

And that’s how the game would end. Though the depleted Silverbacks played well, they couldn’t stop the Fire from blazing at the end of the second half. Atlanta was unable to dispatch its third straight MLS side, and Chicago moved on
to the Semifinals.

“Finishing,” said Pomba simply. Though top scorer Chavez was amongst the starters who missed this match, Pombo made no excuses, “They play every single game, are our top scorers, but we don’t care about that.”

Though the Silverbacks began their NASL season slowly, Pombo was confident in the team’s growth over the last month: “We want to make it tough for all the teams in the second part of the year.”

The silver lining for the Silverbacks is that since fellow NASL club Carolina RailHawks also lost their Quarterfinal match, the $15,000 prize money to the Division 2 team that advances the farthest comes down to a tiebreaker. Atlanta will be $15,000 richer as its two victories over Major League Soccer opposition (Real Salt Lake, Colorado Rapids) trumps Carolina’s win (Los Angeles Galaxy) and a draw (Chivas USA) against MLS teams in this year’s tournament.

Chicago moves one step closer to adding to their four US Open Cup trophies. One more and it will equal the all-time record for most Open Cup titles. Despite that, Johnson said the road through Atlanta was not an easy one. “ gave us a great game. Hats off to them.”

MATCH REPLAY: CHICAGO FIRE AT ATLANTA SILVERBACKS

Fourth Round fun facts: Notable upsets, things you should know about Round 4

May 23, 2014 by Josh Hakala

Players from the Houston Dynamo (orange) and NTX Rayados battle for the ball in their Fourth Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Jose Castellanos | Prost Amerika

The US Open Cup has only had a Fourth Round (prior to the Quarterfinals) 12 times in the Modern Era (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2012-22).

The first indoor game in US Open Cup history took place in the Fourth Round. On July 20, 2004, the Minnesota Thunder hosted the Los Angeles Galaxy at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minn. The Thunder upset the Galaxy that day 1-0, in front of 5,505 fans. Defender Chris Brunt scored the game-winning goal in the 21st minute.

No Open Division team in the Modern Era has ever advanced beyond the Fourth Round

Only 7 USL League Two (PDL) teams have advanced to the Fourth Round, all but one have faced MLS teams
2018: FC Golden State Force (lost 3-1 at Los Angeles Galaxy)
2016: Kitsap Pumas (lost 2-0 at Seattle Sounders FC)
2014: Laredo Heat (lost 1-0 at Houston Dynamo)
2014: Orlando City U23s (lost 3-0 at Portland Timbers)
2012: Michigan Bucks (lost 2-1 AET vs. Dayton Dutch Lions)
2006: Carolina Dynamo (lost 4-2 vs. Houston Dynamo)
2005: Des Moines Menace (lost 6-1 vs. Kansas City Wizards)
2003: Fresno Fuego (lost 3-1 vs. Los Angeles Galaxy)

Only 6 Open Division Local (USASA) teams have advanced to the Fourth Round
2018: NTX Rayados (lost 5-0 at Houston Dynamo)
2017: Christos FC (lost 4-1 at D.C. United of MLS)
2016: La Maquina (lost 4-1 AET at Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS)
2015: PSA Elite (lost 6-1 at Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS)
2014: PSA Elite (lost 5-0 at Seattle Sounders of MLS)
2012: Cal FC (lost 5-0 at Seattle Sounders of MLS)
2006: Dallas Roma FC (lost 2-0 at Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS)

Only 2 NPSL teams have advanced to the Fourth Round
2019: Orange County FC (lost 3-0 at Los Angeles Galaxy)
2018: Miami United FC (lost 3-0 vs. Orlando City SC)

In 2006, only teams from Major League Soccer emerged from the Fourth Round.

touray-harrisburg-vs-red-bulls-big — The Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro) won a Fourth Round game in 2012 by upsetting the New York Red Bulls 3-1 after extra time. Photo: Harrisburg City Islanders

The Chicago Fire did not lose a Fourth Round game until 2019 when they lost to Saint Louis FC. Prior to that, they had a 7-0-2 (2-0 PKs) record.

Major League Soccer began playing in the tournament in the Fourth Round for the first time in 2014 as part of an expanded format.

The attendance record in the Modern Era was set in 2013 when Sporting Kansas City (MLS) hosted Orlando City SC (USL PRO) at Sporting Park in front of an announced attendance of 15,981. Thanks to that figure, the record for Fourth Round average attendance was broken with 6,887 across the eight games. Sporting Kansas City later broke their own record in 2015 when they hosted and defeated Saint Louis FC (USL) 1-0 on June 16, 2015 in front of an announced crowd of 19,298. FC Cincinnati shattered that record in 2017 when they drew 30,160 to Nippert Stadium to watch them upset the Columbus Crew (MLS), 1-0.

In 2014, with Major League Soccer not entering the tournament until Round 4, a record three amateur teams (Laredo Heat, Orlando City U23s, PSA Elite) advanced beyond the Third Round, followed by five amateur teams reaching the Fourth Round in 2015.

Notable upsets in the Fourth Round

2003: Wilmington Hammerheads (PSL) 4:1 Dallas Burn (MLS)
2003: Seattle Sounders (A-League) 1:0 San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
2004: Charleston Battery (A-League) 1:0 Metrostars (MLS)
2004: Rochester Raging Rhinos (A-League) 1:1 New England Revolution (MLS) (ROC advances on PKs 3-1)
2004: Richmond Kickers (PSL) 2:1 DC United (MLS)
2004: Minnesota Thunder (A-League) 1:0 Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
2005: Rochester Raging Rhinos (USL-1) 3:1 Metrostars (MLS)
2005: Minnesota Thunder (USL-1) 4:1 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
2006: None
2012: Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PROro) 3:1 (AET) New York Red Bulls (MLS)
2012: Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) 2:1 (AET) San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
2013: Carolina RailHawks (NASL) 3:1 (AET) Chivas USA (MLS)
2013: Orlando City SC (USL PRO) 1:0 Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
2014: Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) 2:1 Real Salt Lake (MLS)
2014: Carolina RailHawks (NASL) 1:1 (3:2 PKs) Chivas USA (MLS)
2014: New York Cosmos (NASL) 3:0 New York Red Bulls (MLS)
2014: Rochester Rhinos (USL) 1:0 DC United (MLS)
2015: Charlotte Independence (USL) 1:0 New England Revolution (MLS)
2015: New York Cosmos 2:2 (4:3 PKs) New York City FC (MLS)
2016: New York City FC (MLS) 0:1 New York Cosmos (NASL)
2016: D.C. United (MLS) 0:0 (3:4 PKs) Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)
2017: Columbus Crew (MLS) 0:1 FC Cincinnati (USL)
2017: Miami FC (NASL) 3:1 Orlando City SC (MLS)
2017: Sacramento Republic FC (USL) 4:1 Real Salt Lake (MLS)
2018: Louisville City FC (USL) 3:2 New England Revolution (MLS)
2018: Nashville SC (USL) 2:0 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
2018: Sacramento Republic FC (USL) 2:1 (AET) Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
2019: Saint Louis FC (USL-C) 2:1 Chicago Fire (MLS)
2019: Colorado Rapids (MLS) 2:2 (2:4 PKs) New Mexico United (USL-C)
2022: None

Notable upsets in the Third Round of the US Open Cup

May 22, 2014 by Josh Hakala

The Michigan Bucks upset the Chicago Fire of MLS in 2012 Third Round. Photo: Kelly Haapala

MORE: Things you should know about the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

2006 – Dallas Roma FC (USASA) 0:0 Chivas USA (MLS)
(Dallas advances 4-2 in PKs)

For all of you who ever wanted the #16 seed to win in the NCAA basketball tournament, we hope you are soccer fans.

Dallas Roma FC, from the North Texas Premier Soccer Association, made history defeating Chivas USA of Major League Soccer on penalties, after playing to a 0-0 draw after extra time. Not only did they defeat their second straight professional opponent in the US Open Cup, they became the first USASA club to eliminate a team from Major League Soccer in the US Open Cup. Chivas was dealt a major blow when their leading scorer, Ante Razov, was sent off in the 57th minute for a reckless foul on Roma defender Todd Paulette. Soon after, Chivas head coach Bob Bradley sent in more of his regular starters, Jason Hernandez, Tim Regan and Juan Francisco Palencia.

The Roma defense, named TheCup.us Players of the Round for their win vs. Miami FC, held firm yet again against the Chivas attack, holding the scoreless draw through 120 minutes, at times keeping all 11 players in their own end in extra time.

Roma had a few chances in the second half as well, most notably Dominic Schell hitting the crossbar after Mark Rowland’s shot was knocked away by Chivas goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

Chivas took the first spot kick in the penalty session, and Juan Francisco Palencia saw his attempt saved by Jessie Llamas. Roma’s Matt Clark and Mark Rowland converted the next kicks, as Sacha Kljestan for Chivas. Fortunes turned Roma’s way when Llamas came through again and saved Jesse Marsch’s kick, and Brad Flanagan scored for Roma to make it 3-1. After Claudio Suarez made it 3-2, Dominic Schell stepped up and put Roma in the history books. Previously, the closest a USASA side has come to defeating an MLS club was in 2000, when Florida’s Uruguay SC fell to the Tampa Bay Mutiny 1-0 in extra time.

1997 – Chicago Stingers (D3 Pro) 2:1 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
1997 – San Francisco Bay Seals (D3 Pro) 2:1 Kansas City Wizards (MLS)

The Modern Era of the Open Cup was still young, and Rochester caused a stir in ’96 with their amazing run to the final.

The San Francisco Bay Seals and Chicago Stingers were determined to top that, and top it they did.

Each team made their way to the third round, no small feat in itself. Both clubs defeated A-League sides in the second round, and now stepped up to face the daunting challenge of Major League Soccer. The Seals were first, taking on the Kansas City Wizards on July 24.

As if being the underdog wasn’t motivation enough, Seals forward Marquis White had something to prove of his own. White was dropped in 1996 by the New England Revolution, and he was eager to prove that he could play at the highest level. White didn’t waste any time, scoring in the very first minute of the game, taking a pass from Chris Davini and racing past the Wizards defenders and goalkeeper Chris Snitko for the goal. On the other end, the Seals defense kept the Kansas City forwards stifled and frustrated, but the Wizards eventually equalized in the 39th minute with a Frank Klopas goal.

Marquis White then stepped up a second time, taking another Davini pass home for the game-winning goal in the 55th minute, setting off celebrations at Negoesco Fiield once the final whistle blew. “I knew I could play, and this proves it” said an ecstatic White after the game. The Seals, as a team, also proved they could play, defeating the San Jose Clash in the quarterfinals to move on to the semifinals, eventually losing a close game to DC United 2-1.

Six days later, the Chicago Stingers took their turn at giant killing, knocking off the Colorado Rapids 2-1 in front of 4,730 fans at Chicago’s Forest View Park. Misfortune started early for Colorado, as the Rapids goalkeeper Paul Grafer was sent off after 17 minutes. The Stingers then took control, as Matt Hamnett and Chris Jahr scores goals before and after halftime to take a lead they would never surrender. Chris Henderson pulled one back for Colorado, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the upstart Stingers. Chicago were eventually overwhelmed by the Dallas Burn in the next round, 4-1, but the Seals and Stingers proved that the Open Cup would never be an easy walk for any MLS team.

2012 – Cal FC (USASA – 4th Div.) 1:0 (AET) Portland Timbers (MLS)

2012 – Michigan Bucks (PDL – 4th Div.) 3:2 (AET) Chicago Fire (MLS)

The Third Round of the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup was one of the craziest rounds in tournament history. 16 Major League Soccer teams joined the competition and only eight of them survived to play in Round 4. The two biggest stunners came from the Michigan Bucks (PDL) and newcomers Cal FC (USASA).

14 of the 16 games were played on Tuesday, May 29 and among those were the Michigan Bucks hosting four-time champion Chicago Fire indoors at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, Mich. It was just the 4th US Open Cup game ever played indoors and the Bucks upset the Fire 3-2 in extra time.

The Bucks struck first just nine minutes into the match when Tommy Catalano received a pass from star veteran Kenny Uzoigwe to put the home team up 1-0. The Fire would equalize on a goal from Corben Bone in the 28th minute and take the lead in the 58th minute thanks to Frederico Puppo and it looked like the MLS team was going to take control, as they so often do in these underdog scenarios, but today wasn’t their day as a cross from Crnkic found the head of Nate Boyden in the box to tie the match at 2-2. The match would go into extra time and after play resumed, the Bucks wasted no time in putting the pressure on the Fire. What proved to be the eventual game-winning goal came just three minutes in when Crnkic ripped a shot toward the net. The goalkeeper got a hand on it but it wasn’t enough to keep it out as the Bucks would go on to win 3-2 to become the first amateur club in the Modern Era to defeat two MLS teams (They upset the New England Revolution back in 2000).[+]FULL MATCH RECAP

After seven MLS teams were eliminated on Tuesday, what could possibly be in store for the following day? It would turn out to be arguably the biggest upset of the Modern Era (1995-present).

Cal FC, led by their manager former US international Eric Wynalda, traveled from Southern California up to Portland, Ore. and upset the Portland Timbers 1-0 in extra time. After 90 minutes of scoreless soccer, Artur Aghasyan streaked down the middle of the field, easily beating a lopsided offside trap, collected a well placed through ball and calmly chipped goalkeeper Troy Perkins. It was the only goal they would need to become the first USASA team to defeat a Major League Soccer team (Dallas Roma FC in 2006 eliminated Chivas USA in a penalty kick shootout). A USASA team defeating a MLS team was rare enough, but there had only been four previous USASA teams that had advanced far enough to even play against the top division. In those four games, none of the USASA teams even scored a goal. They were also just the fifth amateur team to eliminate a MLS sidse, and the 12th USASA team to eliminate a pro team of any kind. [+]FULL MATCH RECAP

2013 US Open Cup Fourth Round: Chicago Fire rally to top rival Columbus 2-1 in delayed game

June 13, 2013 by Scott Fenwick

Postponed due to severe weather on Wednesday evening, rivals Chicago Fire and the Columbus Crew squared off at high noon Thursday in the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup. Recent trade acquisition Mike Magee continued his hot streak, spurring a Fire comeback with a first half equalizer as the hosts downed the Crew 2-1 on a 77^th minute winner from Patrick Nyarko.

Prior to hitting the pitch this time around, bitter rivals Chicago and Columbus had forged a lot of dramatic history in the U.S. Open Cup. The Fire went into Thursday’s match as extra time victors in all three previous tournament contests played with Columbus. The clubs’ most memorable Cup clash has to be Chicago’s 1998 Final win over the Crew at Soldier Field, secured by a 99^th minute Frank Klopas golden goal that gave the Fire its first and only cup double.

Chicago came into the match at full strength, save for injured defenders Steven Kinney and Arne Friedrich – the latter not having seen the pitch at all in 2013. The Crew had three starters out and a fourth (Costa Rican forward Jairo Arrieta) on international duty. Chicago’s Frank Klopas elected to go with a full-strength starting lineup while Columbus’s Robert Warzycha, on the other hand, put out a side with only four regulars.

The Fire came out flat – literally and figuratively – in its new 4-4-2 setup. Columbus countered with similar tactics until center back Glauber went down near his own 18-yard box, only to be stretchered off in the ninth minute. Lacking defensive depth due to a rash of injuries to his back line, Crew manager Warzycha responded to the setback, changed his tactics, and sent Dominic Oduro up top as his lone striker.

As time ticked upward, Columbus asserted itself in the offensive third, pressuring the Fire into conceding numerous corners and free kicks. Chicago had little control of the ball during the first 20 minutes and, per usual, conceded first.

Crew reserve team standout Ben Speas linked up with Konrad Warzycha to exploit Chicago’s Achilles heel: weak set-piece defending. Speas launched a free kick from well out on the left flank, finding the head of Warzycha near the penalty spot for a redirection inside the left post to make it 1-0 Crew and leaving the Fire looking tactically out of sorts in the 22^nd minute.

“It’s just mentality, soccer I.Q.,” said Mike Magee. “We have to learn from because we’re not going to get out of these holes every time.”

But get out they would. The Men in Red, with Magee prowling, quickly shaped up and struck back on a counterattack.

After a turn of possession in the midfield in the 29^th minute, Alex and Chris Rolfe worked the ball left and found full back Gonzalo Segares making an overlapping run on the flank. Segares took the ball to the near post and drew goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum and the Columbus defense’s attention just long enough to create enough space to patiently slot a ball to Mike Magee in the middle of the six-yard box. Magee obliged with a cool finish – his fourth goal in as many consecutive matches since donning Fire red.

“I got the tap in,” said Magee, “but it was a lot of work for me to just touch it into the goal.”

As the first half wore on, Columbus regained the advantage and kept Chicago honest with some quality chances. The Fire answered in turn though, with Magee missing just wide on a nifty chip over Gruenebaum in the 43^rd minute. The Crew ‘keeper remained busy, as he foiled a scoring opportunity by Patrick Nyarko soon thereafter.

With the squads locked at one goal apiece, the second half began with Chicago opting to sit midfielder Dilly Duka – a precautionary measure taken after the young winger felt dizziness at halftime after taking a blow to the head during the first half.

Frank Klopas subbed on Maicon Santos, slotted him up top with Magee, and shifted Chris Rolfe out on the right wing – a tactical move that would later pay dividends for Chicago.

As the crowd continued to swell, taking advantage of the open gates, it was a back and forth affair, a slow burn marked by increasingly chippy play from both sides.

As the 70^th minute arrived, Warzycha sent on midfield maestro Federico Higuain for young Ben Speas, an offensive move that motivated Chicago to press its attack. To be sure, aggressive, forward-looking play through the middle by Paladini, Alex, and Magee opened up space on the flanks, and the Fire wingers obliged.

With Columbus on their heels, looking to organize their defense in the middle of the park, Chris Rolfe took a ball wide on the right flank in the 77^th minute and launched a curving, back post cross onto the head of an unmarked Patrick Nyarko, who calmly netted Chicago’s winner.

“It’s a play me and Chris have talked about over and over,” said Nyarko. I told him that whenever he got it out wide, if there’s no outlet, just get it to the back post. It was a perfect ball. I couldn’t miss.”

“We talked about it at halftime,” Rolfe revealed. “We knew we’d have space open on the far side, and were definitely on the same page.”

Despite an aggressive, courageous effort, the Crew could not find an equalizer, as the Fire battened down the defensive hatches to protect the win with hard men Bakary Soumare and Jeff Larentowicz.

Chicago’s victory marks its fourth in four meetings with Columbus in U.S. Open Cup play, and advances them to a quarterfinal matchup versus USL Pro winner Orlando City on Wednesday, June 26^th at Toyota Park.

Fire gaffer Frank Klopas on what lies ahead: “We feel good that we’re at home, but we know it’s going to be a difficult match. It’s never easy. You see what happens in the Open Cup, with opportunities that teams like Orlando get. It will be the match of the year for them. We respect them. We’re going to make sure we don’t underestimate them.”

“I don’t know a lot about them,” said Patrick Nyarko of Orlando City, “but they beat Sporting in KC. I think they’re pretty good.”

Chicago’s winger continued, “We keep reminding all the guys here that to win a championship you’ve got to go through the toughest teams, whoever they are. Whether they’re in the second division or wherever, they’re going to be tough to play against.”

“We’re going to be ready for them,” Nyarko said, “They’re going to come here with a lot of intensity, but our goal has been to win the Open Cup from the start, and I think we’re focused on that.”

Indeed, Chicago Fire looks determined to assert itself in the centennial addition of America’s tournament and further stake its claim as “Kings of the Cup” with a record fifth USOC championship in the modern professional era.

STORMY DECISION

The Massive City Columbus supporters group dubbed it the “Derecho” cup on Wednesday night, although in the end the storm that swept across Northern Illinois didn’t quite live up to expectations once it reached Bridgeview. In the end, it was a tease.

A number of hardcore Fire fans arrived at Toyota Park ready to brave severe weather, endure a lengthy delay, and watch some late night soccer, but their plan was nipped in the bud around 8 pm CST: U.S. Soccer match commissioner Minos Vlamakis postponed the 4^th round U.S. Open Cup match to the following day at 12 noon.

“We wanted to keep the integrity of the Cup in mind. There was no reason to wait for 11 or 12 o’clock (to see if the weather cleared). Both teams were in agreement that this is in their best interests as well as that of the fans,” said Vlamakis.

While a noon start time on a Thursday certainly wasn’t convenient for most, the match could not be rescheduled for Thursday night because the Toyota Park grounds crew and operations staff was scheduled to begin preparation for an upcoming all-day concert on Saturday.

To soften the blow of postponement, Chicago Fire graciously announced free admission and free parking for those who decided to return the following afternoon.

After U.S. Soccer rendered its decision, many speculated Columbus would be unhappy with the decision to not wait for the weather to pass. With a Saturday night home fixture vs. Montreal Impact looming, wouldn’t they want to get the match in and get out of town ASAP, even if it meant playing past midnight? Apparently not.

According to Vlamakis, “Columbus was good sports about . They understand that it’s not something we have any control over. To be fair to them, they would prefer to know what the plan was vs. waiting two hours or two hours after that.”

True, but many were justifiably perturbed with the handling of the situation. Critics claimed the match should have been called much earlier in the day, citing safety concerns for fans who made the trip to Toyota Park on Wednesday night.

Fourth Round – Columbus Crew 1 :: 2 Chicago Fire

June 13 – Toyota Park, Bridgeview IL – Attd: 2,006

Scoring Summary

CLB: Konrad Warzycha (Ben Speas) 22

CHI: Mike Magee (Gonzalo Segares) 29

CHI: Patrick Nyarko (Chris Rolfe) 77

Cautions

CLB: Konrad Warzycha 71, Bernardo Anor 90+

CHI: Mike Magee 71, Patrick Nyarko 82, Bakary Soumare 90+

Lineups

Columbus: Andy Gruenebaum; Kevan George, Glauber (Dominic Oduro 9), Eric Gehrig, Tyson Wahl; Konrad Warzycha, Bernardo Anor, Tony Tchani (Aaron Schoenfeld 82), Ben Speas (Federico Higuain 70); Justin Meram, Ethan Finlay… Substitutes not used: Matt Lampson, Chad Barson, Danny O’Rourke, Matias Sanchez

Chicago: Sean Johnson; Jalil Anibaba, Bakary Soumare, Austin Berry, Gonzalo Segares; Patrick Nyarko, Alex (Jeff Larentowicz 81), Logan Pause (Daniel Paladini 59), Dilly Duka (Maicon Santos 46’); Chris Rolfe, Mike Magee… Substitutes not used: Paolo Tornaghi, Hunter Jumper, Michael Videira, Sherjill MacDonald

#USOC100

Things you should know about the Semifinals of the US Open Cup

July 3, 2012 by Josh Hakala

The New York Red Bulls take on FC Cincinnati in the US Open Cup Semifinals at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, OH on Tuesday August 15, 2017. Photo: Ryan Meyer | New York Red Bulls

Since 1996, only 14 non-MLS teams have advanced to the Semifinals.

2022 – Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)*
2017 – FC Cincinnati (USL)
2011 – Richmond Kickers (USL Pro – 3rd Division)
2009 – Rochester Rhinos (USL First Division)
2008 – Charleston Battery (USL First Division)*, Seattle Sounders (USL First Division)
2007 – Carolina RailHawks (USL First Division), Seattle Sounders (USL First Division)
2005 – Minnesota Thunder (USL First Division)
2004 – Charleston Battery (A-League)
1999 – Charleston Battery (A-League), Rochester Raging Rhinos (A-League)*
1997 – San Francisco Bay Seals (USISL Division 3 Pro League)
1996 – Rochester Raging Rhinos (A-League)*

* Advanced to the Final

Since 1996, only seven teams have advanced to the Semifinals after beginning play in the First Round. The Richmond Kickers (2011), Rochester Rhinos (2009), Charleston Battery (2008), Carolina RailHawks (2007), San Francisco Bay Seals (1997) and the Seattle Sounders who did it twice in 2007 and 2008. San Francisco and Richmond are the only Third Division pro clubs to advance to the final four during that span.

When the Sacramento Republic eliminated Sporting Kansas City in penalty kicks in the 2022 Semifinals, they became just the fourth lower division club in the Modern Era (1995-present) to advance to the Final. They joined the Charleston Battery who eliminated the Seattle Sounders in the 2008 Semifinals, and the Rochester Raging Rhinos in 1996 and 1999. The Rhinos were the only non-MLS team (since 1996) to win the title when they defeated the Colorado Rapids 2-0 in 1999.

In 2008, the Charleston Battery and the Seattle Sounders ended in a 1-1 draw, and then went to penalties where the Battery moved on 4-3. It was the first time a Semifinal game went to penalties during the Modern Era and the first time two non-MLS teams met in the final four.

The Chicago Fire entered Major League Soccer as an expansion team in 1998, and won the US Open Cup (and MLS Cup) in their inaugural season. In total, they have advanced to the Semifinals 13 times, which is more than any team in the history of the tournament (1913-present).

After Major League Soccer debuted in 1996 (1996 doesn’t make sense to include, since every Semifinalist was in their inaugural season that year), only four teams have advanced to the Semifinals in their inaugural season. The Fire (1998), Houston Dynamo (2006 – although they were essentially the San Jose Earthquakes, but they were still technically a “new franchise”), Carolina RailHawks (2007). The Seattle Sounders were a new MLS franchise in 2009, but the club had existed in the USL for several years prior to joining MLS.

In 2010, the Seattle Sounders became the first MLS expansion team to win a Semifinal match in each of their first two seasons as a franchise. They also won a Semifinal match in their third year (2011), and their fourth year (2012).

The Houston Dynamo celebrate after defeated LAFC in a PK shootout in the 2018 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: Houston Dynamo — The Houston Dynamo celebrate after defeating LAFC in a PK shootout in the 2018 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: Houston Dynamo

The 2007 US Open Cup marked the first time that both Semifinal matches went to extra time. The New England Revolution edged the Carolina RailHawks 2-1, followed by FC Dallas eliminating the Seattle Sounders (USL-1) by the same scoreline. Since then, this has only happened one other time: 2017 US Open Cup when Sporting Kansas City needed penalty kicks to take out the San Jose Earthquakes and then the New York Red Bulls came back to beat FC Cincinnati, 3-2 in extra time. It happened again in 2017 when Sporting Kansas City eliminated the San Jose Earthquakes in penalty kicks while the New York Red Bulls edged USL side FC Cincinnati 3-2 in extra time.

Semifinal appearances by MLS teams:

Chicago Fire – 13 (6-7-0 record)
DC United – 9 (5-4-0)
FC Dallas – 9 (4-4-1, 0-1 PKs)
LA Galaxy – 7 (4-3-0)
New York Red Bulls – 6 (2-4-0)
Sporting Kansas City – 6 (3-1-2, 1-1 PKs)
Seattle Sounders – 5 (5-0-0)
Columbus Crew – 4 (3-1-0)
New England Revolution – 4 (3-1-0)
Philadelphia Union – 4 (2-1-1, 1-0 PKs)
Houston Dynamo – 4 (1-2-1, 1-0 PKs)
Real Salt Lake – 3 (1-2-0)
Chivas USA – 2 (0-2-0)
Colorado Rapids – 2 (1-1-0)
Orlando City SC – 2 (1-1-0)
Portland Timbers – 2 (0-2-0)
San Jose Earthquakes – 2 (0-1-1, 0-1 PKs)
Atlanta United FC – 1 (1-0-0)
FC Cincinnati – 1 (0-0-1, 0-1 PKs)
Inter Miami CF – 1 (0-0-1, 1-0 PKs)
Los Angeles FC – 1 (0-0-1, 0-1 PKs)
Miami Fusion – 1 (1-0-0)
Minnesota United FC – 1 (1-0-0)
Tampa Bay Mutiny – 0

Note: The New York Red Bulls (Metrostars) have the most semifinal appearances (six) without an Open Cup championship.

Semifinal appearances by non-MLS teams:

Charleston Battery – 3 (0-2-1, 1-0 PKs)
Rochester Rhinos – 3 (2-1-0)
Seattle Sounders – 2 (0-1-1, 0-1 PKs)
Carolina RailHawks – 1 (0-1-0)
FC Cincinnati – 1 (0-1-0)
Minnesota Thunder – 1 (0-1-0)
Richmond Kickers – 1 (0-1-0)
Sacramento Republic FC – 1 (0-0-1, 1-0 PKs)
San Francisco Bay Seals – 1 (0-1-0)

Most consecutive Semifinal appearances (all-time):

Ukrainian Nationals (Philadelphia) – 8 (1959-66) — champions: 1960, 1961, 1963, 1966
Seattle Sounders (USL/MLS) – 6 (2007-2012) — champions: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Stix, Baer & Fuller (St. Louis) – 6 (1932-37) — champions: 1933, 1934, 1935
Bethlehem Steel (Bethlehem, Pa.) – 5 (1915-19) — champions: 1915, 1916, 1918, 1919
Chicago Fire – 4 (2003-06) — champions: 2003, 2006
Chicago Fire – 4 (2013-16) — champions: None
Los Angeles Galaxy – 4 (2000-03) — champions: 2001
Philadelphia Nationals (1949-52) — champions: None
DC United – 3 (2008-2010) — champions: 2008
Pawtucket Rangers – 3 (1933-35) — champions: 1941
Dallas Burn (FC Dallas) – 3 (1996-98) — champions: 1997
Maccabee AC (Los Angeles) – 3 (1980-82) — champions: 1973, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981
NY Greek Americans (New York City) – 3 (1967-69) — champions: 1967-69
Brooklyn Hispano (Brooklyn, NY) – 3 (1943-45) — champions: 1943, 1944
Croatian SC (Chicago) – 3 (1979-81) — champions: None
Ponta Delgada (Mass.) – 3 (1946-48) — champions: 1947
Fall River Rovers (Mass.) – 3 (1916-18) — champions: 1917
Scullin Steel (St. Louis) – 3 (1921-23) — champions: 1922

The most popular Semifinal matchup in the Modern Era has been the Chicago Fire against the Los Angeles Galaxy who have played each other three times.

2000: Chicago Fire 2:1 (ASDET) Los Angeles Galaxy (at Los Angeles)
2001: Los Angeles Galaxy 1:0 (ASDET) Chicago Fire (at Los Angeles)
2003: Chicago Fire 3:2 Los Angeles Galaxy (at Chicago)

The highest attendance for a Semifinal match in the Modern Era was 16,117 set by Sporting Kansas City when they defeated Real Salt Lake 3-1 at Sporting Park in Kansas City on Aug. 12, 2015. Two years later, USL side FC Cincinnati more than doubled that record with an announced crowd of 33,250. At the time, according to TheCup.us records, this was the second-highest attendance ever recorded for a US Open Cup match.

The highest average attendance between two Semifinal matches came in 2013 when Real Salt Lake hosted the Portland Timbers and the Chicago Fire hosted DC United. The average was 12,889. Real Salt Lake drew a then-record 14,742 and Chicago had an announced crowd of 11,036. However, in 2017, FC Cincinnati’s record crowd of 33,250 pushed the average attendance to nearly double the previous record: 24,722.

The following states have never had a team advance to the Semifinals:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Delaware
Hawaii
Idaho
Iowa
Kentucky
Maine
Mississippi
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
North Dakota
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Tennessee
Vermont
West Virginia
Wyoming

The longest current Semifinal drought is from the state of Rhode Island, who hasn’t had a time reach the Semifinals since 1942 when the Pawtucket Rangers reached the final four for the ninth and final time.

2012 US Open Cup Round 3: Michigan Bucks put out Chicago Fire in historic OT upset (video)

May 30, 2012 by Tavio Palazzolo

A shot of the 93rd minute game-winning goal by Nermin Crnkic of the Michigan Bucks in the PDL team's 3-2 extra time upset of the Chicago Fire. Photo: Kelly Haapala — A shot of the 93rd minute game-winning goal by Nermin Crnkic of the Michigan Bucks in the PDL team’s 3-2 extra time upset of the Chicago Fire. Photo: Kelly Haapala

For over a decade, the Michigan Bucks have used the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup to earn a national reputation as giant killers. The USL Premier Development League team has more professional upsets than any amateur team in the country, including their prize upset of the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer back in 2000. On Tuesday, in front of a capacity crowd at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac, Mich., the Bucks, who are the first amateur team to upset an MLS side, became the first to do it twice with a 3-2 extra time victory over the Chicago Fire.

What makes the US Open Cup unique in American sports is the fact that a team from any level can face off with a team from the highest level in the country in a winner-take-all game. Only four amateur clubs (Michigan Bucks, Dallas Roma FC, Chicago Sockers and the now-defunct Seattle Sounders Select) have eliminated an MLS team from the 99-year old single-elimination tournament.

Frank Klopas, head coach of the Chicago Fire, didn’t field a relatively strong lineup for the match, and he may have been second guessing that decision in hindsight. He only put in two regular starters – Jalil Anibaba and Austin Berry. On the other hand, Michigan – who is undefeated between Open Cup and league play – came out strong, and it showed early. It took only nine minutes for the Bucks to find net, as Tommy Catalano crossed up Berry and beat Fire goalkeeper Paolo Tornaghi low to put the Bucks ahead 1-0.

Even though the Bucks pressed on throughout the first half, the Fire waited for their chance to strike. They would get that in the 28th minute as Corben Bone rifled a shot from the top of the box past Bucks keeper Adam Grinwis into the net to even the score at 1-1. Just a minute later, Bucks striker Nermin Crnkic found himself in the penalty box, and although the play was debatable as to whether he was pushed down or dove, the result was judged the same – Crnkic earned a yellow card for diving in the 29th minute.

As the second half began, Chicago wasted no time in taking control of the match. Their efforts would prove fruitful in just a few short minutes, as Federico Puppo blasted an effort inside the post in the 51st minute to give the Fire a 2-1 lead.

Despite Chicago taking the lead and control of the match, the Bucks just wouldn’t give up. The work the amateur club put in would pay off in the 79th minute, when a cross from Crnkic found the head of Nate Boyden in the box to tie the match. Shortly after the tying goal was scored, Klopas saw an opportunity to try and push for the win, bringing in Dominic Oduro and Dan Gargan from the bench. It wasn’t to be, though, as the match was all square at 2-2 going into extra time.

The Bucks wasted no time putting the pressure on the Fire in the extra session. What proved to be the eventual game-winning goal came just three minutes in, Crnkic ripped a shot towards the net. Tornaghi got a hand on it, but it wasn’t enough, as Michigan took the 3-2 lead. For the next 27 minutes, the Fire pressed hard for the equalizing goal, while the Bucks looked to counter on turnovers and put the game away. Neither side would add to the scoreline, though, as the Michigan Bucks moved on to the Fourth Round, defeating the Fire 3-2. They now play the Dayton Dutch Lions of USL Pro – a familiar opponent who was in their division in the PDL in the 2010 season – next Tuesday for a spot in the Quarterfinals.

HIGHLIGHTS: CHICAGO FIRE at MICHIGAN BUCKS

FAN VIDEO: MICHIGAN BUCKS’ FIRST GOAL

FAN VIDEO: FINAL WHISTLE

Chicago Fire 2:3 Michigan Bucks
Ultimate Soccer Arenas – Pontiac, MI

Scoring Summary
MICH – Tommy Catalano (Kenny Uzoigwe) 9
CHI – Corben Bone (Federico Puppo) 28
CHI – Federico Puppo (Corben Bone) 51
MICH – Nate Boyden (Nermin Crnkic) 79
MICH – Nermin Crnkic (Tommy Catalano) 93

Lineups
CHICAGO FIRE: Paolo Tornaghi; Tony Walls (Dan Gargan 84), Jalil Anibaba, Austin Berry (Kwame Watson-Siriboe 49), Hunter Jumper; Michael Videira, Daniel Paladini, Corben Bone; Rafael Robayo; Federico Puppo, Orr Barrouch (Dominic Oduro 84). Substitutes not used: Sean Johnson (GK), Gonzalo Segares, Victor Pineda, Patrick Nyarko.

MICHIGAN BUCKS: Adam Grinwis; Kevin Cope, Sebby Harris, Chad Barson, Stew Givens; Nate Boyden, Scott Caldwell (Steve Miller 75), Tommy Catalano, Simon Omekanda (Joey Dillon 64); Nermin Crnkic, Kenny Uzoigwe (Zach Steinberger 35). Substitutes not used: Sean Teepen (GK), Kofi Opare, Bim Ogunyemi, Anthony Grant.

Discipline: CHI – Daniel Paladini (caution-foul, 25); MICH – Nermin Crnkic (caution-simulation, 29).