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Indy Eleven

2026 US Open Cup Round 2: Union Omaha adds to its cupset resume, 2-1 over Indy Eleven

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Younes Boudadi of Union Omaha dribbles the ball against Indy Eleven in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski
Younes Boudadi of Union Omaha dribbles the ball against Indy Eleven in the Second Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski

While basketball is set to take over Indianapolis this weekend with the final rounds of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, the Omaha Union came into town to give sports fans one more bracket buster, as the lower-division Owls took down hosts Indy Eleven, 2-1, in Round 2 of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Tuesday. 

“It doesn’t matter if we play an amateur team or a team from Europe,” said Omaha manager Vincenzo Candela. “We’re up for absolutely anything against anyone, anywhere, anytime.”

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The second half proved to make up for a lack of action in the first, with Omaha captain and former Minnesota United mainstay Brent Kallman catching a yellow card five minutes after the break. 

Nine minutes later is what might have been the game-deciding moment as Eleven keeper Reice Charles-Cook was handed a red card. That put Indy down one man, and opened the door for the strong Omaha offense. 

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Omaha made use of that advantage in the 75th minute, as Samuel Owusu found the back of the net on an assist from Adrian Billhardt to break the stalemate. The Owls added on to the lead in the 84th from a Kempes Tekiela goal. 

Even though Indy would try to mount a comeback with a Jack Blake goal in stoppage time, the League One team was too much for the home team. 

“(This result) shows that we have a special group,” Candela said. “We’re very determined in doing something special this year, so this is a wonderful achievement for the group and a nice step up.”

Defense highlighted the first half of play, as neither team was able to put the ball into the back of the net. This is not to say that both teams didn’t have ample opportunity, with both teams combining for five corner kicks within the first eight minutes of play, and a combined 13 in the half. The only other notable action in the first 45 minutes was a pair of Omaha substitutions, as the team replaced two of their starting men in the 35th minute, bringing in Diego Gutiérrez and Younes Boudadi in favor of Sergio Ors and Cameron Lawrence respectively. 

Both teams started play in the US Open Cup with shutout wins; Omaha defeating BOFHS St. Louis 8-0 and Indy taking down Des Moines Menace 3-0. 

With the win, Union Omaha has now upset six higher division teams in 17 all-time Open Cup matches. Now, they advance to the Round of 32 where they will face a Major League Soccer team for the seventh time.

Union Omaha will find out its opponent for the Round of 32 on Thursday. 

2026 US Open Cup Round 1: Indy Eleven shuts out a ringer-free Des Moines Menace side

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Loïc Mesanvi of Indy Eleven scores a goal from long range against the Des Moines Menace in the First Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski
Loïc Mesanvi of Indy Eleven scores a goal from long range against the Des Moines Menace in the First Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski

Indy Eleven advanced to the Second Round of the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a 3-0 victory over USL League Two side Des Moines Menace on Tuesday night at the Grand Park Events Center in Westfield, Indiana. The result was built around a composed long-range opener from new signing Loïc Mesanvi, a headed finish from halftime substitute Noble Okello, and a late close-range strike from fellow sub Charlie Sharpe, with Indy’s halftime adjustments and attacking depth turning a competitive cup tie into a comfortable win for the home side.

Mesanvi opened the scoring when a long ball caused confusion between Des Moines goalkeeper Jamie Barry and defender Joe McDaid; Mesanvi collected the loose ball and drove a finish from roughly 25 yards into an exposed net to give Indy the lead. Des Moines had the clearer openings early on, with a dangerous header from Diaz that forced Indy goalkeeper Charles-Cook into a smart tip over the bar and Josh O’Brien testing the target with a couple of thunderous efforts that flew just over the crossbar, but Mesanvi’s opportunistic strike changed the complexion of the match heading into the break.

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Indy reshaped the midfield at halftime, bringing on Aodhan Quinn and Noble Okello for Cam Lindley and Josh O’Brien, and the substitutions swung momentum. Alejandro Mitrano’s 60th minute cross found Okello, who rose to head the ball into the bottom right corner and double Indy’s advantage. Charlie Sharpe, introduced later for Edward Kizza, finished from a spilled save when a parried shot bounced kindly for him to steer home and make it 3-0. Des Moines rallied in the final 15 minutes and produced a handful of dangerous efforts from the edge of the box, but most attempts were either smothered by Charles-Cook or blocked by defenders, and Indy closed out the match without conceding.

There was reason to respect Des Moines before kickoff because of talk about veteran signings with USL and MLS experience, but those moves never came to fruition and the Menace were unable to field the kind of experienced spine that might have posed a different test. Instead Indy exploited lapses in goalkeeper communication and defensive positioning, and the Eleven’s halftime adjustments allowed them to control the game in the second half.

After the match coach Sean McAuley praised his players’ commitment and the way the team executed the plan, saying, “We were rewarded to get to the next round of the cup from the effort commitment.” He also framed the club’s approach to knockout competition in blunt terms, asking, “Why shouldn’t we have a run and then see as far as we can get now? This is not an easy game tonight.”

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From the coach’s postgame remarks, it was clear the selection choices were deliberate and earned: “It’s been a tough decision because everybody’s had a really good preseason,” he said, and the players who were asked to adapt to different roles carried out the plan on the field. Tactically, Quinn’s presence helped Indy control midfield passages more consistently and Okello’s aerial threat provided a direct outlet that Des Moines struggled to handle.

Mesanvi’s finish was a reminder that cup ties often hinge on individual moments of opportunism and concentration, while Charles-Cook’s first-half save kept Indy level when the Menace looked most dangerous.

Indy’s 3-0 win sends the club into the Second Round of the U.S. Open Cup and underlines the squad depth available to the coaching staff in knockout competition. Des Moines leave with lessons from a competitive outing against professional opposition, while Indy can take momentum and a clean sheet into the next stage of the tournament.

2025 US Open Cup Round 4: Andrew Rick’s clutch save sends Philadephia Union past Indy Eleven

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Andrew Rick of the Philadelphia Union makes a deciding PK save against Indy Eleven in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Don Robson - Philadelphia Soccer Now
Andrew Rick of the Philadelphia Union makes a deciding PK save against Indy Eleven in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Don Robson – Philadelphia Soccer Now

2025 US Open Cup Round 4: Andrew Rick Clutch Save Advances Philadephia Union Past Indy Eleven

On a perfect weather night for soccer, all eyes were on 15-year-old Cavan Sullivan’s US Open Cup debut as the Philadelphia Union faced Indy Eleven. However, it was another young star who emerged the hero at game’s end. With the Sons of Ben and other Philly fans running to the far goal before penalties began, 19-year-old goalie Andrew Rick’s clutch save in the third round of kicks helped the Union come away victorious against the USL Championship side, 1-1 (5-4 PKs) Wednesday in Chester, Pennsylvania. 

Philadelphia now hosts the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the sole non-MLS team still alive, at Subaru Park on either May 20 or 21.

Head coach Bradley Carnell spoke highly of his young keeper’s performance.

“He always seems to do it (perform well in PKs) at the MLS Next Pro level,” he said. “We just hoped that Rick would get one (shot) and we just had to tend to our business.”

It was Philadelphia’s eighth penalty kick match in US Open Cup play, tying the San Jose Earthquakes for most penalty kick US Open Cup appearances. With the result, the Union snapped a four-game PK shootout losing streak, winning its first shootout since the 2015 US Open Cup Quarterfinals match against New York Red Bulls. 

“Credit to the boys that they dug in, a little deeper than we needed to,” Carnel said about his team’s physically tough match against Indy. “Thanks to Indy Eleven for giving us an entertaining game.”

For Union fans it was indeed entertaining from the opening whistle. The oldest player on the roster, 38-year-old Alejandro Bedoya’s header opened the scoring in the sixth minute, made it seem like the Union’s priority on retaining possession would help them break through the Indy backline and find the net again quickly.

However, that wouldn’t be the case.

In his first official start for the Union, Sullivan slipped through the defensive backline often in the first half, keeping Indy goalie Reice Charles-Cook on his toes on three first-half chances in quick success, but the Union was unable to double their lead heading into halftime. On the night, Charles-Cook made 10 saves as the Union’s 33 shot attempts kept the Englishman busy for the 120 minutes of action, including many off of dangerous free kick and corner kick opportunities.

Indy found their moment to equalize as Elvis Amoh sent his left-footed shot into the back of the net, silencing the raucous crowd at Subaru Park. Both keepers successfully thwarted dangerous chances against their team, forcing the game into penalties. Rick made a diving stop late in extra time, preventing Indy from pulling off the cupset.

Both teams successfully scored on their first two attempts of the penalty shootout. The crowd congregated behind the goal and erupted in cheers when Rick stood up strong, saving Aodhan Quinn’s thrid-round penalty. It was the one save the Union needed as they successfully made all of their penalties. 

2025 US Open Cup Round 3: Hayden White’s late OT winner sends Indy Eleven past Miami FC

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Hayden White of Indy Eleven celebrates after scoring a goal against Miami FC in the Third Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski - Indy Eleven
Hayden White of Indy Eleven celebrates after scoring a goal against Miami FC in the Third Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski – Indy Eleven

Indy Eleven advanced to the Round of 32 the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night, defeating Miami FC 1-0 thanks to a last-minute goal in the 123rd minute of extra time.

The game’s only goal came deep into stoppage time when Cam Lindley delivered a pinpoint corner into the box and Hayden White rose above the crowd to head home the winner, sending the home fans into a frenzy.

It was a tense, hard-fought contest that saw both sides struggle to break the deadlock through 90 minutes of regulation and nearly all of extra time. With the win, Indy continues its campaign in the country’s oldest soccer competition, and does so with a thrilling, last-gasp finish to remember. 

The first half saw Indy Eleven come out strong, controlling possession and dictating the pace. Aedan Stanley had an early chance denied by Miami goalkeeper Bill Hamid, while Cam Lindley and Bruno Rendon both saw efforts go just wide in the opening 15 minutes. Elliot Collier nearly broke through in the 22nd minute, but Hamid tipped his shot over the bar. Miami slowly grew into the match, testing Indy on the counterattack, but the home side maintained the edge heading into halftime.

Miami came out with renewed purpose in the second half, with Veron forcing a stretching save from debutant Reice Charles-Cook in the 54th minute. Indy had several chances to seal it late — including another near-miss from Collier in the 78th minute which was served up on a silver platter by Kizza — but couldn’t find the back of the net. A final opportunity in stoppage time went over the bar, sending the match into extra time.

In the added period, both teams looked cautious, aware that one mistake could decide it all. Charles-Cook came up big again, stopping multiple attempts from Bonfiglio to keep Indy in the match.

Then came the moment. With just seconds remaining, Lindley delivered a looping corner into the area, and Hayden White’s powerful header struck the post and crossed the line, sealing a dramatic 1-0 victory in the 123rd minute.

Indy Eleven coach Sean McAuley didn’t hesitate to praise his debutant goalkeeper. 

“We don’t win the game without Reice. That’s simple,” he said. Charles-Cook delivered a composed and confident performance between the posts, making two key saves to help secure Indy Eleven’s first clean sheet of the season in front of a packed crowd at Michael A. Carroll Stadium. 

“He’s come in and shown exactly what we needed — calm, leadership, and presence,” McAuley said. “That goes a long way in games like this.”

Reflecting on his debut for Indy Eleven, Charles-Cook expressed excitement and a sense of fulfillment. 

“It’s unreal, you know, finally coming to America and playing here,” he said, clearly moved by the moment. “Representing this club, I couldn’t ask for a better start.” 

Charles-Cook played a pivotal role in securing Indy Eleven’s clean sheet, making two crucial saves during the match. When asked about the two standout moments, he humbly shared, “To be honest, I can’t really remember the exact details — my body just shut down after those saves! But the boys’ reactions told me everything. That’s what you work for, those moments, and all the work we’ve put in during training is what sets us up for them.”

 

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.


2024 US Open Cup Semifinals Preview: Four history-seeking clubs battle for trip to Final

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Photo by Grace Ogata-Beutler | Graphic by Phil Naegely

The 109th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is down to the final four teams, all of them chasing history. Indy Eleven, the last lower division team left in the competition, are not only seeking to be just the second USL team to lift the trophy, but the state of Indiana has never had a team reach the championship game. They will travel to face Sporting Kansas City on Tuesday who are trying to win a record-tying fifth US Open Cup title.

UPDATE: Sporting KC works late to shutout Indy Eleven, advance to USOC Final

Another team looking to join the five-timers club is the Seattle Sounders FC and they will host Los Angeles FC, who are trying to bring the trophy back to the City of Angels for the first time since 2005. That game will take place on Wednesday.

The Semifinal winners are scheduled to face off in the US Open Cup Final on Sept. 25.

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TheCup.us will have reporters at both Semifinal games and will be providing live updates on X (Twitter), @USOpenCup.

Both matches will be broadcast live on Apple TV with links provided below.

A full round preview can be found below with video links and detailed info on each team’s 2024 US Open Cup run and history throughout the years.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 27

Indy Eleven (USL-C) 
vs.
Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
Children’s Mercy Park – Kansas City, KS
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO (Apple TV)

To say there is plenty on the line for both Sporting Kansas City and Indy Eleven is an understatement. For SKC, not only is there a chance for a season-saving trophy in the US Open Cup Final, but there’s also a chance to write their name in the record book with some of the greatest clubs in US Soccer history. Lifting the trophy this year would be a fifth tournament title. Only three clubs in the 109-year history of the tournament have won the Cup five times, Bethlehem Steel, Maccabee AC, and Fall River Marksmen/New Bedford Whalers. 

For Indy, not only could they become the first Indiana-based club to ever win the tournament, but they would be just the second lower division club since 1996 to lift the trophy. But on top of that, just reaching the Open Cup Final could potentially send them to next year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup. Should Los Angeles FC win their US Open Cup Semifinal over the Seattle Sounders, Indy Eleven would get the CONCACAF Champions Cup spot allocated to the Open Cup winner, as LAFC has already qualified as a finalist in this year’s Leagues Cup.

It would mark the first time a USL team would participate in the CONCACAF Champions Cup since the Puerto Rico Islanders did so from 2008-2009 to 2010-2011. The USL First Division Islanders qualified each time by participating in the Caribbean Football Union Club Championship. CF Montreal, known then as the Montreal Impact, also qualified for the 2008/09 CONCACAF Champions Cup by winning the inaugural Canadian Championship.

Indy Eleven has already won the tournament’s $25,000 prize money for being the Second Division team to advance the furthest in the competition.

Sporting Kansas City celebrates after defeating the New York Red Bulls 2-1 in the 2017 US Open Cup Final. Photo: Bob Larson
Sporting Kansas City celebrates after defeating the New York Red Bulls 2-1 in the 2017 US Open Cup Final. Photo: Bob Larson

Heading into the Open Cup Quarterfinal, Sporting were languishing near the bottom of the MLS Western Conference. However, since the Quarterfinal win over FC Dallas, SKC have gone 2-1-1 in league play, good enough to pull them to within seven points of the playoff line. An early elimination in the Leagues Cup no doubt provided a much-needed rest and may have allowed the club to regroup. William Agada currently leads Kansas City with nine goals, followed by Erik Thommy (5), Alan Pulido (4) and Johnny Russell (4). Agada has four goals in SKC’s last five MLS games. Memo Rodriguez leads the team with six assists, with Pulido and Russell adding five each. 

Benjamin Ofeimu of Indy Eleven celebrates after scoring a goal against Detroit City FC in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Matt Schlotzhauer - Indy Eleven
Benjamin Ofeimu of Indy Eleven celebrates after scoring a goal against Detroit City FC in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Matt Schlotzhauer – Indy Eleven

After starting the season 1-1-4, Indy Eleven caught fire with a nine-game unbeaten streak. Indy have since cooled off, going 1-4-1 in league play, including three losses in their last four games.

In the middle of all this was the off the field drama with the mayor of Indianapolis meeting with MLS Commissioner Don Garber to discuss a future expansion team.

Powering Indy’s offence is Jack Blake with eight goals, followed by Augustine Williams and Sebastian Guenzatti with five each. Aedan Stanley is tops in assists with seven. Williams also has a shot at the Open Cup goalscoring lead, his three goals leaves him just one behind the leaders.

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OPEN CUP PEDIGREE

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 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 also 8-2-3 (1-2 PKs) against Division 2 opponents, with their last outright loss coming to the Minnesota Thunder in the 2005 Quarterfinals. SKC are on a nine-game Open Cup home winning streak, and a 15-game home unbeaten streak going back to 2014. KC’s last Open Cup home loss was a 3-1 defeat by the Portland Timbers in the 2014 Fifth Round. It’s the second longest home unbeaten streak of the Modern Era (1995-present), behind Seattle Sounders FC and the Chicago Fire FC, who both hold the record at 19.

Indy Eleven does not have much Open Cup history to speak of. Making their first appearance in 2014, the club had never advanced to a third game before this year. Indy have faced MLS opposition in the Open Cup just three times: a 2-1 extra time loss to Columbus in 2014, a penalty kick elimination by the Chicago Fire in 2016, and a 1-0 loss to Columbus last year. Indy also has just one road win in seven games, a 1-0 victory over Chicago Fire FC II (MLS NEXT Pro) in this year’s Third Round.

HOW THEY GOT HERE

Indy Eleven

Third Round >> Indy Eleven 1:0 Chicago Fire II (MLS NEXT Pro)

Indy Eleven opened its 2024 tournament with a 1-0 win over Chicago Fire II of MLS NEXT Pro. Douglas Martinez scored the lone goal in the 6th minute, and goalkeeper Yannik Oettl (who was a finalist for TheCup.us Player of the Round) kept Chicago out of his goal with 11 saves from 22 shots faced. (VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS)

Fourth Round >> Indy Eleven 2:0 San Antonio FC (USL Championship)

Before the Fourth Round, news broke that the city of Indianapolis had been in conversations with Major League Soccer (MLS) about bringing an expansion franchise to the market. This caused plans for “Eleven Park”, a brand new 20,000-seat stadium for the USL side to be halted while the city discussed details of a different plan, tailored to a potential new MLS club with an unnamed group of investors. Despite the drama, Indy Eleven proceeded to eliminate San Antonio FC 2-0 on the strength of goals from Augustine Williams and Jack Blake in the first ten minutes. 

Fifth Round >> Indy Eleven 3:0 Detroit City FC (USL Championship)

Indy Eleven’s Round of 16 match against Detroit City FC looked to be their toughest hurdle yet, but it turned out to be the opposite. A 14th minute own goal from DCFC was followed in the first half by scores from Augustine Williams and Ben Ofeimu which gave Indy a 3-0 lead at the half. Despite being outshot 17-6, Indy goalkeeper Hunter Sulte made seven saves to keep Detroit off the board and preserve a third straight shutout win giving Indy Eleven their first quarterfinal appearance in club history. It also marked the first time that a team from Indiana has reached the Quarterfinals since the Indianapolis Inferno did it in 1992. (VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS)

Quarterfinals >> Indy Eleven 2:1 Atlanta United FC (MLS)

Facing their first MLS opponent in this year’s tournament, Indy Eleven traveled to Kinnesaw, Ga. to face Atlanta United FC. Augustine Williams got Indy started on the right foot in the 31st minute and slotted home a pass from Douglas Martinez from outside the penalty area. As Indy continued to hold on to their slim lead, Atlanta’s Dax McCarthy accidentally padded that lead by deflecting a pass into his own net in the 83rd minute. Nick Firmino scored for Atlanta in second half stoppage time to make the final minute a bit more exciting, but Indy held on for the win. Augustine Williams was voted TheCup.us’s Player of the Round for his performance. (VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS)

SPORTING KANSAS CITY

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)

Kansas City in the Semifinals

SKC are making the seventh trip to the Semifinals (2002, 2004, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2022), advancing to the Final in the middle four. Only nine teams in the history of the tournament have more Semifinal appearances than Sporting.

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

2002: In their first Open Cup Semifinal, the Kansas City Wizards dropped a 3-2 golden goal decision to the Columbus Crew. KC jumped out to a 2-0 lead thanks to a Chad McCarty own goal (2′) and a Chris Brown goal in the 62nd minute. Columbus came back with John Wilmar Perez tying the game in the 90th minute, then winning it in the 108th minute.

2004: KC’’s run to the first of four Open Cup titles began in 2004, Igor Simutenkov’s 45th minute penalty was all the Wizards needed to beat the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0. Simutenkov would also score an extra time golden goal a month later to give KC their first Open Cup title.

2012: With their name changed to Sporting Kansas City, SKC would beat the Philadelphia Union 2-0. Jacob Peterson’s 65th minute goal was doubled by Graham Zusi’s stoppage time score.

Benny Feilhaber of Sporting KC celebrates after scoring a goal against Real Salt Lake in the Semifinals of the 2015 US Open Cup. Photo: Sporting KC

2015: SKC’s third Open Cup championship was helped by a 3-1 triumph over Real Salt Lake. Soni Mustivar put SKC level at 1-1 in the first half, and Benny Feilhaber (80’) and Krisztián Nemeth (85’) scored five minutes apart to seal the win.

2017: Title #4 was made possible by a Semifinal shootout win over the San Jose Earthquakes. In the 32nd minute Diego Rubio countered San Jose’s opening goal. With no scoring the rest of the way, Sporting won the penalty shootout 5-4, converting all five kicks after Benny Feilhaber missed the first attempt.

2022: Kansas City’s most recent Semifinal appearance ended on a down note, dropping a penalty kick shootout to the USL Championship’s Sacramento Republic after a scoreless extra time draw.

MLS vs Division 2

Since 1996, MLS clubs have faced teams from Division 2 of US Soccer 10 times in the Semifinals

1996 >> Rochester Raging Rhinos 0:3 Colorado Rapids

1996 was the very first tournament to feature MLS clubs, although there were just 12 teams across all leagues entered. The A-League Rhinos were the darlings of soccer outside MLS, regularly drawing crowds in excess of 10,000, which was more than some MLS clubs. In front of 12,179 at Rochester’s Frontier Field, the Rhinos powered past the Colorado Rapids 3-0, getting two goals from Doug Miller (56’, 85’) and one from Lenin Steenkamp (32’).

1999 >> Charleston Battery 0:3 Colorado Rapids
1999 >> Rochester Ragin Rhinos 3:2 Columbus Crew

By 1999 the Open Cup field expanded, and for the first time two Division 2 clubs reached the Semifinals. With the games played as a doubleheader at Virginia Beach, Va., the Charleston Battery joined the Rhinos in facing their MLS foes. First up was Charleston challenging the Colorado Rapids, and fortune did not go the way of the Battery. Colorado got two goals from Jorge Dely Valdez (55’, 87’) and another from Paul Bravo (82’) to prevail 3-0. The second game between the Rhinos and Columbus Crew would turn out to be much more exciting. Columbus took a 1-0 lead through Robert Warzycha (56′), but Darren Tilley tied it for the Rhinos in the 68th minute. Brian West (77′) gave the lead back to Columbus minutes later, only for Scott Schweitzer (86′) and Tim Hardy (90’) to score for the Rhinos in the final four minutes for the dramatic win.

2004 >> Chicago Fire 1:0 (ASDET) Charleston Battery

While the Battery finished second to last in the nine-team A-League Eastern Conference, a 1-0 Quarterfinal triumph over the Rhinos sent them to the Semifinals. There they met the Chicago Fire, who had already won three Open Cup titles since their 1998 debut. Charleston took the Fire to extra time tied 0-0, but Dipsy Selolwane ended the Battery’s dreams with a golden goal in the 107th minute.

2005 >> Los Angeles Galaxy 5:2 Minnesota Thunder

While the league changed its name to the USL First Division, for the second year in a row one of its clubs reached the Semifinals. Like the Battery the year before, the Minnesota Thunder found themselves in the bottom half of the league standings. Upset wins over Real Salt Lake (6-4 after extra time), Colorado Rapids (4-1) and the Kansas City Wizards (3-1) allowed the Thunder a shot at salvaging their season. The Los Angeles Galaxy didn’t co-operate with the Thunder’s Cinderella run. Landon Donovan (29′) and Herculez Gomez (44′) gave LA a 2-0 halftime lead. Thunder legend Johnny Menyongar cut the lead in half at the 54th minute, but the Galaxy pulled away near the end of the second half with goals from Tyrone Marshall (77′), Gomez (81’) and Joseph Ngwenya (82′). Chad Dombrowski got a consolation goal in the 85th minute for the Thunder to make it 5-2.

2007 >> New England Revolution 2:1 (AET) Carolina RailHawks
2007 >> FC Dallas 2:1 (AET) Seattle Sounders

2007 saw another pair of Division 2 clubs claim semifinal spots, the end result of a historic Third Round in which five of the eight MLS teams were upset by their lower league opponents. First up, the Carolina RailHawks traveled to New Britain, Conn. to face the New England Revolution. Carolina took an early 1-0 lead in the 6th minute through Anthony Maher but Jeff Larentowicz put the Revs level in first half stoppage time. A scoreless second half led to extra time, where Pat Noonan struck for New England in the 94th minute, and the Revs held on to avoid an upset.

Later that night, FC Dallas faced the Sounders at Seattle’s Quest Field. After 90 minutes of scoreless play Carlos Ruiz put Dallas ahead in the second minute of extra time. In the 119th minute, Dallas went up 2-0 on an Abe Thompson penalty, but Leighton O’Brien kept it interesting until the very end with a goal for Seattle one minute later.

2009 >> D.C. United 2:1 Rochester Rhinos

After a 10-year absence, the Rochester Rhinos returned to the Semifinals in 2009 to face D.C. United. Jaime Moreno converted a penalty kick minutes before halftime, but Taiwo Atieno pulled the Rhinos level in the 68th minute. With extra time on the horizon, Thabiso Khumalo put D.C. ahead for good in the 83rd minute. It would be the last time the Rhinos, winners of the 1999 tournament, advanced this far in the Open Cup. 

2017 >> FC Cincinnati 2:3 (AET) New York Red Bulls

2017 was the year FC Cincinnati became legends. Their run to the Semifinals was preceded by a memorable penalty kick win over the Chicago Fire in the Round of 16 in front of a then-record 32,287 at Cincy’s Nippert Stadium and aired live on ESPN, a rare occurrence for a non-final Open Cup game. FC Cincinnati hosted the New York Red Bulls, the 33,250 fans breaking the non-final attendance record set just a month earlier. Cincinnati got off to a dream start as Corben Bone (31’) and Austin Berry (62’) put them up 2-0. The Red Bulls stormed back as Gonzalo Veron (75’) and Bradley Wright-Phillips (78’) tied the game. Wright-Phillips would strike again in the 101st minute in extra time to end FC Cincinnati’s dream run.

According to TheCup.us records, FC Cincinnati's sold-out crowd of 33,250 at Nippert Stadium for the 2017 US Open Cup Semifinal against the New York Red Bulls was the second-largest crowd to ever witness a tournament game. Photo: Erik Schelkun | FC Cincinnati
According to TheCup.us records, FC Cincinnati’s sold-out crowd of 33,250 at Nippert Stadium for the 2017 US Open Cup Semifinal against the New York Red Bulls was the second-largest crowd to ever witness a tournament game. Photo: Erik Schelkun | FC Cincinnati

2022 >> Sacramento Republic FC 0:0 (5:4 PKs) Sporting Kansas City

Before this year, the Sacramento Republic were the last Division 2 team to reach the Semifinals. Riding a remarkable 11-game Open Cup home winning streak stretching back to 2017, Sacramento welcomed Sporting Kansas City to the California state capital. Sacramento goalkeeper Danny Vitiello wound up as the hero of the match. After 120 minutes of scoreless play, Vitiello saved the final penalty shot from SKC’s Graham Zusi, then Sacramento legend Rodrigo Lopez converted the final penalty kick to put the Republic into the Open Cup Final, the first time a non-MLS club achieved that feat since the Charleston Battery in 2008.

Indy Eleven (USL-C)
9th US Open Cup appearance (2014-2019, 2022, 2023)
1st Semifinal appearance
Overall: 8-7-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 2-5-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 1-2-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2014, 2016)

Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
24th US Open Cup appearance (1996-98, 2000-06, 2008-19, 2022-23)
7th Semifinal appearance
Overall: 35-16-7 (4-3 PK)
Home: 26-7-2 (2-0 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 8-2-3 (1-2 PK)
Best finish: Champions (2004, 2012, 2015, 2017)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28

Los Angeles FC (MLS)
vs.
Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
Starfire Sports Complex – Tukwila, WA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
LIVE VIDEO (APPLE TV)

Like Sporting KC, Seattle is looking to write their names in the history books with a fifth Open Cup title, joining Bethlehem Steel, Maccabee AC, and the Fall River Marksmen/New Bedford Whalers. In their way is Los Angeles FC, seeking their first ever Open Cup championship and the first for the city of Los Angeles since 2005.

Seattle and LAFC have met three times this season, twice in MLS and once in the Leagues Cup. The first meeting almost feels like it happened last season, as it took place all the way back on Feb. 24 to open the MLS season for both clubs at LAFC’s BMO Stadium. LAFC opened the scoring just before the halftime break when Omar Campos sent a cross into the penalty area to Timothy Tillman, who beat Seattle’s Open Cup Round 4 hero GK Andrew Thomas for the first of his four goals this year. Ten minutes after halftime Dennis Bouanga and Mateuz Bogusz teamed up to double LAFC’s lead, as Bouanga fed Bogusz who dribbled to the top of the penalty area and fired a rocket past Thomas. Seattle finally got on the board in the 72nd minute when the Sounders were awarded a penalty via VAR after Jordan Morris was brought down in the area. Pedro de la Vega, who Seattle acquired from Argentine club Lanus, stepped up and converted the spot kick. de la Vega has managed to play just seven games this year, as the 23-year-old has been plagued with hamstring and groin injuries. LAFC held on the rest of the way for a 2-1 season opening win.

Kalani Kossa-Rienzi of the Seattle Sounders celebrates after scoring the go-ahead goal against Phoenix Rising FC in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Mike Fiechtner -Sounders FC Communications
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi of the Seattle Sounders celebrates after scoring the go-ahead goal against Phoenix Rising FC in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Mike Fiechtner -Sounders FC Communications

By the time the two teams met again on July 20 the two clubs were in vastly different situations. LAFC had just come off a 15-game unbeaten run over all competitions, propelling them to the top of the MLS Western Conference standings. Seattle was in the middle of their own unbeaten run, eight games in MLS and Open Cup play, but the Sounders needed that run to pull themselves out of the bottom half of the standings and over the playoff line. Unfortunately for Seattle, LAFC would stop the Sounders streak cold in the Final game before the Leagues Cup with a 3-0 at Lumen Field in Seattle. It was the Bouanga and Bogusz show for LAFC, as the team leaders in goals and assists accounted for all three scores. Bouanga struck first in the 16th minute, and Bogusz followed ten minutes later. Bouanga finished the scoring in the 74th minute, defeating Seattle despite the Sounders having 63.6% of possession and outshooting LAFC 20-6.

Seattle Sounders We Want The Cup shirt
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The third meeting came on Aug. 17 in the Quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup, and LAFC repeated their 3-0 victory from a few weeks prior. Ryan Hollingshead (14’) and Kei Kamara (25’) gave LAFC a 2-0 halftime advantage, and Bouanga added to the score in the 53rd minute. The win pushed LAFC’s unbeaten streak versus Seattle to nine games in all competitions, going back to May 16, 2021.

LAFC are currently battling their El Traffico rivals LA Galaxy for the top spot in the MLS Western Conference, currently five points behind but with three games in hand. LAFC will have a short turnaround from their previous game, their 3-1 Leagues Cup Final loss to Columbus on Aug. 25. The scoring duo of Bouanga and Bogusz sit atop the MLS scoring charts with 16 and 13 goals respectively, and they also lead LAFC in assists with 9 and 6. Led by goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, LAFC have the third-fewest goals allowed in MLS with 30.

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

Seattle started their season slow, remaining just outside the playoff line. The Sounders then took off in June. After opening the month with a 2-1 loss to Kansas City, Seattle reeled off a five-game unbeaten streak which is still ongoing. The run has propelled Seattle to fifth place in the Western Conference, and after the Leagues Cup break they resumed with a 3-2 win over Minnesota United on Aug. 24.

Veterans Jordan Morris and Raul Ruidiaz lead the offense with ten and eight goals each, accounting for almost half of Seattle 37 goals in MLS play. Albert Rusnak is among the league leaders in assists with 12. Stefan Frei leads a Seattle defense almost as stingy as LAFC, allowing just 31 goals in 26 games, and backup Andrew Thomas has been the Open Cup hero for the Sounders.

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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

HOW THEY GOT HERE

Both Los Angeles and Seattle have the unique distinction of becoming the first MLS clubs to reach the Open Cup Semifinals without facing another MLS team since Real Salt Lake in 2013. Each team faced three USL Championship sides, although LAFC won each game by two of more goals, all three contests were nail-biters for the Sounders.

LOS ANGELES FC

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)

SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC

Fourth Round >> Seattle Sounders FC 2:2 (5:4 PKs) Louisville City FC (USL Championship)

Seattle had a bit more work on their plate in eliminating Louisville City FC in front of a Seattle-friendly crowd at Starfire Soccer Complex. Up 2-0 midway through the second half on goals from Paul Rothrock and Danny Musovski, Louisville clawed their way back. After a successful penalty kick from Sean Totsch in the 67th minute, Jorge Gonzalez pulled Louisville level in the 89th minute. After 30 minutes of scoreless extra time, goalkeeper Andrew Thomas stepped up in the penalty tiebreaker, saving three attempts from Louisville before converting a PK of his own to win the shootout 5-4. (VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS)

Fifth Round >> Seattle Sounders FC 2:1 Phoenix Rising FC (USL Championship)

Seattle’s Round of 16 game was another nailbiter, as they squeezed past Phoenix Rising 2-1. A 68th minute Alex Roldan penalty kick canceled out a PK from Phoenix’s Rami Cabral in the first half. With just two minutes remaining, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi ensured Seattle would avoid extra time and penalties this time around with the game winning goal. (VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS)

Quarterfinals >> Seattle Sounders FC 2:1 Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)

The Sounders had yet another tough task waiting in the Quarterfinals, needing to travel to Northern California to face a Sacramento Republic team that almost never loses Open Cup games at home. Josh Atencio opened the scoring for Seattle in the 16th minute with a bouncing shot from the top of the penalty area. In the 31st, Jordan Morris beat Sacramento goalkeeper Daniel Vitiello when Vitiello came out to challenge Morris at the top of the box. Just four minutes after the break Sebastián Herrera pulled the hosts to within one when he headed home a Jack Gurr corner kick. Seattle would hold on to escape with a 2-1 win. (VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS)

OPEN CUP PEDIGREE

Seattle and LAFC have never met in Open Cup play, although the clubs would have met in the 2018 Round of 16, but Seattle were upset in the previous round by the Sacramento Republic 2-1 after extra time. 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.

Like Sporting Kansas City, Seattle is entering this year’s Open Cup looking to make history, as they are one championship away from joining Bethlehem Steel, Maccabee AC and the Fall River Marksmen as five time Cup champions. 

Members of the Seattle Sounders celebrate after winning the 2014 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup at PPL Park in Chester, PA. Photo: Seattle Sounders FC

The last five Open Cup tournaments haven’t been very successful for the Sounders, going “one-and-done” three times, and the other two lasting just two games. Seattle has had four teams in the Open Cup over the years. While Seattle is an impressive 30-4-4 at home in the Open Cup, their road record is a dreadful 8-14-4. Seattle also holds a nice record versus fellow MLS clubs in Open Cup play, going 15-5-3 since joining the league in 2009. However, they have lost 3 in a row to their league mates, with the last win being a 2-1 triumph over their arch-rivals Portland Timbers in the 2017 Fourth Round.

LOS ANGELES AND SEATTLE IN THE SEMIFINALS

Since California began entering Open Cup play in 1953, the city of Los Angeles has been a fixture in the Semifinals. 38 times teams from the Southland have reached this point in the Open Cup. The Los Angeles Galaxy and Maccabee AC are tied with seven Semifinal appearances among LA clubs, followed by the Los Angeles Kickers with four. Twenty-four times a Los Angeles team advanced to the Open Cup Final, although LA hasn’t seen a team make it that far since the Galaxy fell to the Chicago Fire in 2006. Seattle has seen the Semifinals 10 times, eight by the Sounders, and two from Mitre Eagles

Some memorable Semifinal moments for Los Angeles and Seattle include:

1955 >> Simpkins Ford 2:5 (AET) Danish American SC

Teams from Los Angeles and San Francisco had just begun Open Cup play in 1954. After finishing 90 minutes at 1-1. In extra time Danish American SC’s Sven Martensen, Billy Agnew, George Kay, and Hugh Johnston countered Butch Cook’s lone extra time goal for DASC to prevail 5-2. The St. Louis-based Simpkins had won the Open Cup title in 1950.

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

1966 >> Orange County SC 5:0 Chicago Kickers

Fred Cameron netted a second half hat-trick (70′, 72′, 85′) to power Orange County to the first of two consecutive Open Cup Final appearances. Cameron also assisted on Manual Abunza’s 10th minute goal, and Werner Mata interrupted Cameron’s hat trick with a 78th minute goal.

Source: LA Times

1971 >> Yugoslav American SC vs. Hamm’s (St. Louis)
Hamm’s forfeit, failed to appear

Hamm did not show for the game against Yugoslav American SC at Rancho Cienega Stadium in Los Angeles because there was no guarantee (for a traveling party of 18) offered to Hamm. The previous rule of the hosts covering the away team travel costs had recently been eliminated. Hamm’s had offered the Los Angeles-based club $2,000 to play the game in St. Louis, but that offer was rejected.

1973 >> Maccabee AC 1:0 Croatian SC (Chicago)

The dynasty of the mighty Maccabees gets started in 1973. Hans Gudegast’s 65th minute penalty kick goal is enough to send the Maccabees through to their first Final, where they would claim the first of their record-tying five Open Cup championships.

1983 >> New York Pancyprian Freedoms 4:2 FOE Eagles No. 1

The first ever Semifinal appearance by a Seattle club may be more memorable for what happened leading up to the game. After beating San Francisco’s Greek American AC in the Region IV Final (National Quarterfinals), FOE Eagles No. 1 were disqualified for using an ineligible player. Feeling wronged, the Eagles managed to secure a court order to replay the Region IV final in Houston before the Semifinals. The Eagles once again prevailed 1-0 to move on to the Semis to face the powerhouse New York Pancyprian Freedoms, winners of two of the last three Open Cup titles (1980, 1982). Perhaps weary from playing the night before, the Eagles fell 4-2 to the Freedoms.

1987 >> Mitre Eagles 5:4 (AET) Busch U22 (St. Louis)

Four years later, the Eagles would return to the Semifinals, and finish with a better result. Facing St. Louis’ Busch u22, the Eagles held a 2-1 halftime lead, only for Busch to tie the game in the 87th minute. Busch then fought back to overcome a 4-2 hole in extra time. As penalties drew near, John Klien fired a shot that snuck under the crossbar in the 119th minute to send the Eagles to their one and only Open Cup Final.

1995 >> El Paso Patriots 1:0 Seattle Sounders

In the first semifinal of the Modern Era, the A-League’s Seattle Sounders could not overcome the 100 degree heat of El Paso, and were upset by the USISL Pro League’s Patriots 1-0. Knowing they were facing one of the better teams of the A-League, the Patriots employed world class gamesmanship. The hosts allowed the grass at Dudley Field to grow a bit longer and elected to set a mid-day kickoff time. By game time temperatures in El Paso soared to 103 degrees, something the Sounders, from the mild and wet Pacific Northwest, struggled with. Gabino Amparán’s 36th minute goal was all the Patriots needed for the upset.

El Paso Times – July 30, 1995

2000 – Los Angeles Galaxy 1:2 (asdet) Chicago Fire
2001 – Los Angeles Galaxy 1:0 (asdet) Chicago Fire

In the Galaxy’s first ever Semifinal appearance, the Chicago Fire played rude guests, beating LA 2-1 in golden goal extra time. Cobi Jones (79′) and Ante Razov (85′) traded goals late in the second half, and in extra time Josh Wolff won it for Chicago in the 112th minute.

A year later the Galaxy would get their revenge on the Fire with their own golden goal no less. After a scoreless 90 minutes, Alexi Lalas scored off a corner kick four minutes into extra time, then famously celebrated by running up the hill behind the goal at Cal State Fullerton’s Titan Stadium.

2018 >> Los Angeles FC 3:3 (6:7 PKs) Houston Dynamo

LAFC’s first semifinal appearance against the Houston Dynamo in 2018 may not have ended how they wanted, but it was memorable. Diego Rossi scored all three goals for LAFC, including goals in the 78th minute and second half stoppage time to overcome a 3-1 deficit. After a scoreless extra time, both teams converted 4 of 5 penalty kicks, and in the eighth round Latif Blessing missed his attempt and Houston advanced to the Final winning the penalty shootout 7-6. Despite being eliminated, Diego Rossi’s individual performance was impressive enough to be voted TheCup.us Player of the Round.

Diego Rossi of LAFC celebrates one of his three goals against the Houston Dynamo in the 2018 US Open Cup Semifinals. The match finished in a 3-3 draw and the Dynamo prevailed 7-6 on penalty kicks. Photo: Houston Dynamo
Diego Rossi of LAFC celebrates one of his three goals against the Houston Dynamo in the 2018 US Open Cup Semifinals. The match finished in a 3-3 draw and the Dynamo prevailed 7-6 on penalty kicks. Photo: Houston Dynamo

2009 >> Seattle Sounders FC 2:1 (AET) Houston Dynamo 

The Sounders capped off their first season in MLS with their first Open Cup title and on the way needed a 2-1 extra time win over the Houston Dynamo in the Semifinals. Nate Jaqua’s 89th minute goal forced extra time, and Stephen King’s 94th minute tally put the Sounders up 2-1. Seattle was then forced to defend the lead with 10 men when Jhon Hurtado was sent off after his second caution in the 110th minute, but held on to go to their first Open Cup Final. 

2014 >> Seattle Sounders FC 6:0 Chicago Fire

With three open Cup championships already under their belt, Seattle stormed their way to a fourth title on the heels of a 6-0 Semifinal thrashing of the Chicago Fire, who were four time winners themselves. Two goals apiece from Andrew Rose (33’ 58’) and Kenny Cooper (83’ 84’) were accompanied by solo efforts from Chad Barrett (6’) and Obafemi Martins (79’). It remains one of the most lopsided Semifinal games in tournament history. Only three Semifinal matches have been separated by more than six goals with the last one coming in 1981 when the Brooklyn Dodgers blanked Atlanta’s Datagraphic 7-0.

The Seattle Sounders FC celebrate after midfielder Andy Rose (5) scored a goal against the Chicago Fire during the second half at Starfire Soccer Stadium. Seattle defeated Chicago 6-0. Photo: Steven Bisig | USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles FC (MLS)
5th US Open Cup appearance (2018, 2019, 2022, 2023)
2nd Semifinal appearance
Overall: 10-3-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 2-1-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 4-3-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Semifinals (2018)

Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
26th US Open Cup appearance (1995-97, 1999-2003, 2005-19, 2022-23)
7th Semifinal appearance (5th in MLS)
Overall: 39-18-8 (5-3 PK) | 23-7-6 (4-2 PK) as MLS
Home: 30-4-4 (3-1 PK) | 19-2-3 (2-1 PK) as MLS
vs. MLS: 19-12-4 (2-2 PK) | 15-5-3 (1-2 PK) as MLS
Best finish: Champions (2009, 2010, 2011, 2014)

2024 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Augustine Williams of Indy Eleven voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

by

2024 us open cup quarterfinals winner
Photo by Indy Eleven | Graphic by Phil Naegely

Indy Eleven has followed a very successful recipe during the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Get an early first half goal(s) and then defend well as a team when the inevitable surge happens when their opponents try to get back into the game.

In Indy’s games against the Chicago Fire FC II (MLS NEXT Pro), San Antonio FC (USL Championship), and Detroit City FC (USL Championship), they scored their first goal in the 6th, 2nd, and 14th minutes, respectively. Indy then added to their totals in each of those games by keeping their foot on the gas in the first half, having now scored seven of their eight goals in the tournament in the first half of play. In nearly all the games, they were officially outshot by their opponents, but have used team defense to stifle any comeback attempts.

In their 2-1 quarterfinal win on the road against MLS side Atlanta United, that successful recipe remained the same. A common factor for Indy’s goals versus Atlanta, as well as their early goal-scoring starts in the previous rounds has been Augustine Williams. Williams was involved in both of Indy’s goals against Atlanta United to secure their advancement to play Kansas City in the semifinals. It was Williams’ finish in the 31st minute that put Indy ahead, and it was his cross late in the game on a counterattack that a retreating Dax McCarty inadvertently redirected into his own goal that solidified the win for the Boys in Blue. Williams’ goal and unofficial assist to the own goal was enough for him to be awarded the honor of 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. Anyone interested in voting for this award in future rounds may consider pledging $10 or more and help us with our continuing coverage of the US Open Cup and research its storied history.

The striker from Sierre Leon is no stranger to scoring goals in the USL Championship or in the US Open Cup, ranking ninth all-time in the USL in goals scored with 71 goals, while also being tied for fifth all-time in the league with 11 career braces. Williams helped the Charleston Battery get to the league’s championship game last season by leading the team in goals with a career-high 16, and is currently battling this year with Jack Blake to be Indy Eleven’s top scorer.

Indy Eleven We Want The Cup Shirt
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While Williams’ five goals in league play have him tied for 24th in scoring in the USL Championship, it’s been his ability to find the goal in the US Open Cup that has proven to be instrumental during Indy Eleven’s US Open Cup run. Williams has accounted for a goal in three of Indy’s four games and has been the first goal scorer in two of those games. Williams has never been afraid of the moment when it comes to the US Open Cup. In June 2017, Williams scored the Portland Timbers’ only goal in a 2-1 loss to the Seattle Sounders, in his debut for the Timbers.

“I have always liked the Open Cup and the chance to compete against MLS teams. All levels of teams can be part of the Cup. Whether it’s Atlanta or Portland or Kansas City for us in the next game, I like the chance to compete against those teams to give us a chance to win against them to advance.”

It took a little bit longer for Indy Eleven to find the opening goal against Atlanta United than it had in the previous rounds, but Indy were able to ride Augi’s first half goal and the late McCarty own goal to overcome the team’s first conceded goal of the tournament. Indy’s 2-1 win against Atlanta was the club’s first victory against an MLS team, while also becoming the first Indiana team since 1992 to reach the tournament’s semifinals when the Indianapolis Inferno achieved the same feat. Williams has been a major factor in the team’s US Open Cup success, and will likely need to remain that way if the club wants to extend its run to the Final.

2024 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Indy Eleven holds on to make history with win over Atlanta United

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Indy Eleven players celebrate with their fans after a 2-1 win over Atlanta United FC in the 2024 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Wade Wimberly | TheCup.us

The 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup rolled into Kennesaw, Ga. Tuesday night with a quarterfinal match between Atlanta United FC and the visiting Indy Eleven.

Indy Eleven used a first-half Augustine Williams goal along with a second-half own goal to build an advantage that the late-pressing hosts just couldn’t equal. The result was the first Open Cup win over an MLS foe for the Indy Eleven and the first time the franchise has advanced into the Open Cup Semifinals.

The win marked just the second time in the tournament’s 109-year history that a team from the state of Indiana has reached the final four. They join the 1992 Indianapolis Inferno as the Hoosier state’s only semifinalist.

Indy Eleven will move on to play the winner of Wednesday’s match between FC Dallas and Sporting Kansas City in the Semifinals. Indy will play that game on the road and will take place during the week of Aug. 27-28.

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It was a night that played out just like the season fortunes of the two sides taking the pitch who seem to be moving in opposite directions.

Atlanta United currently just below the MLS playoff line in the middle of a mid-season reboot with numerous transfers out and an interim manager. This season of change found the hosts again out of rhythm and just not fluid in all phases of the game.

Indy Eleven currently sits in third place in their USL Championship campaign and have been very successful on the road with a stable and sturdy roster of proven USL performers. The commitment and energy was there whistle to whistle as they took full advantage of the opportunities that presented during the match.

The first part of the match was start-stop due to numerous fouls committed by both teams. The major difference is that the Atlanta fouls provided dangerous free kick opportunities in the Indy attacking third that helped the visitors control the tempo of the match and make opportunistic attacks probing at the Atlanta defense.

The breakthrough moment came in the 31st minute for Indy as Douglas Martinez made a surging run up the right flank driving a low ball across the penalty spot that Augustine Williams slotted under Josh Cohen in the Atlanta net for the 1-0 advantage. The team mobbed Williams at the corner flag just in front of the very vocal and very happy Indy supporters’ group.

Atlanta seemed to regroup at the half and came out very strong to open the second half but again the errant passes, mis-timed supporting runs, and movements off the ball just didn’t sync up for the hosts.  As Atlanta began to substitute players and become more urgent and direct against the run of play Indy whipped a ball in from the right flank into the Atlanta box where it was defected in for an own goal in the 83rd minute.

Atlanta missed a sitter just seconds after the own goal blasting the loose ball in the box into the side netting leaving the United fans to wonder what could have been.

Atlanta’s Nic Firmino did clean up a loose ball in the Indy box to score a goal in second-half stoppage time. It was the first goal allowed by Indy Eleven in the 2024 US Open Cup, snapping a shutout streak of just under 360 minutes. But in the end it was just too little, too late as the Five Stripes went crashing out of the Open Cup at Fifth Third Bank Stadium at the hands of a USL Championship team for the second year in a row. 

Indy Eleven Head Coach Sean McAuley praised his team after the match.

“We needed to come out and show a bit of confidence and if you come out in a negative mindset you can get drawn into just protecting,” said McAuley. “We wanted to come out with a really strong attitude towards getting to the goal. I wanted them to recognize we could hold our own in this environment and we knew Atlanta would come out strong in the second half.”

“I remember a lot of our players throwing their bodes in front of the ball, the goalkeeper coming an taking crosses at critical moments which clamed things down, and everybody, a lot of the players running so hard to keep what we had an us into the semifinal,” added McAuley.

With Indy Eleven’s win, it marks just the 15th time since MLS joined the tournament in 1996 that a lower division team has reached the Semifinals. They are the 10th different lower division club to reach the final four during that span.

2024 US Open Cup Round 5: Indy Eleven first Indiana club to reach Quarterfinals in 32 years after shutout of Detroit City FC

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Benjamin Ofeimu of Indy Eleven celebrates after scoring a goal against Detroit City FC in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Matt Schlotzhauer - Indy Eleven
Ben Ofeimu of Indy Eleven celebrates after scoring a goal against Detroit City FC in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski – Indy Eleven

Three first half goals and a solid defensive effort was enough to propel Indy Eleven to a 3-0 home win over Detroit City FC on Wednesday night in the Round of 16 of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

An early own goal by DCFC and a pair of goals three minutes apart by Augustine Williams and Ben Ofeimu proved to be the difference at historic Michael A. Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis. Indy goalkeeper Hunter Sulte faced 17 shots and made seven saves to earn his club a third straight clean sheet.

With the win, Indy Eleven advances to the Quarterfinals for the first time in club history and becomes just the second Indiana team to ever reach the last eight. The only other team to do it was the Indianapolis Inferno in 1992. Indy’s next opponent in the competition will be a road match against Atlanta United FC (MLS) the week of July 9-10.

Detroit City FC and Indy Eleven were the lone USL Championship vs USL Championship matchup in the Round of 16, guaranteeing that a team from the Division II league would make it into the Quarterfinals of the US Open Cup for the seventh consecutive year and 15 of the last 16 tournaments.

However, the day before, New Mexico United and Sacramento Republic beat Detroit and Indy to that honor by beating NYCFC II from MLS NEXT Pro and San Jose Earthquakes from MLS, respectively. 

Detroit reached the Round of 16 by defeating MLS’s Houston Dynamo, the tournament’s defending champions, after coming from behind to send the game to extra time after a 3-3 draw. It then took all 30 minutes of extra time and 20 penalty kicks when Houston’s goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell pushed his attempt wide, and DCFC’s goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña finished his attempt down the middle to send the defending champs home.

Indy Eleven’s path was smoother as they defeated San Antonio FC 2-0 thanks to early goals from Augustine Williams and Jack Blake.

Tonight’s US Open Cup match between Detroit City and Indy Eleven marked the third time this season that the league foes have played each other. Indy came out the victors in a 3-1 preseason affair in late February. In an early season matchup a month later, Detroit City flipped the script and pulled a late-game 2-1 winner in the 88th minute thanks to Maxi Rodriguez. The teams came into tonight’s game even in points in the Eastern Conference table, but with Detroit City having games-in-hand due to a less cluttered early season schedule. Since the two teams faced each other on March 30, Indy has played seven league games while Detroit City has played five games. While Indy is in the midst of a stretch of three games in eight days, Detroit City hasn’t played since May 11 and don’t have their next game until May 29. Clearly the teams came into this game with different needs for managing player’s bodies. 

They also came into the game as different teams than when they faced each other in March. Detroit has gone 2-1-2 in league play since the March matchup, while Indy came into the game on a seven-game unbeaten streak across all competitions after taking a couple of bad beatings from Louisville City and the Charleston Battery. Indy’s confidence in their recent run-of-form versus Detroit City’s confidence of having beaten an MLS side to reach this game was what was at play tonight. It was Indy’s confidence that ultimately won the night. 

Starting lineups from both teams showed that they were taking the game seriously, with players that they would use in a normal league game. The teams had all the appearances of playing this game like a league playoff game. In early action, both teams looked to put themselves on the front foot to try and get an early lead. A breakaway for Detroit led to a tangling of feet, a yellow card to Indy’s Ofeimu, and a free kick for Detroit from just outside the 18-yard box. The kick was blocked by the wall, but the yellow card to Ofeimu put pressure on Indy’s back three to prevent a scenario where they were playing down a man, which generally spells defeat for teams in knockout games. 

As the game approached the quarter hour, Indy’s Ben Mines sent a pass to an overlapping Ofeimu on the right side of the pitch, who promptly sent a cross to the six-yard box towards Martinez. The ball didn’t reach Martinez, but instead ricocheted off of Detroit’s Stephen Carroll to get the scoring started for the home team. It would be difficult to say the goal was completely against the run-of-play, but much of the play up to the goal had been in Indy’s defensive end, but generally in non-threatening positions. The goal by Indy ramped up Detroit’s pressure as they looked to immediately bring the game back to level.

Just shy of the 22-minute mark, Detroit finally and cleanly broke through the middle of the Indy lines and forced Sulte into a low stretching save to prevent Morris from finding that equalizing goal. The goal was pushed to his left and out for a corner kick that was cleared away by Indy. At this point in the game, Morris and Rodriguez were pulling the strings in the center of the pitch, but the team couldn’t get clean shots on target.

The lack of ability to get on the board came back to haunt Le Rouge as Indy tacked on goals in the 33rd and 35th minutes. For the first goal, after a series of corner kicks from both teams, Indy recycled a ball that Blake put over the top as both Martinez and Williams beat the offside trap. Martinez one-touched the ball to Williams who slotted it past Saldaña to double Indy’s lead.

Two minutes later and yet another corner kick for Indy resulted in a headed goal from Ofeimu from Stanley’s back post kick.

In the remaining 10 minutes, Detroit continued to dominate possession, but Indy was content to sit back and absorb some of that pressure to prevent the late goal from Detroit that would give have given the visitors some life and momentum going into the halftime locker room. As the half progressed through the three minutes of stoppage time, Detroit forced Indy into intense defending and spectacular saves from Sulte.

A seventh corner kick in the first half for Detroit as time was expiring nearly found the left side of the goal, but Sulte blocked the shot up into the air, and then punched the resulting ball out of bounds, allowing Indy fans to take a deep breath as referee Araki blew his whistle for the halftime break. On the flipside, a raucous Detroit contingent of fans was left wondering what changes head coach Danny Dichio would have in store to get their team back into the game after watching the first half largely take place in Indy’s defensive side of the pitch, but sitting in a large hole.

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Detroit immediately made substitutions out of the locker room, taking off Brett Levis and Maxi Rodriguez for Alex Villanueva and Victor Bezerra, respectively. A surprising substitution bringing Rodriguez off given his importance to the recent Open Cup result. Indy, contrarily, despite the fixture congestion this week, stayed with the starters to open the second half.

There didn’t appear to be any major tactical changes for Detroit with the substitutions as they continued to try and play through the center of the pitch, looking for moments when they could unbalance the Indy midfield and defenders. The corner kicks continued to mount for the visitors, but continued to be off on their delivery. 

Around the 60th minute, the physicality took another step up as the referee’s early lack of whistle translated to players realizing that the minor fouls called during league play were not going to be whistled today. The Indy players felt aggrieved when Matthews appeared to purposefully kick Martinez after a corner kick. Then Amoo-Mensah picked up a yellow card in the 61st minute after a hard challenge to even the card count briefly before Blake picked up Indy’s second yellow card seconds before he was substituted out of the game. 

The remainder of the game took on a much different pace as Detroit began to look like they realized it wasn’t their night and Indy was content to defend to keep a clean sheet and counterattack when possible. Indy’s manager Sean McAuley continued his trend of substituting in his normal substitution windows to manage his player’s minutes looking ahead to their league match on Saturday against Phoenix Rising. Indy could be described as efficient in their offense in the first half and they let it carry them to the victory tonight.

Augustine Williams of Indy Eleven scores a goal against Detroit City FC in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Matt Schlotzhauer - Indy Eleven
Augustine Williams of Indy Eleven scores a goal against Detroit City FC in the Round of 16 of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Matt Schlotzhauer – Indy Eleven

“We were dangerous when we needed to be. We scored three goals and we had a chance to get another couple,” said McCauley. “Everybody knows their role, of what we want them to do, where to be at the right time, and what to do defensively. It’s people know their jobs, and once they know their jobs, you ask yourself ‘can they do their jobs?’ Currently the form is showing, yeah they can. When you win the ball back, you know you’ve got the opportunity to create numbers up in spaces they’ve left, and I thought we did that really well. Efficiently, in the first half.”

Indy and Detroit will face off yet again this season in league play so this rivalry will once again be on display later this year. For the night, though, in the 109th edition of the US Open Cup, Indy Eleven took the victory and move onto the tournament’s quarterfinals

Much has been documented recently about Indy Eleven’s stadium and MLS controversy, but the Indy fans can take solace in the fact that their team is proceeding through the U.S. Open Cup with a series of games without conceding a goal.

2024 US Open Cup Round 4: Amidst ownership uncertainty, Indy Eleven strikes early to beat San Antonio FC

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Jack Blake (right) of Indy Eleven celebrates after scoring a goal against San Antonio FC in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Matt Schlotzhauer
Jack Blake (right) of Indy Eleven celebrates after scoring a goal against San Antonio FC in the Fourth Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Matt Schlotzhauer

The goals came fast for Indy and San Antonio was furious. In the birthplace of the Brickyard, Indy Eleven raced out to a 2-0 lead defeating San Antonio FC in Wednesday night’s Round of 32 of the 2024 US Open Cup at the Sellick Bowl. 

The win moves the club to 6-7-1 all time in the century-old tournament. With the victory, the home side advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time in club history.

The Boys in Blue started off at a blistering pace, scoring two goals within the first two minutes of the match. In the second minute, a cross was sent in by Eleven forward Douglas Martinez that caromed off a San Antonio defender to the feet of teammate Augi Williams. Williams wasted no time finishing the chance, sending a shot ricocheting off the body of San Antonio keeper Kendall McIntosh to put the home side ahead 1-0. 

Not long after, Indy’s Aedan Stanley corralled a pass at the edge of the six-yard box and cut the ball back for colleague Jack Blake who buried it in the upper left corner of the net in the tenth minute. Indy would never look back. 

There were several strong chances for San Antonio in the second half but Indianapolis netminder Hunter Sulte was up to the task, earning his second straight Open Cup clean sheet.

A slightly hoarse Sulte said that the defensive effort was the fruit of staying focused, despite a comfortable early lead. 

“It is important to not get complacent, stay locked in the whole time, and just continue to protect the goal,” Sulte said. “What helps me is to keep talking, you can hear from my voice that I keep talking to my defenders. It helps me stay engaged when I’m not on the ball. “

The Indianapolis club remains unbeaten against San Antonio FC, moving its record to 2-0-1 all-time.

Indy Eleven will continue Olstad Division play in the Round of 16 hosting Detroit City FC on either May 21 or May 22 after Detroit ousted defending champions Houston Dynamo on penalties Tuesday.

First-year Indy manager Sean McAuley commended his future opponent Detroit for their success in Texas while noting the advantages of hosting the next round. 

“We know that it’s going to be a tough game,” he said. “But now we get to face someone in our own league who we are probably more familiar with. We’re at home, we’ve got our supporters, and I think that we’re going to try and go for it again. (We’ll) put out a team to try to get us into the quarterfinals.”

Indy Eleven soldier forward in the tournament while off the pitch other realities threaten the club’s operations. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced April 25th that the city had been in conversations with Major League Soccer (MLS) about bringing an expansion franchise to the market. 

Plans for “Eleven Park”, including a brand new 20,000 seat stadium for the USL side, have been halted while the city discusses details of a different plan, tailored to a potential new MLS club, with an unnamed group of investors. 

McAuley said that he is confident in Indy Eleven’s ownership and his players and staff are focused on the job at hand. “We’ve got full belief in everything that the club wants to do. We obviously got that news a couple of weeks ago. We were assured by everyone here that this club has a good history to it, good people in it across all departments of the club, and a really strong owner and front office staff that are fighting to get to where we want to get” he said. 

“We have no problem turning up every week and doing our jobs. Which obviously it’s something for the supporters and we want to give them something to cheer about. Sometimes with uncertainty, the one thing you can be sure of is that in a win everyone walks away happy.”

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