Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Inter Miami CF

2023 US Open Cup Final: Houston Dynamo uses hot start to beat Inter Miami, bring trophy back to H-Town

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Photo: Houston Dynamo FC

A dominant first-half performance was more than good enough to see Houston Dynamo FC claim the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup championship at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on Wednesday night.

The 2-1 win over Inter Miami CF marks the second time Houston has lifted the US Open Cup trophy, following the team’s first cup title in 2018.

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Houston’s Ben Olsen also lifted his second Open Cup as a manager, but his first piece of silverware with Houston. Olsen previously claimed the Open Cup as manager of DC United in 2013.

“The road to get here is always a wild one,” Olsen said after the victory. “I’ve always respected this tournament. I’m romantic with it. It means a lot to me. Amateur teams get to play bigger teams, it’s always a neat concept and idea. D.C. United always took it in the right way, and we did that this year.”

Inter Miami CF struggled to generate chances, as the team was missing star Lionel Messi, who was held out of the match by manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino. Messi was substituted early in Miami’s 4-0 victory over Toronto last week and did not appear in the team’s 1-1 draw with Orlando on Sunday. Defender Jordi Alba was also held off the Miami team sheet.

“(Messi) will play before the season will be over” Martino told the press through a translator. “We will go match-by-match defining how things are going and seeing if the medical department will give him the OK to play without any medical risk.”

“We prepared all week for Messi and Alba,” Olsen said. “Let’s be honest, they’re a different team with and without them. I think they missed him tonight, and I think they missed Alba. That’s OK. They’re still a pretty good team.

“If I was missing Hector Herra tonight, it would have been a different game. But I’m not crying for them.”

Dynamo thoroughly controlled play in the first half, racking up 18 shots to Miami’s one.

Houston threatened early and often. Nelson Quiñónes found multiple opportunities in the first 20 minutes, forcing Miami’s defense into multiple last-grasp clearances. Miami’s attempt to play off the counter foundered, as Houston routinely pounced on Miami’s inability to clear out of its own half.

The first of the Houston goals came from Griffin Dorsey in the 24th minute. Dorsey received a ball from Artur, made a run into the right side of the box and fired a rocket of a shot from close range into the back of the net.

“Griffin is a great human, and the fact that I had him on the bench at the start of the season makes me think I was crazy,” Olsen said. “He is a great example of, as a player, when you’re not in favor, how to get out of it. At this point, there’s no way I’m taking him off the field.”

Less than 10 minutes later, Miami defender DeAndre Yedlin caught Quiñónes in the box for a clear penalty opportunity. Amine Bassi took the attempt and converted on a low shot down the middle. A diving Drake Callendar had no chance. It was the second goal of the tournament (both from the penalty spot) for Bassi, who finished as the tournament’s leader with four assists.

The results weren’t just visible on the scoresheet. In the 39th minute, Miami midfielder Diego Gómez attempted to hold possession. Houston forward Corey Baird hounded him for possession, tracking him back yards before Gómez was forced to pass back into his own defense. The moment was a microcosm of Miami’s first-half frustration.

“I think we were so up for this match that we put so much into that,” Olsen said. “Really just dialed in. That takes a lot of stamina, both physically and mentally.”

Houston nearly sealed the match in the 73rd minute, as Quiñónes finally found the back of the net, but a VAR review found he was inches offside. Miami had life.

Inter Miami made the match interesting late in the second half, with a goal scored by Josef Martinez in the second minute of stoppage time. Facundo Farias played a ball into him into the box and Martinez was able to shield off a defender and launch a shot between the legs of goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell. But the Dynamo’s second-half defensive strategy held strong and paid off with a victory.

Martino attributed Miami’s sluggish start to both injury and fatigue. Wednesday’s final marks the 42nd game for the club, 29 in Major League Soccer, 7 in Leagues Cup and 6 in the US Open Cup.

“We’ve been playing a number of matches. That has a cost, physically and mentally,” Martino said. “We have a final on Saturday, and another on Wednesday in Chicago. We can’t complain, but we’re attempting to do our best.”

In addition to lifting the club’s fourth major trophy (2006 MLS Cup, 2007 MLS Cup, 2018 US Open Cup), Houston claims $300,000 in prize money. The Dynamo already earned a spot in next year’s CONCACAF Champions League, as Inter Miami earned its bid into the competition by winning the Leagues Cup last month. Miami earned $100,000 as the runner-up.

2023 US Open Cup Final preview: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami CF host Houston Dynamo in all-MLS title game

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More than 200 teams began the journey for the 108th Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Starting back in September of 2022 with the first of four qualifying rounds, only two teams now remain. The winner will be crowned on Wednesday evening when Inter Miami CF hosts the Houston Dynamo FC. Unlike last year’s run to the Final by Sacramento Republic of the USL Championship (Div. 2 pro) this is an all-MLS affair. For the 26th time since the league launched in 1996, a Major League Soccer team will lift the cup.

Some folks may consider Houston the underdog in this game, as Inter Miami is firmly has struggled mightily this MLS season and could miss their post-season entirely. However, the club is very much the hotter side. Major international signings like World Cup winner Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets have ignited the team in recent months. Inter won the Leagues Cup on Aug. 20, its first ever major trophy. Coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino is trying to win his 2nd US Soccer Major trophy (2018 MLS Cup). Houston will be trying for their second Open Cup title in as many finals (2018). Coach Ben Olsen is looking for his second title as a coach to go with one as a player (2008).

The teams have met three times in league play over three seasons (no Open Cup) with Houston leading the series 2 wins to 1 (4 goals to 2)

Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) at Inter Miami CF (MLS)
DRV PNK Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, FL
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast (ENG) Paramount +, CBS Sports Network; (ESP) Telemundo, Peacock, NBC Universo

Visitor: Houston Dynamo FC (MLS play: 12-7-11, 42 points, 4th place in Western Conference)
2nd USOC Final appearance – 1 title (2018)
15th USOC – appearance
Overall: 24-2-12 (1-1 PK)
on road: 5-1-7 (0-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 10-1-10 (1-0 PK)
Won 5 straight USOC games
Won 2 straight USOC road games

Coach: Ben Olsen – record 12-4-5 (2-2 PK) with DC United 2010-2020 & Houston Dynamo 2022-present

The Houston Dynamo are only the fourth Texas side to make the final. They’re also the only Texas winner since the Dallas Burn/FC Dallas’ run of four final appearances (winning in 1997 & 2016, losing in 2005 & 2007). Head Coach, Ben Olsen, is trying to win his 2nd US Soccer Major trophy (2013 US Open Cup). As a player he has won three US Soccer Major trophies: US Open Cup (2008) MLS Cup (1999, 2004)

Olsen has rebuilt the team after a string of paltry, and worse, seasons since 2018. This includes two 13th-place finishes. This is a side that has no remnants of the team that won it back in 2018.

Houston’s captain, Hector Herrera, is looking forward to a rematch with Leo Messi. Herrera’s Mexico and Messi’s Argentina battled in the most recent FIFA World Cup. Messi’s side won that game 2-0, with Messi bagging the game winner, just 10 months ago in Qatar.

Path to the Final: Houston Dynamo FC

Third Round: 1-0 road win over Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship)

Houston wins their opening game in the tournament for the ninth year in a row. A high energy game was decided by a 43rd minute goal by 18-year-old Brooklyn Raines.

Fourth Round: 1-0 home win over Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

Iceland international, Thor Úlfarsson, scored the lone goal in the 12th minute to see the home side through to the 5th round.

Fifth Round: – 4-0 win over Minnesota United FC (MLS)

Led by a Corey Baird hat trick (a first-ever for Houston Dynamo player in the USOC), the Dynamo manhandled a short-handed Minnesota side to advance.

Quarterfinal: 4-1 road win over Chicago Fire FC (MLS)

Nelson Quiñónes and Ibrahim Aliyu each had 2 goals to leave 4-time Open Cup winners, Chicago Fire, out of the running.

Semifinal: 3-1 extra time win over Real Salt Lake (MLS)

Amine Bassi had 3 assists, one each for Héctor Herrera, Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla, and Luís Caicedo to advance to their second final.

Texas teams that have made the USOC Final

  • Richardson Rockets (SISL) 1991 (Lost)
  • El Paso Patriots (USISL Pro) 1995 (Lost)
  • Dallas Burn (MLS) 1997 (Won in PKs)
  • FC Dallas (MLS) 2005 (Lost)
  • FC Dallas  (MLS) 2007 (Lost)
  • FC Dallas  (MLS) 2016 (Won)
  • Houston Dynamo (MLS) 2018 (Won)
  • Houston Dynamo (MLS) 2023 (???)

Host: Inter Miami CF (MLS play: 9-5-15, 32 Points, 14th place in Eastern Conference)

1st USOC Final appearance
2nd USOC appearance
Overall: 5-3-0 (2-1 PK)
at Home: 3-0-0
vs. MLS: 1-2-0 (1-1 PK)
Unbeaten in their last 8 USOC games

Coach “Tata” Martino – record 2-1-2 (1-0 PK) with Atlanta United 2016-2018 & Inter Miami 2023-present

Inter Miami are just the fourth Florida team to make it to the US Open Cup final. If they can win it, they will be the third winner and the second in as many years – Orlando City SC won the title last year. Inter has had a more down than up season, currently sitting in 14th place in MLS’ Eastern Conference. A victory over Houston would give the Herons their 1st Open Cup title in their 1st Open Cup Final appearance. This game is also a potential domestic and North American double, having won the Leagues Cup on August 20.

With a victory here, and if they can find some consistency and points, they could limp into the playoffs which would set them up for a potential domestic and North American treble (Leagues Cup, Open Cup, MLS Cup), so Miami has a lot to play for.

New hero, Lionel Messi, is coming off a precautionary rest day last weekend against Orlando City. The recent workload he has been given has aggravated an old injury, so the 36-year-old Messi was not suited up in Orlando. He is expected to start in the final.

Path to the Final: Inter Miami CF

Third Round: 2-2 road draw (aet) winning 5-3 on pks over Miami FC (USL Championship)

A 2nd minute goal by Miami FC was nearly enough to oust the Herons but an 89th minute equalizer from Shanyder Borgelin forced the extra frames. Miami FC re-took the lead in the 116th but Ryan Sailor equalized in the 118th minute.

Fourth Round: 1-0 home win over Charleston Battery (USL Championship)

In a very tight contest, a 48th minute Charleston own goal was the difference to send the MLS side through to the 5th round.

Fifth Round: 2-1 home win over Nashville FC (MLS)

Two second half goals by Franco Negri in the 57th and Nicolas Steffanelli in the 73rd minute got the job done for the home side.

Quarterfinals: 1-0 road win over Birmingham Legion FC (USL Championship)

Through the swirls of Messi rumors, the Herons got the job done through a 56th minute goal from Nicolas Steffanelli.

Semifinals: 3-3 road draw (aet) winning 5-4 on pks over FC Cincinnati (MLS)

Lionel Messi stamped himself on this game. After spotting Cincy a 2-goal lead, Messi would set up Leonardo Campana, TWICE, in the second half (68th, 90+7) to equalize. Josef Martinez put Miami in front in the 93rd, but Cincy would find a third goal to force PKs.

Florida teams that have made the USOC Final

  • St. Petersburg Kickers (amateur) 1989 (Won)
  • Miami Fusion (MLS) 2000 (Lost)
  • Orlando City SC (MLS) 2022 (Won)
  • Inter Miami CF (MLS) 2023 (???)

2023 US Open Cup Semifinals: Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

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Stop reading this if you have heard this before: Lionel Messi wins an award.

Among all of his accomplishments, Messi can add the TheCup.us’ Player of the Round for the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Semifinals to his resume.

Messi won the award over the Houston Dynamo’s Amine Bassi (who had a record-tying 3 assists vs. RSL), and his Inter Miami teammate Leonardo Campana. Campana scored twice, including a late equalizer in second half stoppage time. Both goals were assisted by Messi.

The Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers of TheCup.us on Patreon (donors that pledge $10 or more).

How did Messi fare in Inter Miami’s the Semifinal? He completed 85% of his passes, had five successful dribbles, completed all his long passes, and chipped in twice defensively winning both of his tackles. But the headlines of the night were his two assists. The first was a 68th minute equalizer to Campana, and then his wonder pass to assist Campana’s second goal seven minutes into stoppage time to get Miami into extra time where they would eventually win on penalties. Of course, Messi converted on his team’s first penalty kick in the shootout.

Messi’s performance may have left something to be desired, but the #MagicCityMagician knows how to place his stamp on the game at the right moments. There is no doubt that Inter Miami’s recent signings have shouldered the load since their arrival, none has done more that Argentine superstar. Messi was about thirty yards from frame when he saw an opportunity that no one else in the stadium could have fathomed. His chipped cross landed right in the path of Campana who made no mistake with his header in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

Since Messi’s arrival and first match against Cruz Azul (Liga MX) on July 21, Miami is undefeated in all contests. Their only dropped points came as a result of scoreless draw at home against a tough Nashville side they already bested in the Leagues Cup. To say that Messi has changed Miami supporters belief in what can be completed this season, is an understatement. At the time of writing, Miami is six points behind the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with two games in hand. While running the table may not be necessary for entry, every club in the Eastern Conference will be dreading a matchup with Miami when the MLS Playoffs arrive.

The Messi factor has also spilled its way into the greater South Florida area. Local stores and online retailers have found it nearly impossible to keep up with the demand for Miami kits. The MLS Messi nameplate is nearly impossible to find. On a national level, CBS Sports’ has reported that their coverage of the Semifinal match was the sixth-most streamed match ever on their platform. It’s worth noting that CBS Sports (Paramount+), is the current rights holder for Serie A and the UEFA Champions League. Add to those figures Telemundo’s Spanish coverage, and with the game broadcast in more than 100 countries worldwide, it is without a doubt the most viewed US Open Cup match of all-time.

The 2023 US Open Cup run is still not over. Miami will host Houston on Sept. 27 at DRV PNK Stadium. Can Messi secure the United States’ oldest soccer trophy? Will the cup final be the most streamed fixture in the US? Only time will tell, but Miami will be a force to be reckoned with and should be the odds-on favorite to lift the Lamar Hunt Trophy.

2023 US Open Cup Semifinals: Messi leads comeback, Inter Miami wins PK shootout with FC Cincinnati

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Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF lines up a free kick against FC Cincinnati in the 2023 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: Daniel Roesch

Inter Miami spotted FC Cincinnati a two-goal lead before doing the improbable against Major League Soccer’s best team. The Herons scored three unanswered goals, then gave up an equalizer in extra time before earning a berth in the 2023 US Open Cup Final on penalty kicks.

Leonardo Campana netted a brace accounting for Lionel Messi’s two assists in his US Open Cup debut. Just days away from having won the Leagues Cup, Inter Miami’s 3-3 draw, and shootout win opens the door for Messi to lift a trophy in yet another championship match.

It was a game in which Inter Miami was completely outplayed and yet Messi refused to allow his team to lose. And he did it in front of a sold-out crowd of 25,213 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. It was the ninth-largest crowd to witness a US Open Cup game in the 107-year history of the tournament.

Trailing 2-0, Messi on a set piece just outside the box to the left of FCC keeper Alec Kann delivered a perfect ball to the head of Campana in the 68th minute. With just seconds remaining second half stoppage time, Messi again delivered a ball to Campana who once again finished to tie the match.

Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino succinctly described Messi’s performance. “Today we needed him to be a conductor and not a finisher.”

Despite leading the possession battle 62%-38%, Inter Miami trailed at the half. Luciano Acosta in the 18th minute of play banged a ball off the post for the only marker of the night. It came after some sloppy backline play that led to a turnover in the defensive third. It was the Cincinnati captain’s first Open Cup goal, and the second of his career. His first came in 2018 as a member of D.C. United in a match that ended 1-1 with Orlando City SC. United would fall in penalty kicks that night.

Miami picked up the pace in the second half but it was Cincinnati that found the back of the net. On a quick counter in the 52nd minute, Brandon Vazquez found himself alone at the top of the 18 with a ball from Santiago Arias. A right footed laser inside the far post doubled the FCC lead.

Cincinnati had its moments to put the game away but was unable to do. In the 73rd minute, an open look by Yuya Kubo forced the Miami keeper Drake Callender into another tough save. Callender was also called upon in stoppage time to stop Santiago Arias’ close range shot following sloppy backline play once again by Miami.

Inter Miami took its first lead of the night on a Josef Martinez goal in the third minute of the first extra time. FCC equalized in the second extra time period as Kubo did not miss on his next opportunity against Callender in the 114th minute.

Tied after 120 minutes of play, the game went to penalty kicks where Messi and company prevailed 5-4 to advance to the US Open Cup Final on September 27. Messi converted Miami’s first of five successful attempts. FC Cincinnati’s Nick Hagglund had his PK saved by Callender in the fifth round, which allowed another Argentine to be the hero. 18-year-old Benjamin Cremaschi, a Miami native, scored the winning penalty to send Inter Miami to the championship game.

With the shootout win, Inter Miami becomes just the second Miami club, and the fourth Florida-based club, to reach the Open Cup Final in the history of the tournament.

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

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Photo: Inter Miami CF
Photo: Inter Miami CF

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2023 US Open Cup Round of 16: Stefanelli’s winner sends Inter Miami past Nashville SC, into Quarterfinals

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Franco Negri of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring a goal against Nashville SC in the Fifth Round of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Inter Miami CF
Franco Negri of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring a goal against Nashville SC in the Fifth Round of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Inter Miami CF

 

After getting through a lightning delay, Inter Miami CF came back with a pair of second half goals to defeat fellow MLS side Nashville SC. Nicolas Stefanelli scored what would prove to be the game-winner in the 73rd minute to send Miami into the Quarterfinals for the first time in the club’s short history.

With the win, Inter Miami will travel for their next match. They will play at the winner of Birmingham Legion FC (USL Championship) and Charlotte FC (MLS). 

The weather couldn’t have fit the occasion any better. A rainy night at DRV PNK Stadium was the perfect backdrop for a match which has been marred by controversy before the game. Embattled Inter Miami manager Phil Neville had more than a cup tie in mind, as supporters have voiced their displeasure with the season so far after a bitter defeat against in-state rival Orlando City on Saturday. Nashville looked to continue their eight-game unbeaten streak on the road.

Inter Miami fielded an “A” squad with most regular starters on the pitch. Ian Fray makes his first start since his unfortunate injury during last year’s preseason. Nashville started what would be considered a “B” squad. U.S. international center back Walker Zimmerman didn’t make the trip while star player Hany Mukthar was on the bench.

 

The first half saw both teams have fair chances to take the lead. Nashville had multiple counter-attacking chances but couldn’t capitalize. Taylor Washington received the first yellow card of the night in the twenty-ninth minute. They also had a goal called offside in the thirty fourth minute, which was to the relief of Inter Miami who looked disjointed until the end of the half. The front pairing of Josef Martinez and Leonardo Campana kept working on their chemistry as they created a few one-two chances. The lack of a “#10” is quite evident as there is a disconnect between the midfield and the forwards.

The second half started  with two yellow cards for Nashville; Jack Maher and Jan Gregus. Then, what seemed out of nowhere, Inter Miami had a counter attack opportunity which saw Robert Taylor assist Franco Negri to open the scoring in the 57th minute. Taylor sent a well-timed through ball into the penalty area on the left side where Negri beat the onrushing goalkeeper to the ball and chipped it over him and into the back of the net. 

Up to this point, the metrics favored Nashville and they were thunderstruck. In response, they brought on their usual starters from the bench which included Hany Mukhtar and Alex Muyl.

Not even a minute in, and Muyl was able to equalize for Nashville. Laurence Wyke delivered a cross from the right wing and Alex Muyl scored on a diving header less than a minute after entering the game.

Nashville were able to pick up momentum and started to pressure Inter Miami. The siege was stopped by a lightning strike within three miles of the stadium, which caused a 33 minute delay.

Once play restarted, any sense of urgency from Nashville was gone and Inter Miami were able to catch them off guard again with another goal.


Nicolas Stefanelli was subbed on after the break and was able to capitalize on another counter attacking chance for Inter Miami. A ball was volleyed over the top from midfield by Corentin Jean. Stefanelli ran onto it and dribbled to the right side of the penalty area. Once he hit the edge of the box he fired a shot that beat the goalkeeper to the near post.

From here on, Inter Miami parked the bus and Nashville had multiple close calls to equalize.

In the end however, Inter Miami weathered the storm and eliminated Nashville SC from this year’s edition of the Open Cup. They now await to see if they have to face Birmingham Legion or Charlotte FC in the Quarterfinals. The roller coaster season continues for Phil Neville.

At the post-game press conference, it seemed like a huge weight was lifted off of everyone’s shoulders. The now viral video of Phil Neville sparring with a reporter was joked about and it seems that bridges have been mended. In regards to the fans not turning up, “I honestly love our fans. I understand their frustration.” He added on that he wants to perform and bring results for them.

It is worth keeping in mind that Inter Miami are still dealing with the roster sanctions brought upon them and injuries to key midfielders Gregore and Jean Mota. Additionally, the club are in a holding pattern with future acquisitions until a certain someone of Argentine descent decides on what they’re going to do next. For the moment however, Inter’s cup run stays alive and Neville has a lifeline as long as it keeps going.

2023 US Open Cup Round 4: Inter Miami CF survives after Charleston Battery’s own goal facial

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Players from Charleston Battery and Inter Miami CF battle for the ball in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Charleston Battery
Players from Charleston Battery and Inter Miami CF battle for the ball in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Charleston Battery

Inter Miami CF found their way into the Round of 16 despite not scoring a single goal of their own. The only time the ball found its way into the back of the net was a ball that deflected off a Charleston Battery player’s face into his own goal. The MLS side would make that 48th minute goal hold up as they advanced, 1-0, at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

“It was tough, tough going. I wasn’t happy,” said Inter Miami head coach Phil Neville. “But we’re in the next round. I think because we had a lot of changes, it was it was going to be a little bit bumpy. I expected more quality aspects, more standards than to be higher than that. It would have meant that we could have probably rested a few more players in the second half.”

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

Despite a tough start to the season, Inter Miami CF have used the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup to pick up some much-needed momentum. Even with the Brazilian midfield duo of Gregore & Jean Mota out for the foreseeable future, Inter Miami used their victory against local rival Miami FC to break their six-game losing streak a few days later against the Columbus Crew. They entered the match with two consecutive wins. 2019 Open Cup winner Josef Martinez has found form and has started living up to the expectations set at the start of the season. He would headline a squad which saw multiple rotations in the starting XI compared to Saturday’s win over Martinez’s former team Atlanta United in league play.

Charleston Battery arrived in Fort Lauderdale as Eastern Conference leaders in the USL Championship. A dramatic Third Round game against Charlotte Independence saw the Battery go into extra time. They dug deep and Nick Markanich was able to score the deciding goal in the second period to send them through into the Round of 32. USL-C Golden Boot contender Augustine Williams is also a key player that could easily make a difference.

The first half had some notable moments. Nick Markanich, the hero of Round 3, went out early with an injury. Harvey Neville made a blitzing run on the right wing but couldn’t get the ball past Charleston’s goalkeeper Trey Muse. Charleston let Miami have the ball and for most of the first half it looked like both teams were just trying to find their footing.

 

The deadlock would end at the start of the second half. A disjointed sequence of play inside Charleston’s eighteen saw the ball deflect off the face of Battery’s defender Sebastian Palma, who is credited with the own goal.

Charleston instantly turned on the jets and started attacking in order to get the game back level. A few substitutions were made near the 60 minute mark, one of them being Josef Martinez and he was visibly upset to not have been able to continue his run of form.

Inter Miami had a golden opportunity to go up 2-0 when academy products Benjamin Cremaschi and Shanyder Borgelin were free inside the Battery’s box, with the latter skying it over the goal. Given how fierce the competition is for the striker position at Inter Miami, Borgelin would certainly like to replay that moment differently. Another opportunity to close out the game was missed in the stoppage time when Dixon Arroyo hit the post.

It would not matter in the grand scheme of things, as the Battery’s self-inflicted wound would prove enough to eliminate them from the 2023 edition of the Open Cup.

“The Open Cup is the quickest way to get into the Champions League,” said Neville. “I love this competition. In terms of sort of like our own performance, I think the cup time mentality definitely brings out sort of like that that feeling, that nervousness, that tension in you. I’m pleased.”

Inter Miami will return to the Round of 16, where last year they got eliminated by in-state rivals and eventual winner, Orlando City.

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Inter Miami CF needs PKs to beat Miami FC in second Magic City Clasico

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Jean Mota of Inter Miami CF dribbles the ball against Miami FC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Inter Miami CF
Jean Mota of Inter Miami CF dribbles the ball against Miami FC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Inter Miami CF

In what turned out to be an exciting match for all patrons in attendance at Florida International University, the second act of the Magic City Clásico became both managers’ worst nightmare as Inter Miami outlasted Miami FC, 5-3 in penalties after a 2-2 draw in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Despite the win, Inter coach Phil Neville likely remains on the hot seat as his team will now carry heavy legs into a road contest with Columbus in MLS play. 

For Miami FC’s Anthony Pulis, the loss will likely reflect poorly on him, despite getting the most out of an already short roster that is hampered by injuries.

Miami FC opened the scoring with a goal from Christian Sorto in the second minute of play. Claudio Repetto played an incoming pass with a crafty flick that released Sorto into space and beat IMCF’s Drake Callender to the near post.

Inter Miami dominated possession for the entire match throwing ball after ball into Miami FC’s defense. As the game found its way into the 89th minute, it looked as though Miami FC was going to avenge last year’s 1-0 loss to Inter Miami on the very same field. But then a cross from the right wing by Inter’s Jean Mota found Shanyder Borgelin who headed it in from point blank range to even the match and send it into extra time.

The teams played a quiet first half of extra time. In the second half, a Miami FC long ball to Ryan Telfer was defended poorly and a back pass from Inter Miami’s DeAndre Yedlin found itself in the back of the net in the 116th minute. Once again, Miami FC was just a few minutes away from victory and Inter Miami took it away.

Less than two minutes later, Inter tied the match with a header in the 118th minute from Ryan Sailor. A high cross came in from the left wing and Sailor outjumped a defender at the far post and beat the keeper. 

In penalties, it was a shooter’s gala until Miami FC’s keeper Alejandro Zendejas got his hand to Jean Mota’s penalty attempt but could not keep the ball from the back of the net. The next shooter, Ryan Telfer, took a run up that could best be described as a late-night stroll through a park, and lifted his attempt into the eighth row of Inter Miami’s supporters. Kamal Miller buried the final Inter attempt to send them through to the Fourth Round of the Open Cup for the second year in a row.

2022 US Open Cup Round 5: Orlando City edge Inter Miami CF in PKs to reach Quarterfinals

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Mauricio Pereyra of Orlando City celebrates after scoring the winning penalty kick in a 4-2 shootout win over Inter Miami CF in the Fifth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Orlando City SC
Mauricio Pereyra of Orlando City celebrates after scoring the winning penalty kick in a 4-2 shootout win over Inter Miami CF in the Fifth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Orlando City SC

The first meeting in any competition between Major League Soccer’s Florida clubs, Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF, came in the Round of 16 Wednesday night.

After 90 minutes of scoreless soccer, the game at Exploria Stadium in Orlando came alive with Orlando and Miami trading goals in the opening minutes of extra time. In the end, the match had to be decided in a penalty kick shootout with Orlando prevailing 4-2 in front of their home fans. This brought an end to Inter Miami’s inaugural Open Cup run, while the Lions remain perfect in PK shootouts (4-0) all-time and advance to the Quarterfinals for the third tournament in a row.

By advancing, Orlando will host the tournament’s last remaining lower division side, Union Omaha (USL League One) on June 22.

The first quality chance of the game came in the 12th minute when Orlando’s Junior Urso played a ball to Jhegson Mendez at the top of the box. The Ecuadorian international fired a low shot on goal which forced a diving save by Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender.

About ten minutes later, Callender kept the Lions off the scoresheet again when Tesho Akindele found himself right on the doorstep and attempted to redirect a header into the back of the net. However, Callender dove to his right and made the stop.

In the 41st minute, Orlando threatened the Miami goal again when Mendez tracked down an overcooked corner kick. Mendez, dribbled the ball up and fired a rocket that was heading for the upper corner of the goal, but Callender went airbourne and made a spectacular diving save to keep the game scoreless heading into halftime.

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In the opening minutes of the first extra time period, Miami finally found a breakthrough. Joevin Jones, who had come off the bench in the 74th minute, attempted to take on a defender at the edge of the penalty area on the left wing. As the Trinidad & Tobago international faked to his left and then cut back to his right, his touch on the ball was too strong and it got away from him, but Jean Mota saw an opportunity with that loose ball right at the edge of the box. He ran onto it and one-timed the ball with his left foot and blasted it low to beat a diving Mason Stajduhar to the near post in the 94th minute.

The stunned home crowd wouldn’t be down long as Orlando would answer three minutes later at the other end of the field. Some impressive ball movement from the Lions would see Facundo Torres play a give-and-go with Mauricio Pereira which allowed Torres to get into the box. The Orlando City designated player would dribble through traffic, cut to his left and find just enough space to get a shot off which he buried into the bottom left corner, past the outstretched arms of Callender.

Torres nearly broke the deadlock in the 109th minute when he received a pass just inside the box on the left side and ripped a left-footed shot to the far post that forced another diving save from Callender, diving to his left.

Stajduhar was rarely tested in Orlando’s goal, making just one save on the night, but his aggressiveness nearly gave the game to Inter Miami in the visitor’s final offfensive push in stoppage time in the second extra time period. Bryce Duke played an excellent through ball to Christopher McVay who chased the ball down as it appoached the end line, near the goal. Stajduhar came out of his goal near the end line but McVay beat him to the ball and he crossed the ball into the middle where two pink jerseys were in the area. The ball got past one Miami player but Leonardo Campana was there at the edge of the six-yard box but Orlando defender Rodrigo Schlegel slid in and deflected the shot over the empty goal. The ensuing corner kick would be cleared out as the match went to a penalty kick shootout.

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After both teams traded opening round goals in the shootout, Duke had his low driving shot saved by Stajduhar who got a piece of it with his right hand. Robin Jansson gave Orlando the 2-1 lead, by US international Deandre Yedlin skied his attempt well over the bar. Andres Perea gave the Lions a 3-1 lead, and after Ariel Lassiter converted his attempt for Miami, Pereyra sealed it with a slow approach and a blistering shot into the upper left corner as Callender dove the opposite way.

“A fantastic performance. Besides the victory, it was an incredible effort from the players,” said Orlando City head coach Oscar Pareja. “They just played three days ago, so to have that courage and that willingness to do everything they did . I thought we managed the game the whole time and had the best of the game. We have been fighting to be more precise, which we’ll do. They overcame a situation in Austin that was very unfair. That was not easy to overcome mentally, so I want to recognize that effort from the players. Their hearts are big and we’re proud of that.”

The shootout win sends Orlando City to the Quarterfinals for the fifth time in club history, the fourth time as a MLS club. Orlando is now the only Florida team left, a state that has only had one Open Cup champion (St. Petersburg Kickers in 1989).

2022 US Open Cup Round 4: Inter Miami CF capitalize on Tormenta mistakes in 3-1 win

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Ariel Lassiter of Inter Miami CF attempts a shot against South Georgia Tormenta FC in the Fourth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Inter Miami CF
Ariel Lassiter of Inter Miami CF attempts a shot against South Georgia Tormenta FC in the Fourth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Inter Miami CF

The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup made its return to the former site of Lockhart Stadium, now known as Drive Pink Stadium. It was the herons of Inter Miami hosting the visiting ibises of South Georgia Tormenta FC. USL League One teams have so far been the nice surprise of this edition of the tournament, with Union Omaha and Northern Colorado Hailstorm both upsetting MLS teams in the previous round. Tormenta came down to South Florida looking to hopefully add on another cupset to League One’s tally.

In the end, Inter Miami was too strong playing in front of their home fans, beating Tormenta 3-1 to earn a spot in the Round of 16. Ariel Lassiter led the way with a pair of goals to keep Miami’s inaugural cup run moving.

Tormenta’s coach Ian Cameron made it clear that they were going for it and at the start of the match, his squad were instantly pressuring Inter Miami. A handful of on-target attempts by Tormenta in the first ten minutes were saved by Inter’s Drake Callender.

Two players stood out in the first half with Jamil Roberts orchestrating Tormenta’s attack while Miami’s Ariel Lassiter led a siege each time he got on the ball with his blistering pace.

Tormenta looked the better side and it seemed like it was only a matter of time before they scored. It was going to take one quick counter attack for someone to breakthrough. Near the end of the first half, Inter Miami won possession which led to a counter attack led by Gonzalo Higuain and Indiana Vassilev. Returning loanee Vassilev set up Lassiter’s first goal of the night, playing a pass to the left side of the penalty area. Lassiter settled and fired a shot inside the near post to beat Tormenta goalkeeper Pablo Jara to give Miami the lead before halftime. Tormenta were unlucky to be going into the break down a goal despite their dominance.

Higuain’s return only lasted the first 45 minutes as he was subbed off and Robbie Robinson took his place at the start of the second half. He made an instant impact by scoring 87 seconds into his stint; giving Miami a 2-0 lead. The Tormenta goalkeeper attempted a pass along the ground up the middle of the field to a teammatte but Jara’s pass was knocked away by Miami’s Robert Taylor who stepped in from behind to send the ball up to Robinson just outside the box. Robinson made Tormenta pay for their mistake, firing a shot into the back of the net from the right side for his first career Open Cup goal.

In the 65th minute, Robinson made a different kind of impact by engaging in a physical altercation with Tormenta’s Jake Dengler. This would see both players sent off and the teams playing with just 10 men for the remainder of the match.

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A lapse in concentration from Inter Miami’s defense in the 73rd minute gave Tormenta a chance to get one goal back. Before Kingsford Adjei could score, Jairo Quinteros was able to clear the ball and keep Inter’s lead intact. Tormenta had another short stint of great attempts but Miami held strong.

Despite the best efforts of the Ibises, Ariel Lassiter would seal the game for Inter Miami with a “Schrodinger’s goal” that was hard to tell if it went in after deflecting off the underside of the crossbar. The referee judged that it did as Lassiter bagged his seventh career Open Cup goal, six more than his father Roy scored in his playing career that spanned more than a decade.

Tormenta would not leave quietly into the night, as their long-awaited goal would come from Kazaiah Sterling in the final minutes, taking away Callender’s clean sheet performance. The game would end 3-1 with South Georgia Tormenta being eliminated in the Round of 32.

“I didn’t take much joy out of winning this game,” said Phil Neville in the post-game press conference. He felt that Tormenta should have been multiple goals up by halftime and called his squad’s first half performance “unacceptable.” He added that some players who were asking for playing time got their wish and showed why they won’t be playing in this Saturday’s league fixture.

Having played local rival Miami FC in the Third Round, now Inter Miami face the possibility of matching up with league rival Orlando City SC in the Round of 16. Both sets of fans will eagerly watch the draw on Thursday to see if the first ever Open Cup edition of the Sunshine Classico will happen.

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