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Los Angeles FC

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

October 25, 2024 by Ignacio Cervantes

Photo: Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images | Graphic: Phil Naegely

In one of the closest votes in recent memory, Cristian Olivera of Los Angeles FC was narrowly voted the 2024 TheCup.us Player of the Tournament after leading his club to its first Lamar Hunt US Open Cup title.

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

With each first place vote receiving three points and second place votes getting one each, Olivera won the award by a single point over LAFC teammate Timothy Tillman. Dembor Benson of El Farolito SC, the winner of the Lower Division Player of the Tournament award, finished third, just six points behind Olivera.

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

Olivera helped LAFC win the club’s first US Open Cup title with a team-leading three goals and one assist.

The Uruguayan came off the bench in the 67th minute in the Final and assisted on what would prove to be the championship winning goal in extra time by Omar Campos in the 102nd minute.

That was the second time Olivera came off the bench in a 1-1 contest to score  — the first was in a 27-minute cameo on the road in the Round of 32 match against the Las Vegas Lights (USL Championship). They would win the match, 3-1.

Recent Player of the Tournament winners

2023: Andrew Tarbell (Houston Dynamo)
2022: Rodrigo Lopez (Sacramento Republic)
2019: Darwin Quintero (Minnesota United)
2018: Mauro Manotas (Houston Dynamo)
2017: Tim Melia (Sporting KC)
2016: Mauro Diaz (FC Dallas)
2015: Krisztian Nemeth (Sporting KC)
2014: Kenny Cooper (Seattle Sounders)
2013: Dwayne De Rosario (D.C. United)
2012: Osvaldo Alonso (Seattle Sounders)
2011: Fredy Montero (Seattle Sounders)

His pair of goals rescued the Black and Gold who found themselves struggling to find a go-ahead goal after both teams scored early in the second half.

The close-range, tap-in goal from defender Omar Campos’ cross gave LAFC the lead with 20 minutes left while his second tally in stoppage time cooled off any threats of a late equalizer and guaranteed his side a place in the next round.

Up next in the Round of 16 for Olivera and LAFC was a second USL outfit, Loudoun United. The winger featured in the team’s starting 11 and began the game with a contribution on the game’s first goal.

Omar, Oh My 🤯 @LAFC#USOC2024 @OpenCup pic.twitter.com/zBKKYzgogy

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) September 26, 2024

After eight minutes the winger’s sneaky cross through the face of goal found Tillman in acres of space at the back post to tap in from close range.

Olivera doubled LAFC’s lead after forward Denis Bouanga set up his Uruguayan teammate to cap-off a darting run that started in the Black and Gold’s defensive third.

Bouanga ➡️ Olivera ➡️ GOAL

🇺🇾 Cristian Olivera is there for the finish following a strong run by @BouangaDenis #LAFCvTIJ 1-0 pic.twitter.com/jo5zhbqBQC

— LAFC (@LAFC) July 27, 2024


While he did not play in the 3-1 home win over New Mexico United in the Quarterfinals, he started and played 68 minutes in LAFC’s narrow 1-0 road win over Seattle Sounders FC (MLS).

Olivera is the third Uruguayan player to win an award from TheCup.us. He joins Orlando City’s Facundo Torres who was the Player of the Round for the 2022 US Open Cup Final and Diego Rossi of LAFC who won Player of the Round for the 2018 Semifinals, despite not advancing.

 

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Featured Post - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: Los Angeles FC, Player of the Round, Player of the Tournament

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

October 3, 2024 by Ignacio Cervantes

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

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

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

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

WHAT A FINISH BY OMAR CAMPOS 💥#LAFCvSKC 2-1 pic.twitter.com/ktUqvH1I4m

— LAFC (@LAFC) September 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Open Cup Final but cinematic 📽️ pic.twitter.com/KFw05WLM1Z

— LAFC (@LAFC) October 1, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Featured Post - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, Los Angeles FC, Player of the Round

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

September 26, 2024 by Ignacio Cervantes

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

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

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

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

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

“Now it’s the moment to enjoy.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Goodnight, Los Angeles 🫶 pic.twitter.com/V5rO6ZHdfS

— LAFC (@LAFC) September 26, 2024

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

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

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

Winning > Losing pic.twitter.com/zimmrmBbRI

— LAFC (@LAFC) September 26, 2024

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

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

🐬 @Lewis_OBrien98 pic.twitter.com/gfnIQmReG2

— LAFC (@LAFC) September 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

 

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Featured Post - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, Los Angeles FC, Sporting Kansas City/Kansas City Wizards

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

September 24, 2024 by Josh Hakala

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Preview: LAFC seeks first USOC title as they host four-time champ Sporting KC
  • Highs and lows of Los Angeles’ 25 all-time US Open Cup Final appearances
  • Preview: Why LAFC will win and why Sporting KC will win
  • 2024 US Open Cup Results
  • 2024 US Open Cup Stat Leaders
  • 2025 US Open Cup Qualifying

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, Los Angeles FC, Sporting KC

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

September 24, 2024 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

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


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

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

  • Preview: LAFC seeks first USOC title as they host four-time champ Sporting KC
  • Highs and lows of Los Angeles’ 25 all-time US Open Cup Final appearances
  • Preview: Why LAFC will win and why Sporting KC will win
  • 2024 US Open Cup Results
  • 2024 US Open Cup Stat Leaders
  • 2025 US Open Cup Qualifying

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OPEN CUP PEDIGREE

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

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

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

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

HOW THEY GOT HERE

SPORTING KANSAS CITY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LOS ANGELES FC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, Los Angeles FC, Sporting Kansas City/Kansas City Wizards

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

August 31, 2024 by Josh Hakala

Photo by LAFC Communications | Graphic by Phil Naegely

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

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

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

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

Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order):

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

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

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

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, US Open Cup Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, Los Angeles FC, Player of the Round, Sporting Kansas City

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

August 29, 2024 by Jordan Beech

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bouanga Blast ????

Denis Bouanga from the penalty spot????#SEAvLAFC 0-1 pic.twitter.com/GwervuXAI8

— LAFC (@LAFC) August 29, 2024

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

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

"Everything was against us, but we put in the work, put in the shift, and it's good to go to another final that's going to be in LA."

Kei Kamara following the Semifinal victory ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/wx6xIQsFLJ

— LAFC (@LAFC) August 29, 2024

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

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

Andy Thomas at it again ???????? #USOC2024 | @SoundersFC pic.twitter.com/Q89h9PvITF

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) August 29, 2024

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

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, Featured Post - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, Los Angeles FC, Seattle Sounders MLS

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

August 26, 2024 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

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.

2024 US Open Cup Results/Schedule
2024 US Open Cup Stat Leaders
2024 TheCup.us Award Winners
2025 US Open Cup Qualifying News
US Open Cup History
Amateur Cup News
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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.

Indy Eleven We Want The Cup Shirt
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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.

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

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)

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, Indy Eleven, Los Angeles FC, Seattle Sounders FC, Sporting Kansas City/Kansas City Wizards

2024 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: LAFC pulls away from New Mexico United in battle of MLS, USL front-runners

July 11, 2024 by Ignacio Cervantes

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

For the second time in its history, Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC is in a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup semifinal.

With goals by Timothy Tillman, David Martinez, and Mateusz Bogusz, LAFC earned a 3-1 home win over USL Championship side New Mexico United at BMO Stadium. The Black and Gold advance to the final four where they will trave face fellow MLS side Seattle Sounders FC.

Timothy Tillman buries the rebound to give us the lead ???? #LAFCvNMU 1-0 pic.twitter.com/KsqZeILmui

— LAFC (@LAFC) July 11, 2024

“We jumped just as high as we needed to tonight,” head coach Steve Cherundolo said. “We just cleared the bar.”

“But certainly we can play better.”

After leading 2-0 at halftime, United’s Greg Hurst cut LAFC’s lead in half 12 minutes after the restart to spark the visitors and make things difficult for The Black and Gold who sweated out a lackluster second half. Now, the top team in the MLS Western Conference is back in the Semifinals for the first time since their inaugural season in 2018.

LAFC were able to set the tempo into cruise control early after Tillman continued his goal-contributing form in the tournament.

First start ➡️ Goal ⚽️

David Martínez delivers for our second of the match.#LAFCvNMU 2-0 pic.twitter.com/zTjGdIakCx

— LAFC (@LAFC) July 11, 2024

When United goalkeeper Alexandros Tambakis parried away Bogusz’s attempt, the ball fell kindly for Tillman — the midfielder made no mistake and slammed home the game’s first goal in the 6th minute.

With two goals and an assist, Tillman has a goal contribution in each of LAFC’s three cup matches.

“It took a little more patience,” Tillman said. “But we managed the game really well.”

The hosts continued to keep their foot on the gas and doubled their lead 30 minutes later when 18-year-old Martinez, who was making his first LAFC start, used two attempts to get the ball beyond Tambakis and into the net.

HERE. WE. GO. ????@GregHurst10 pulls @NewMexicoUTD within a goal!#USOC2024 | @opencup https://t.co/Bk4vZM1K46 pic.twitter.com/kbmGtaioWj

— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) July 11, 2024

With a through ball by Bogusz, the forward slipped into the box and pounced on his own rebound to slam the ball home after Tambakis saved the first shot back into Martinez’s path.

The 2-0 deficit did not keep the large bunch of traveling supporters from continuing its raucous atmosphere in the visitor’s section, and, 12 minutes into the second half, the fans were rewarded with a Hurst scorcher.

The forward ripped a shot from outside the box that arrowed into LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris’ side net to bring New Mexico United within one.

Bend it like Bogusz ????

What a run and finish from Mati Bogusz ????????#LAFCvNMU 3-1 pic.twitter.com/EhF3TL7Udm

— LAFC (@LAFC) July 11, 2024

The Black and Yellow immediately added wingers Sergio Rivas and Dayonn Harris for fresh legs before, less than 10 minutes later, throwing on forward Daniel Bruce for an extra attacker.

The numbers committed forward for New Mexico United left space for Bogusz to get on the scoresheet 13 minutes from time with a long run that finished with him cutting onto his right foot and curling past Tambakis.

“We fielded a very strong team tonight,” Cherundolo, who remained silent amid questions surrounding links to the newly-vacant United State’s men’s national team, said. “Our objective was to advance and we did that so job well done.”

“I am 100% positive that David will be a very important player for us”

????️ Steve Cherundolo pic.twitter.com/wmazrLk9bs

— LAFC (@LAFC) July 11, 2024

United bowed out after making it to the quarterfinal phase for the second time in its history. The club leads the Western Conference of USL and face Birmingham Legion FC in their next league game.

The Black and Gold will play six games before the they travel to take on the Sounders in the Semifinals the week of Aug. 27-28.

The last time LAFC reached the final four, eventual champion Houston Dynamo eliminated The Black and Gold in a penalty shootout.

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, Los Angeles FC, New Mexico United

2024 US Open Cup Round 5: LAFC in control throughout in 3-0 win over Loudoun United

May 22, 2024 by Ignacio Cervantes

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
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 is into the Quarterfinals of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

A 3-0 victory over USL Championship club Loudoun United FC at BMO Stadium earned The Black and Gold a spot in the final eight of America’s oldest soccer tournament.

“The Open Cup is a very quick way to win a title,” LAFC midfielder Timothy Tillman said. “That’s what we want to do.

“We want to win every single game. That’s what it’s about.”

Thrilling performance from #LAFC! 3-0 victory against Loudoun in the Open Cup with stunning goals from Tillman, Olivera, and Angel. Check out the highlights below! #USOC2024 #MLS #USL pic.twitter.com/X5Yozh0gAd

— Nick Chastain (@_NickChastain_) May 22, 2024

Second half goals by Cristian Olivera and Tomas Angel followed Tillman’s eighth minute opener in a game where star forward Denis Bouanga contributed with a pair of assists.

With the win, LAFC remains undefeated against Division 2 opposition in the club’s relatively short team history (5-0-1, 1-0 PKs)

The Black and Gold withstood a tricky first half that ended with a narrow 1-0 lead.

Loudoun United head coach Ryan Martin’s defense — a backline of three center-backs and flanking wing backs on each side — stood firm for 50 minutes, but ultimately fell victim in the second half with the notorious 3252 behind them.

Dream debut ????

Tomás Ángel is the @lafc3252 Man of the Match. pic.twitter.com/IdRAR5Qjds

— LAFC (@LAFC) May 22, 2024

Tillman, who was summoned by US Men’s National Team head coach Gregg Berhalter for the national team’s 27-man training camp, put LAFC in the lead with a close-range, tap-in goal.

The start was near perfect for the hosts who figured out how to take control from the start against Loudoun United following the slow start against the Las Vegas Lights in the previous round.

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

“We kind of lost our way a little bit defensively,” LAFC assistant coach Ante Razov, who filled in for the suspended head coach Steve Cherundolo following a red card against the Lights, said. “Lapses in concentration mostly.

“We tightened that up and paid attention to it the last few weeks in training, now we’re seeing it pay off.”

In the second half, Loudoun United opted to switch things up and start the half with a backline of four which helped the attack create a pair of opportunities that forced LAFC goalkeeper Abraham Romero into two saves to keep the visitors scoreless.

Moments later, Bouanga collected a pass in midfield before taking off on a lengthy run beyond four Loudoun United defenders and into the 18-yard box to lay the ball off for Olivera who dispatched beyond United goalkeeper Dane Jacomen.

Bouanga added his second assist nine minutes later.

“That play has happened a couple of times in training,” Angel, who featured in his first match as an LAFC player today and left with the game ball following his first goal, said. “I knew when he picked up his head it was the same play that’s been happening.

"Where's the camera!?"
???????? pic.twitter.com/GCdig1shWA

— LAFC (@LAFC) May 22, 2024

“So when he gave me the ball, you as a striker, you have to have the goal painted in your head and I knew right away that I had to finish rapidly and it was a goal — thanks to God.”

The live draw that will reveal the quarterfinal matchups is set for Wednesday night with the final eight meeting on July 9-10 for a chance to make the semifinal.

The Round of 16 loss for Loudoun United marks the club’s deepest run in the tournament since its inception in 2018.

After 11 games, the Red-and-White currently sit midtable in the USL Eastern Conference as a trip south of Los Angeles, down the 5 Freeway to Orange County is on the horizon for its second match at Orange County SC in 18 days on Saturday following a 2-1 Round of 32 win on May 7.

Conversely, LAFC is seven points from the top of MLS Western Conference standings with a game in hand.

Up next for The Black and Gold is a trip to Atlanta for a matchup against Atlanta United on Saturday.

Filed Under: 2024 US Open Cup, Feature - Main, US Open Cup, US Open Cup Central Tagged With: 2024 US Open Cup, Los Angeles FC, loudoun united

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U.S. Open Cup History

1995 us open cup rewind graphic

1995 US Open Cup Rewind series: The Modern Era begins

The 30th anniversary of the 1995 Open Cup is upon us this year, and as we did with the inaugural tournament in 1913-1914, we’re going to take you back in time and relive the 1995 US Open Cup in chronological order, as it happened.

  • Dating back to 1913, Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh soccer rivalry returns to US Open Cup
  • How a US Open Cup classic, locker room vandalism inspired fans to create Coffee Pot Cup
  • Highs and lows of Los Angeles’ 25 all-time US Open Cup Final appearances
  • Before Lionel Messi’s 2023 US Open Cup impact, Pele changed the 1975 Final in a different way
  • A history of violence against referees in US Open Cup

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