Minnesota United FC

2026 US Open Cup Round of 16: San Jose Earthquakes goal surge completes comeback vs. Minnesota United

April 29, 2026 by Otis Lyons

San Jose Earthquakes players celebrate after scoring a goal against Minnesota United in the Round of 16 of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: San Jose Earthquakes

The San Jose Earthquakes defeated Minnesota United 4-2 at PayPal Park on Tuesday night to advance to the 2026 US Open Cup Quarterfinals.

San Jose continued their hot start to the season on all fronts, led by a brace from midfielder Beau Leroux and a goal and an assist from substitute Jack Skahan. Niko Tsakiris sealed the deal on a late breakaway, assisted by Ousseni Bouda to clinch the home win.

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Skahan’s tally was his fourth career goal in Open Cup play, tying Chris Wondolowski and Ronald Cerritos with the most goals all-time in the competition for the club.

“ played very well, the ball to Leroux for the third goal was outstanding” San Jose head coach Bruce Arena said. “He gave us a good physical effort, because I thought Minnesota was first on a lot of plays tonight. I think when Jack came in, and Marie, they gave us more energy where we were a lot more competitive as a team.”

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

Both Arena and Minnesota coach Cam Knowles elected to run out first-choice squads despite the schedule congestion, the exception being recently-injured James Rodriguez starting on Minnesota’s bench.

The visitors fired the first warning shot three minutes in, as Nectarios Triantis’ quick turn only resulted in a weak attempt right at goalkeeper Daniel. The Loons had the better of the opening exchanges, while Timo Werner’s counter-attacking speed down the right wing kept their defense engaged.

The Earthquakes took the lead slightly against the run of play in the 15th minute. Beau Leroux beat Owen Gene to the ball at the top of the box, rounded the defender with a savvy box touch, and smashed it into the top right corner for his second goal in all competitions this year.

“I was actually questioning whether I should shoot it or not, because it got a little far from me, but it’s good to have long legs I guess,” Leroux said with a chuckle.

The crowd at PayPal Park began to grow into the game, and Minnesota was forced to stifle a flurry of Earthquakes chances in the middle of the first half – however, this merely foreshadowed what was to come in the final quarter of the match.

In the 31st minute, Minnesota had the ball in the back of the net for the supposed equalizer. Triantis served in an acrobatic volley that Nicolas Romero slid home, but it was called offside. Moments later, Werner went down clutching his leg on a fast break the other way, and was forced to be replaced by Skahan.

Arena decided to make another change at the half with his side up 1-0, replacing striker Preston Judd with winger Paul Marie.

This change appeared conservative, aimed at keeping the Earthquakes’ lead, although it didn’t have the desired effect. Minnesota began the second half with a 20 minute onslaught, and overturned the deficit in a matter of minutes.

Beau Leroux of the San Jose Earthquakes celebrates with his teammates and fans after scoring a goal against Minnesota United in the Round of 16 of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: San Jose Earthquakes

Joaquin Pereyra hit the post in the 51st minute to embolden the visiting fans, just minutes after Rodriguez jogged down the touchline to warm up. After sustained pressure, the Loons equalized on an own goal created by Triantis in the 59th minute. The Greek winger drove half the field and put a dangerous ball in the direction of Anthony Markanich, and Earthquakes captain Ronaldo Vieira reached out to intercept the ball but went off his foot and into his own net.

After a frantic goal-line clearance from centerback Daniel Munie in the 62nd minute, Thomas Chancalay gave Minnesota the lead with a dizzying solo run just moments later.

Minnesota seemed poised to run away with the match with 30 minutes to go. However, for the third game in a row, the Earthquakes responded to deficits with multiple goes of their own. In this case, credit was due to Arena’s substitutes.

BIG MOOD pic.twitter.com/N5LZ81fQXG
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) April 29, 2026

Skahan scored his record-tying goal on a deflected shot to equalize 2-2 in the 68th minute. Just moments later, Skahan set up Leroux for the 3-2 lead. Leroux arrived late in the box, received the square ball from Skahan, and bent it into the top corner for his second of the game. This finally sparked Knowles to substitute Rodriguez on to a raucous reception.

The entrance of the 2014 World Cup top scorer from Colombia couldn’t turn the match around for the visitors.

Just moments after Leroux’s second, Minnesota had numbers forward in an attempt to equalize. A long Earthquakes clearance found Bouda one-on-one with Gene. The Burkina Faso international won the duel and squared it calmly to Tsakiris to double the lead and put the game out of reach.

With the win, the Earthquakes advance to the Quarterfinals for the 11th time in club history. That pulls them into a tie for 9th most Quarterfinal appearances in the tournament’s history (1913-present). They are now level with five-time champion Bethlehem Steel FC (Bethlehem, PA), and fellow MLS teams Red Bull New York and the four-time champion Seattle Sounders FC.

The win also extends San Jose’s home unbeaten streak in the tournament to 11 games, a run that began in 2017. (NOTE: Games decided by a PK shootout are officially listed as draws). It ranks as the 7th longest streak in the Modern Era (1995-present).

With 16 goals in the last four games and a lead atop the MLS table, the Earthquakes enter Thursday’s Quarterfinal draw as one of the favorites to lift the Open Cup for the first time in club history.

2026 US Open Cup Round 3: Minnesota United beat Sacramento Republic in near-record PK shootout

April 15, 2026 by Nicholas Ryan

Players from Minnesota United and Sacramento Republic watch as the ball misses the target in the Third Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC

On Tuesday April 14, Minnesota United FC played the Sacramento Republic FC of the USL Championship at Heart Health Park in the Round of 32 of the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Kicking off in front of a crowd of more than 7,000 fans, the game would go scoreless for 120 minutes. After 24 penalty kicks and almost exactly 3 hours, Minnesota United of MLS advanced to the Round of 16.

The 12 rounds of penalty kicks is the second-longest shootout of the Modern Era.

The first half was fairly uneventful, with no goals scored despite a few solid looks from both teams. Minnesota controlled possession for the majority of the half, and after only one minute of extra time, the break arrived before much of the action.

The second half was not quite as quiet, with 2 yellow cards and a shot on goal seemingly every few minutes, but despite the offenses firing on all cylinders, the defenses held strong and the first 90 minutes went without a goal.

“They sat deep, they were dangerous in a few counterattacking moments, they have some guys up front that have pace and power, and when they’re direct and in transition, they’re dangerous,” said Minnesota head coach Cameron Knowles on his team’s strengths.

Extra time saw an increase in pace and intensity from both teams, with 4 more yellow cards and 10 shot attempts, but despite numerous shots on goal throughout the 120 minutes of play, the stalemate persisted, and the game would go to penalties.

The penalty shootout started with a Minnesota goal, the first of 4 consecutive goals leading to a score of 2-2, which was then followed by 2 consecutive misses, both saves. After another goal from each team, Sacramento keeper Danny Vitiello would record his second save of the shootout, but Sacramento failed to capitalize on the opportunity, as the next shot hit the left post. Another 10 consecutive goals led to the goalkeeper’s turns. Alec Smir of Minnesota United missed high and right, and Vitiello’s attempt was saved by Smir.

After both netminders missed, the shootout order started over as Joaquín Pereyra of Minnesota United would make his second penalty of the shootout, before Dominik Wanner of Sacramento missed right, ending the Republic’s tournament run.

“We knew it was going to be difficult coming in and you want to get through to the next round, and that’s job done,” said Knowles. “Maybe not in the fashion or in the 90 minutes that we would have hoped, but, we’re on to the next round.”

2025 US Open Cup Semifinals Preview: Winner of Austin FC vs. Minnesota United will host Nashville SC

September 16, 2025 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

With the elimination of D.C. United and the Chicago Fire in the Quarterfinals, we’re guaranteed to have a first-time US Open Cup Champion in 2025. Minnesota United and Philadelphia Union have reached the Final before, only to fail to lift the trophy. For Austin FC and Nashville SC, this is the furthest they’ve gone in their short Open Cup history.

Nashville SC will host the Philadelphia Union on Tuesday, followed by the Minnesota United FC welcoming Austin FC to the Twin Cities on Wednesday.

UPDATE: Sam Surridge’s hat trick leads Nashville SC to first US Open Cup Final

TheCup.us will have live updates of both games as both games will be streamed live on Paramount+ and the CBS Sports Network. You can find those updates on X (Twitter) and Blue Sky.

The winners of these two Semifinal games will square off in the 110th US Open Cup Final, scheduled for Oct. 1. The game will be hosted by the winner of Austin FC and Minnesota United.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
Austin FC (MLS) at Minnesota United FC (MLS)
Allianz Field – St. Paul, MN
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: Paramount+ / CBS Sports Network

It’s been seven years since Minnesota found themselves this far in the Open Cup. Just like in 2019, Minnesota has gotten past two fellow MLS teams to reach this point. For Austin this is brand new territory, having been bounced early in their previous two appearances in 2022 and 2023. They’ll have to manage without top scorer Brandon Vazquez, who tore the ACL in his right knee in the Quarterfinals. Vazquez is also the top scorer in the 2025 US Open Cup with four goals.

Brandon Vazquez of Austin FC celebrates after scoring a goal against El Paso Locomotive FC in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Laura Gallo

As an MLS club, Minnesota United are 5-0-1 in the Open Cup at home against other MLS teams. The lone draw also led to advancement, winning a PK tiebreaker against Philadelphia Union after a 3-3 draw in the 2023 Fourth Round.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Like Philadelphia and Nashville, Austin FC and Minnesota United have never met in the Open Cup. Their two MLS meetings both took place back in May.

The first meeting at Austin’s Q2 Stadium was won handily by Minnesota 3-0. The Loons opening goal was officially recorded as an own goal from Austin’s Ilie Sánchez, who slightly nicked a deflected a shot from Joaquín Pereyra that rolled through the legs of Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver in the 22nd minute. Thirteen minutes later, Minnesota would double the lead when Anthony Markanich headed home a cross from Jefferson Díaz. Austin looked to have made the score 2-1 in the 77th minute, but Guilherme Biro’s strike was nullified by an offside ruling. Austin were denied again in the 85th minute when Julian Gressel cleared Brandon Vázquez’s shot off the goal line while goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair was out of position. Minnesota closed the door in stoppage time when Joaquín Pereyra scored on a shot from outside the penalty area.

Just 21 days later the clubs met at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minn., playing to a 1-1 draw. Michael Boxall opened the scoring for Minnesota when Nicolás Romero redirected a Joaquín Pereyra corner kick to Boxall. Austin responded soon after Osman Bukari and Myrto Uzuni strung passes together to feed Žan Kolmanič, who hammered home his shot from the top of the box.

ROAD TO THE SEMIFINALS

Austin FC staged a stunning comeback to win their opening game. Down 2-0 to the El Paso Locomotive for the first 73 minutes, Brandon Vázquez began a run that saw Austin score three times in eight minutes. Myrto Uzuni followed with the game-tying goal (assisted by Vázquez), then three minutes later, Vázquez scored his second in the 80th minute for a 3-2 lead. Owen Wolff assisted on both of Vázquez’s goals.

Sang Bin Jeong of Minnesota United avoids a tackle in a Quarterfinal match against the Chicago Fire FC in the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Seth Steffenhagen - Northland Soccer Journal — Sang Bin Jeong of Minnesota United avoids a tackle in a Quarterfinal match against the Chicago Fire FC in the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Seth Steffenhagen – Northland Soccer Journal

Despite being outshot 20-10, Austin came away with a 3-1 win over the Houston Dynamo in the Round of 16. Goals from Brandon Vázquez, Osman Bukari and Ilie Sánchez built up a 3-0 lead that Houston was unable to overcome.

Austin’s match at San Jose came with good news and terrible news. The good, Austin advanced on penalties after a 2-2 draw. The terrible news was that leading goalscorer Brandon Vázquez tore the ACL in his right knee in the 70th minute, putting him out for the remainder of the season. It was Vázquez’s penalty shortly before his injury that tied the game at 1-1 and Myrto Uzuni converted another PK with five minutes left in extra time to make it 2-2. In the penalty tiebreakers, Austin made all four of their shots while Brad Stuver stopped two for San Jose’s to move Austin to the semifinals for the first time ever.

Despite being outshot 15-6, Minnesota United went to Kentucky and escaped with a 1-0 win over Louisville City FC (USL-C). Darius Randell scored the lone goal in the 65th minute. Minnesota traveled to St. Louis for the Fifth Round to face St. Louis CITY SC after jumping out to a 1-0 lead after ten minutes through Kelvin Yeboah, Minnesota fell behind 2-1 by the 65th minute. Along came Anthony Markanich to the rescue, scoring in the 85th and 88th minutes to give the Loons a 3-2 comeback victory.

Austin FC players celebrate after defeating the San Jose Earthquakes 4-2 in penalty kicks in the 2025 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Dario Cruz | FUTWRK

In Minnesota’s 3-1 extra time win over the Chicago Fire, it was Kelvin Yeboah turn to score two late goals. Robin Lod tied the game at 1-1 in the 47th minute, and in extra tine Yeboah scored in the 95th minute then again from the PK spot in the 120th, earning him TheCup.us “Player of the Round” honors.

CURRENT FORM

Minnesota has spread their six defeats through the season, never losing two in a row and always posting a run of a win or draw two games or more between defeats. The Loons started the season hot, going 4-2-4 in their first two months, and are currently on a four game unbeaten run including a 3-1 win this past Saturday over conference leaders San Diego.

Minnesota scored at least one goal in 13 of their last 14 games. Tani Oluwaseyi leads the team with 10 goals, one ahead of Kelvin Yeboah. Six other players have two or more goals. Joaquin Pereyra leads with 10 assists, and Oluwaseyi has 8.

Supporters celebrate after Minnesota United defeated St. Louis CITY 3-2 in the Round of 16 of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Steffenhagen Photography - Northland Soccer Journal — Supporters celebrate after Minnesota United defeated St. Louis CITY 3-2 in the Round of 16 of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Steffenhagen Photography – Northland Soccer Journal

Out of the four Semifinal clubs, Austin FC is the only one fighting for a spot in the MLS Cup, as the other three have their spot secured. Austin are currently in 7th, just two points clear of the two play-in spots, but they have a seven-point cushion over 10th place Real Salt Lake. Austin are 4-2-4 over their last ten games.

Austin has the lowest goals scored total among playoff teams, and are fifth-lowest in the entire league. Myrto Uzuni and Owen Wolff share the goalscoring lead with five goals apiece, and Wolff shares the assist lead with Osman Bukari with 7.

Austin FC
Major League Soccer | Austin, TX
3rd US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2021
Manager: Nico Estévez
Overall: 3-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Away: 0-1-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 1-1-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Fifth Round (2023)

Next to St. Louis CITY SC, Austin FC has the least experience in the Open Cup among MLS clubs, with just four games played. The City of Austin also has a limited history in the Open Cup. The highest profile team in the pre-Modern Era is perhaps the Austin Soccadillos, who entered the 1991 tournament, winning their group in USISL qualifying only to fall 3-0 to the other group winner in the USISL qualifying final, the Richardson Rockets, who would go on to reach the 1991 US Open Cup Final. In the Modern Era, six other teams represented Austin in the Open Cup. First up was the Austin Lone Stars of the USL D3 Pro League, appearing in three tournaments from 1997-1999, only posting a 2-3 record.

Amateur club Real Madrid won the USASA Region III qualifying tournament in 2002 but lost their lone Cup game.

In 2008, the Austin Aztex U-23s qualified through the PDL (now USL League Two), being eliminated on penalty kicks by the Atlanta Silverbacks after a 2-2 draw. The Aztex U-23s were the development team of the USL’s Austin Aztex, who would move in 2010 and become Orlando City SC.

The new Austin Aztex qualified as a PDL cub in 2013 and 2014 without much success, then again in 2015 when the club turned pro and moved up to the USL, reaching the Third Round where they lost 2-0 to the Houston Dynamo.

In 2019, the USL Championship’s Austin Bold matched the Aztex 2015 run, reaching the Third Round before also falling to the Houston Dynamo, this time 3-2.

Finally the only other team currently calling Austin its home is Austin FC II, who appeared in 2024 and were upset by amateur side FORO SC on penalties.

Minnesota United FC
Major League Soccer | Saint Paul, MN
13th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2010
Manager: Eric Ramsay
Overall: 15-10-3 (2-1 PK) | 9-5-2 (2-0 PK) (MLS)
Home: 7-4-1 (1-0 PK) | 6-1-1 (1-0 PK) (MLS)
vs. MLS: 7-8-1 (1-0 PK) | 6-5-1 (1-0 PK) (MLS)
Best finish: Final (2019)

Since Minnesota joined MLS in 2017 they’ve had respectable results, reaching the Final in 2019 and going three games deep in 2022 and 2023. In MLS, the Loons have yet to win a championship but have reached the playoffs five of the last six seasons.

The Twin Cities were represented by the Minnesota Thunder earlier in the Modern Era, reaching the Semifinals in 2005. Thunder legend Johnny Menyongar is tied for second with three other players with 13 Open Cup goals in the Modern Era.

According to TheCup.us records, the first known team from Minnesota to enter the Open Cup was the Minneapolis Tigers in 1958.

Throughout the 1960s, teams like the St. Paul Blackhawks and Ukrainian SC would represent the region in Open Cup play but found little success.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Philadelphia Union (MLS) at Nashville SC (MLS)
GEODIS Park – Nashville, TN
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
TV: Paramount+ / CBS Sports Network
UPDATE: Sam Surridge’s hat trick leads Nashville SC to first US Open Cup Final

Could this be the year Philadelphia puts it together for a double? The three previous times they’ve reached the Open Cup Final (2014, 2015, 2018) they either missed the MLS Cup playoffs or were bounced early. Similarly, the three times Union finished first or second in the MLS standings (2020, 2021, 2022) the Open Cup either wasn’t played, or they were eliminated early. This year the Union find themselves on top of the MLS Eastern Conference and two wins away from winning the Open Cup for the first time.

Philadelphia Union players celebrate after scoring a goal against the New York Red Bulls in the 2025 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Lynelle Leinbach (@star_basker) for TheCup.us

Since their last visit to the Open Cup, Philadelphia’s three appearances up until this year (2019, 2022 and 2023) all ended after one game, all at the hands of MLS teams.

Like Austin FC, Nashville are making their first appearance in the Semifinals. Their previous best was reaching the Quarterfinals in 2022 where they fell to Orlando City on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Nashville is undefeated at home in Open Cup play, going 8-0-1 as a USL and MLS club, and are currently on a six-game unbeaten streak in home Open Cup games.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Nashville SC we want the cup shirt US Open Cup — 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

Philadelphia and Nashville have never met in Open Cup play. In their two meetings this year in MLS, Nashville has won both.

Just four weeks into the season on March 16 in Chester, Pa., Nashville handed the Union their first setback with a 3-1 win. Sam Surridge scored his first goal of the season in the 15th minute to give Nashville 1-0 lead, but Jovan Lukić answered for Philadelphia 17 minutes later. Just one minute before the halftime whistle Ahmed Qasem put Nashville back in front for good.

In the 82nd minute, Hany Mukhtar extended the lead to 3-1 with a successful penalty conversion. Philly’s Olwethu Makhanya was sent off in second half stoppage time for hitting Nashville’s Jacob Shaffelburg with a thrown ball while out of bounds. Surridge was denied a possible hat trick in the opening half when a goal was called back due to a foul in the 16th minute and then hitting the upright in the 26th minute.

The second meeting came on July 5 in Nashville, and the hosts came out 1-0 winners, it marked the only time Philadelphia has lost back-to-back league games this year, following a 1-0 loss to Columbus. Goalkeeper Andre Blake and the upright kept Nashville off the board in the 15th minute. Hany Muhktar’s shot was stopped by Blake, then Mukhtar sent the rebound off the upright being a prone Blake. Nashville went a man down in the 63rd minute when Jonathan Pérez caught Philly’s Tai Baribo with a high boot to the face while going after the ball. Kai Wagner nearly gave Union a 1-0 lead when his 88th minute free kick hit the post. Nashville finally won it in stoppage time when Mukhtar was awarded a penalty through VAR after being fouled by Olwethu Makhanya. Mukhtar stepped to the spot himself and won the game for Nashville. The win was the last positive result in Nashville’s 12-game unbeaten streak, they would lose 2-1 to Inter Miami the following week.

ROAD TO THE SEMIFINALS

Both teams entered the competition in the Fourth Round and Philly’s opening game saw them taken to the limit by Indy Eleven of the USL Championship, surviving a penalty kick shootout after a 1-1 draw.

After taking a 1-0 lead in the 6th minute through Alejandro Bedoya, Indy tied the score right after halftime. Despite 33 shots, Philadelphia could not score the winner after 120 minutes. The Union converted all five spot kicks to win the shootout 5-4.

In the Round of 16, Philly knocked off the lone USL Championship club remaining, defeating the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 4-1, scoring two goals in each half to win the Keystone State derby.

Thanks to weather delays, the Union’s Quarterfinal match with the New York Red Bulls took over five weeks to complete. Heavy rain and lightning prevented the original kickoff on July 9, and on Aug. 13 lightning once again intervened, causing a two-hour delay. Philly and NYRB traded goals in the opening half and again the second. As extra time loomed, Olwethu Makhanya scored off a rebound in the 89th minute to end Union’s long-delayed return to the Semifinals.

In the Fourth Round, despite outshooting their opponents 14-3, Nashville only managed a 1-0 win over the Chattanooga Red Wolves from USL League One. Josh Bauer scored the lone goal in the 18th minute.

Jonathan Perez of Nashville SC celebrates after scoring a goal against D.C. United in the Quarterfinals of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Nashville SC

Their Round of 16 game at Orlando City was much closer. After drawing level after an Orlando City own goal, Ahmed Qasem gave Nashville a 2-1 lead minutes before halftime. Orlando pulled level 15 minutes into the second half, but with eleven minutes remaining, Wyatt Meyer scored the goal that eventually put Nashville in the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2022.

Nashville’s Quarterfinal affair at home versus D.C. United got off to a rocky start, with the home side trailing 2-0 after 24 minutes. From then on it was all Nashville who scored five unanswered goals, four in the second half, to prevail 5-2 and book their first ever Semifinal appearance. Team goalscoring leader Sam Surridge scored twice, and Jonathan Perez, Andy Najar and Walker Zimmerman provided the rest.

CURRENT FORM

Philadelphia Union players celebrate after scoring a goal against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Matt Ralph - Philadelphia Soccer Now — Philadelphia Union players celebrate after scoring a goal against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Matt Ralph – Philadelphia Soccer Now

Nashville used a 12-game unbeaten run to vault up the MLS Eastern Conference table and are currently seven points behind leaders Philadelphia, and are fighting to stay in the top 4, which would give them home field advantage in the opening round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. Nashville has hit a rough patch in league play, losing five of their last six games, including a loss to FC Cincinnati this past Saturday when Cincinnati scored the game-winner deep into stoppage time.

Nashville’s attack is led by Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar. Surridge leads MLS with 21 goals scored, and Mukhtar has 14. Mukhtar also leads the team with assists at 11, with Andy Najar behind him with 10.

Philadelphia became one of the first clubs in MLS to clinch a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs and now have their sights on the Supporters Shield. Like Nashville, Philadelphia had a lengthy unbeaten run during the season, playing 11 games (April 19-June 25) without a loss. The run ended with their only back-to-back losses of the year and has been followed by an ongoing 5-1-2 run. Union are coming off an embarrassing 7-0 loss at Vancouver this past Saturday with Thomas Muller leading the way with a hat trick. The seven goals were more than Philly had allowed in their last 14 games combined.

Gaston Brugman of Nashville SC dribbles against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Nashville SC

Israeli international Tai Baribo leads the team with 16 goals, also good enough for 4th in MLS. Kai Wagner and Quinn Sullivan are the assist leaders, with 10 and 9 respectively. Goalkeepers Andre Blake and Andrew Rick have six clean sheets each.

Nashville SC
Major League Soccer | Nashville, TN
5th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2018
Manager: B.J. Callaghan
Overall: 10-2-2 (0-2 PK) | 6-1-1 (0-1 PK) (as MLS)
Home: 9-0-1 (0-1) | 5-0-0 (as MLS)
vs. MLS: 4-1-0 (0-1 PK) | 3-1-1 (0-1 PK) (as MLS)
Best finish: Fifth Round (2018, USL) | Quarterfinals (2022, MLS)

In their first year as a USL club in 2018, Nashville knocked off the Colorado Rapids on their way to the Fifth Round. Once joining MLS they reached the Quarterfinals in 2022 and made another three-game run in 2023 while starting a round earlier. Last year, Nashville SC did not enter the competition.

The first notable club from the city of Nashville to participate in the Open Cup was the Nashville Blues in the late 1980s, though they didn’t have much success. In the Modern Era, the A-League’s Nashville Metros reached the Quarterfinals in 1997, upsetting the Kansas City Wizards (Sporting KC) 3-1 in the Third Round.

Philadelphia Union
Major League Soccer | Chester, PA
11th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2010
Manager: Bradley Carnell
Overall: 18-6-8 (4-4 PK)
Away: 1-4-5 (3-2 PK)
vs. MLS: 9-6-6 (2-4 PK)
Best finish: Final (2014, 2015, 2018)

Philadelphia has one of the better Open Cup resumes without winning a title among MLS clubs, though recent tournaments have put a blemish on that. They’ve been to three Open Cup Finals (2014, 2015, 2018), but their last three appearances in the competition have been “one and done” appearances against D.C. United in 2019, Orlando City in 2022 and Minnesota United in 2023.

Prior to the Modern Era, clubs from Philadelphia have made nine appearances in the Open Cup Final, winning the Open Cup five times. Leading the way are the Ukrainian Nationals, who won the tournament four times (1960, 1962, 1963 and 1966).

2025 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Kelvin Yeboah of Minnesota United voted TheCup.us Player of Round

August 30, 2025 by Ashle Lynn Paige

Graphic: Phil Naegely | Photo: Seth Steffenhagen - Northland Soccer Journal — Graphic: Phil Naegely | Photo: Seth Steffenhagen – Northland Soccer Journal

After a messy 90 minutes of play with a ten-man Chicago Fire side, the match came down to an improbable period of extra time for Minnesota United FC in the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Quarterfinals.

Five minutes into the first half of extra time, Joaquín Pereyra sent a soaring long ball into the box that Carlos Harvey got his head to. Harvey headed the ball straight to Kelvin Yeboah’s feet, where he banged in a first-touch goal from close range.

That goal was all the Loons needed for the win but it wouldn’t be Yeboah’s only goal of the evening. Three minutes before the final whistle of the second half of extra time, Yeboah was fouled in the box.

Stepping up to the spot himself, Yeboah drove home the dagger, and secured himself a brace right at the dying seconds to give Minnesota a 3-1 home win. Those two goals in his 57 minutes of action after entering the game in the 63rd minute was all he needed to run away with TheCup.us Player of the Round honors.

The 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.

He beat out Philadelphia Union’s Tai Baribo, who started and played a minute shy of 90 minutes, scoring an early equalizer (13th min.) and then assisting on a 74th minute equalizer by Milan Iloski in a 3-2 home win over the New York Red Bulls (MLS). Third place in voting was Nashville’s Jonathan Pérez who started and played all 90 minutes, scoring Nashville’s opening goal (25’) and assisted on two others in Nashville SC’s 5-2 home win over D.C. United (MLS).

Yeboah becomes the third Minnesota United player to earn Player of the Round honors. He joins Bongokuhle Hlongwane (2023 Fourth Round) and Mason Toye (2019 Semifinals). Darwin Quintero was also named 2019 TheCup.us Player of the Tournament, despite Minnesota finishing as runner-up.

For Yeboah, who has struggled at times this season in MLS league play, the US Open Cup has been the place where he’s shown brightest in 2025. The 25-year-old Ghanaian-Italian has scored 3 goals in 2 Open Cup games compared to 9 goals in 27 matches in league play. The other goal on his 2025 US Open Cup record came in the 10th minute against St. Louis CITY SC in a 3-2 home win in the Round of 16.

“Each game is important, and especially the Open Cup for us,” Yeboah said after Minnesota’s win over Chicago. “It’s also a very important competition and we want to win the games.”

2025 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Minnesota United needs OT to overtake 10-man Chicago Fire

July 9, 2025 by Ashle Lynn Paige

Kelvin Yeboah of Minnesota United fires a shot against Chicago Fire FC in the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Seth Steffenhagen - Northland Soccer Journal — Kelvin Yeboah of Minnesota United fires a shot against Chicago Fire FC in the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Seth Steffenhagen – Northland Soccer Journal

Minnesota United FC and the Chicago Fire FC opened up the Quarterfinals of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in dramatic fashion on Tuesday night in St. Paul, Minn. An early red card to Chicago followed by an immediate goal for the Fire on a penalty had the visitors on the front foot despite being down a man.

An early second half goal for the Loons changed the entire tone of the match. The Fire held out through 90 minutes, forcing extra-time, but it was not to be for the visitors. Kelvin Yeboah scored the go ahead goal for Minnesota five minutes into extra-time, before getting the dagger on a penalty kick in the dying seconds to push the Loons through the Fire and into the Semifinals for the second time in club history.

With fixture congestion being an issue at this point in the season, both teams went with a similar construction of their starting eleven and matchday eighteen. The Loons playing their third game in four days, put together a mixture of regular starters and players looking for more minutes. Chicago, while only playing their second match in the same span, used the same philosophy choosing their squad for the trip to the North Star State.

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The opening quarter hour of play was relatively mundane as both teams started off extremely slowly in a feeling out process. Minnesota dominated possession in the first 15 minutes and came close to getting a good chance, but Chicago was able to push the ball on the cross out of touch. Bongokuhle Hlongwane got the only shot off in what would be nearly the first 30 minutes of play.

The match turned on its head in the 25th minute, when Chicago’s Omar González was issued his first-ever straight red card and the first card of any kind in his Open Cup career. While trying to create some space between himself and Julian Gressel, Gonzalez struck the US international in the face while making a run across the penalty box. The call was made after a video review.

“It’s a little bit tricky when the opponent has a red card, because you kind of feel some kind of false security that the game’s going to be easy,” said Minnesota midfielder Robin Lod. “I think we could have been a little bit more patient with the ball, because we had the whole 45 minutes to chase it and score, but lucky to get another 30 minutes and we sealed the deal.”

Just two minutes after the red, Minnesota’s Wil Trapp fouled Philip Zinckernagel inside the box, handing the Fire an opportunity on a silver platter. Brian Gutierrez took that opportunity and used it, scoring a low shot into the bottom left corner while goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair went the other way.

After handing out two cards in two minutes, referee Ekaterina Koroleva continued to issue cards like candy, issuing a total of four in 12 minutes. MNUFC’s Carlos Harvey was handed one after fouling Tom Barlow from behind, while Chicago’s Jack Elliott was also given one, putting a stifle to a potential Tani Oluwaseyi breakout attack.

“The coach initially wanted me to play on the right-hand side as a ten, and that was the formation,” said Minnesota’s Kelvin Yeboah. “And that information was from Cam (Assistant Coach Cameron Knowles) was to score a goal, so I did what he asked me to do.”

Each side made some changes to start the second half. Chicago Fire with a one goal lead and down a man, brought on just one player. Eric Ramsey, on the other hand, brought on the troops with a triple sub at the half. That triple substitution paid off quickly for Ramsey’s Loons with Robin Lod scoring in the 47th minute on a play starting with a Tani Oluwaseyi ball to Anthony Markanich, who sent a low cross to Lod.

Drawn level at 1-1, the play began to resemble the opening 15 minutes, constant passes but with a slow-crawling attack. Minnesota dominated possession and did get a few good shots off that forced Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady to make a couple fantastic saves to send the match into extra time and one step closer to the Fire overcoming that early red card.

In extra time each team is provided a sixth sub, something Eric Ramsey took advantage of immediately. That sub paid off quickly as Joaquín Pereyra sent a pass into the box that Carlos Harvey headed over to Yeboah, who finished the play with one touch goal putting the hosts in the lead just minutes into extra time. Minnesota continuously tried to put the dagger in, but up until the dying moments just could not find the back of goal.

“I think he did great. And if there is a silver lining to there being an extra half an hour, it’s that he gets a chance to get another goal, a couple of really good moments on top of the moments that he had,” Minnesota United Eric Ramsey said about Kelvin Yeboah.

As the seconds ticked away, Kelvin Yeboah broke out on a solo run down the pitch and after a 50+ yard run was fouled inside the box by Leonardo Barroso, handing Minnesota a penalty. Yeboah scored on the penalty goal and immediately following the PK, Ekaterina Koroleva blew her whistle ending the match and sending Minnesota to the Semifinals.

With the victory, Minnesota United will head back to the US Open Cup Semifinals for the first time since the 2019 season. They will host Austin FC the week of Sept. 16-17.

2025 US Open Cup Round 5: Markanich’s late goals gives Minnesota United comeback win over St. Louis CITY

May 22, 2025 by Ashle Lynn Paige

Minnesota United defender Anthony Markanich (13) celebrates after scoring the game winning goal during the 2025 US Open Cup Round of 16 match against St. Louis CITY. Photo: Steffenhagen Photography - Northland Soccer Journal — Minnesota United defender Anthony Markanich (13) celebrates after scoring the game winning goal during the 2025 US Open Cup Round of 16 match against St. Louis CITY. Photo: Steffenhagen Photography – Northland Soccer Journal

Minnesota United FC and St. Louis City SC faced off on Wednesday night in one of the most dramatic games of the US Open Cup that did not end in penalties or extra time. After the Loons scored an early goal, they coasted for the remainder of the first half. St. Louis came roaring back in the second half with two goals and looked poised to take home a victory and their first win over an MLS side since March 15. At the end of the night it was two late goals from Minnesota wingback Anthony Markanich that made the difference and sent the Loons to the Quarterfinals.

Both clubs entered the contest with completely different philosophies on resting players and starting lineups. MNUFC brought in a hefty seven changes from Saturday’s showing against St. Louis. City only swapped out three players from their lineup in the 3-0 blowout loss to Minnesota United.

“Well, we’ve got a small squad. I’m conscious of how the summer months went last year, and I want to make sure that we’re very disciplined in making changes where we need to make changes, and we keep what is the biggest focus in mind,” said Minnesota manager Eric Ramsey.

Early on it appeared that Ramsey’s style was winning out as the Loons started out once again dominating St. Louis as they had on Saturday night. Just 10 minutes into the showing Julian Gressel sent in a cross that Kelvin Yeboah touched home with a no-look back heel, breaking an eight match scoreless streak for Yeboah.

“It’s always good to contribute for the team, so I’m glad that we ended up winning the game,” Yeboah said following the match.

A few yellow cards later, with one going to St. Louis City’s Chris Durkin and one to Minnesota’s Carlos Harvey, the match appeared for a few fleeting moments to be heading into extremely chippy territory. Outside an objectively bad tackle in the 42nd minute which ended in a yellow card to Markanich, that never ended up happening.

The Loons continued dominating the first half getting multiple chances, including forcing St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Bürki to make a huge diving save to keep the match at 1-0 Minnesota. When the halftime whistle sounded the Loons and St. Louis each had six shots but only Minnesota had any on target.

At the start of the second half each side made a few changes, hoping to have the second half go their way. Eric Ramsey brought on DJ Taylor and Michael Boxall to replace Nicolás Romero & Carlos Harvey for MNUFC, while Olof Mellberg brough Akil Watts on to replace Jannes Horn. From there the tide swung rapidly in favour of St. Louis City.

Ten minutes into the second half St. Louis finally got a shot on target and scored as Marcel Hartel headed home a cross sent in from Timo Baumgartl. Eleven minutes after that first goal, from near the eighteen Hartel sent in a cross to the far side of the six yard box, where João Klauss hammered home a header past Wessel Speel to give St. Louis a 2-1 lead with 25 minutes to play.

“We wanted to be a little bit more direct, have more bodies in the middle, and for the crosses and for the second balls,” said St. Louis City manager Olof Mellberg. “I thought that worked well. And again, a really nice couple of goals, and we had a really good period at that time.”

From there on the match was entirely in control by St. Louis City and even four more substitutions by Minnesota didn’t appear to give them any sort of control on the match. St. Louis had countered with four substitutions of their own and while the Loons would end up holding an advantage in shots, shots on target, and corners; late into the match it appeared all for naught as St. Louis was well on their way to a victory and a spot in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Quarterfinals.

A missed shot for St. Louis from Cedric Teuchert in the 84th minute ended up being their undoing. One minute later Kelvin Yeboah broke open and struck a hard shot forcing Roman Bürki to make a huge save to keep the lead for St. Louis. In the 85th Anthony Markanich scored to get the Loons their first goal since 10 minutes into the match and level the match at two-all.

Tani Oluwaseyi of Minnesota United dribbles around St. Louis CITY goalkeeper Roman Bürki in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Tim McLaughlin - Northland Soccer Journal — Tani Oluwaseyi of Minnesota United dribbles around St. Louis CITY goalkeeper Roman Bürki in the Fifth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Tim McLaughlin – Northland Soccer Journal

With extra time staring everyone in the face, Minnesota United and St. Louis put themselves into overdrive. Tani Oluwaseyi scorched the St. Louis defense and sent a hard shot on goal that easily beat Bürki, but with inches to spare before it crossed the line, Joshua Yaro kicked the ball out of touch.

The ensuing corner was sent in from Joaquín Pereyra and was immediately headed home by Anthony Markanich, earning himself a brace and what ended up being the match winning goal.

“It was awesome, especially with a brace. I think that was my first time professionally, and since I was a little kid, that I scored a brace, Markanich said. “I definitely didn’t want to go to overtime. I was tired, so happy.”

After the goal St. Louis managed only one more chance at goal before the final whistle sounded, with Marcel Hartel missing a shot he took from outside the box, five minutes into stoppage time.

With the win, Minnesota United advances to the Quarter-Finals for only the second time in club history. The last time they did that was in 2019 where they ultimately landed in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final, falling to Atlanta United in that championship final.

2025 US Open Cup Round 4: Minnesota United’s youngest goalscorer hands Louisville City first loss

May 8, 2025 by Zach Allen-Kelly

Devin Padelford of Minnesota United (left) avoids a tackle from Louisville City FC in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: EM Dash Photography

Louisville City was unable to capitalize on a heavily rotated Minnesota United side in the first official meeting between the two teams currently near the top of their respective tables. The Loons changed out their entire starting lineup from the past weekend’s match with Austin FC but were still able to secure a ticket to the Fifth Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup with a 1-0 win. The lone goal came off a second half goal from 17-year-old striker Darius Randell in his first start for the senior team.

The young striker, who becomes the youngest player to suit up and the youngest to score a goal for Minnesota, was a consistent threat in what was otherwise a quiet night for Minnesota in attack.

“It was a fantastic result. They threw everything at us,” said Minnesota asisstant coach Cameron Knowles. “They’re a very good USL team, have been for a number of years. It’s a tough environment to come to, (it’s) a fantastic stadium. They’re a well-supported team.”

After not entering the tournament last year, the Loons extended their streak of winning their opening game. They have now won five straight opening round games dating back to 2019.

The game proved to be an interesting tactical matchup, as both teams have seen a great deal of success this season seeding the majority of possession to the opposing team. Both teams looked keen to deny their opponent the opportunity for a counterattack early in the game, leading to a probing, conservative first half with no shots on target recorded for either side.

Remarking on the first half, Louisville City coach (and former Minnesota United player) Danny Cruz said: “I didn’t think we set the tone here in our own stadium. I thought they did . . . They wanted to play slow. They wanted to slow the game down and we didn’t do a good job managing that, we played right into it.”

Louisville appeared to find the back of the net early in the game on a long direct ball from right back Aiden Mcfadden to wing Ray Serrano, who quickly chipped the ball past Minnesota keeper Wessel Speel. The goal was quickly ruled offside, drawing the ire of the characteristically rowdy 4,500 fans in attendance at Lynn Family Stadium.

With both teams conscious to avoid giving up a counter attack, the few scoring opportunities that did come in the rest of the half for both teams were mostly off of set pieces, with none for either team posing a serious threat to the opposing keeper.

The undefeated Louisville side made a halftime adjustment, substituting veteran midfielder Kevon Lambert for Evan Davila. The adjustment appeared to pay off early in the half, with City dominating possession and making multiple forays into the final third over the first 15 minutes. The best scoring opportunity of the night for the home side came in the 57th minute of the match with a free header from Lambert off of a City corner kick. Minnesota’s Speel was able to make a quick kick save which fell to the feet of Louisville striker Phillip Goodrum, who was unable to make solid contact on the rebound shot attempt which was quickly smothered by Speel.

City would regret not capitalizing on their momentum in the 64th minute as a quick through ball from Minnesota midfielder Jeong Ho-Yeon to attacker Jeong Sang-Bin sliced open the typically stout Louisville backline. Sang-Bin then played a diagonal ball to Randell who tapped in a shot off a back post run to give the Loons the go ahead goal against the run of play.

On the momentum shift in the second half, Coach Cruz commented: “There’re fine margins in these games. We do poorly on the goal and now you’re down and now you’re chasing.”

Louisville looked to respond quickly, subbing on outside back Jake Morris and wing Janson Wilson immediately after the goal. In a scary moment for both teams, a 71st minute collision between the newly subbed Morris and Minnesota’s DJ Taylor left both players down on the field and tended to by the training staff resulting in a yellow card for Morris who left the game shortly thereafter with an apparent groin injury.

Minnesota was able to weather a late barrage of crosses into the box as City desperately tried to find an equalizer in the final minutes of the match, at one point subbing on rookie University of Louisville center back Josh Jones at striker in an effort to give the team more size up top. The lone goal from Randell proved to be enough for Minnesota though, who advance to play fellow MLS side St. Louis CITY on the road in Round 5.

For Louisville, it was just the second home loss in 14 US Open Cup games (10-2-2, 2-0 PKs) and it snapped the club’s four-game home unbeaten streak.

“For our guys, it really highlights how well they’ve been doing,” said Knowles, who played in seven career US Open Cup games for three different clubs. “A lot of those guys with the second team, and then coming in and stepping in, and some guys who have seen limited time with the first team to come in and put together a really complete result … and then for Darius to have that moment where he becomes the youngest appearance maker and goalscorer for the club in history is just a fantastic moment for us.”

2023 US Open Cup Round 4: Bongokuhle Hlongwane of Minnesota United voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

May 22, 2023 by Bridget McDowell

Bongokuhle “Bongi” Hlongwane of Minnesota United was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round for the Fourth Round of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Minnesota United FC

Bongokuhle “Bongi” Hlongwane of Minnesota United FC doubled his 2023 goal count in the Fourth Round Lamar Hunt US Open Cup match against the Philadelphia Union, giving life to a team that had squandered two leads. The young international is the first South African to play in MLS and has been an exciting example of that brand of football. Two goals and four assists in 2022 secured Hlongwane’s place as a supersub and he cemented that role in stunning fashion in the Fourth Round with a penalty kick win against Union. With his two goals and one assist, the gentleman’s hat trick, Hlongwane was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round.

Hlongwane ran away with the voting for the award. He outpaced Daniel Griffin of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, followed by Andrew Tarbell of the Houston Dynamo and last round’s winner Christian Volesky of Monterey Bay FC. The Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) of TheCup.us’ Patreon team.

In the absence of Minnesota’s All-Star designated player Emanuel Reynoso, Hlongwane has become a regular starter in Adrian Heath’s attack this season, starting in all nine league matches ahead of the Round 4 matchup and tallying two goals in that stretch. His ability to race end to end and willingness to put his body on the line in the counterattack has opened possibilities for a team struggling to find an identity and a consistent formation. This grit was the difference against Philadelphia.

Hlongwane opened the scoring in the 68th minute with a glancing header inside the six, and dropped a dime to Joseph Rosales just five minutes later, putting the Loons up 2-0 in the 73rd minute. His composure in possession is a trait sorely lacking in this squad but shone against through the tired legs of the both sides in this match. The Loons, in a not atypical fashion, gave up the lead with Chris Donovan going unchallenged in front of goal in the 78th minute and Kai Wagner scoring at the death, equalizing in the fourth minute of stoppage time. It was Bongi who renewed Minnesota’s hopes in the first half of extra time.

While Minnesota’s go-ahead goal was canceled out by another last-gasp goal from Wagner, goalkeeper Clint Irwin stopped his penalty kick, sealing a win behind Hlongwane’s efforts. Wagner also received consideration for the award and had he scored the PK to extend the shootout, there’s a chance he would have won.

For Hlongwane, being the striker who secured the first win at home of the 2023 season was special.

“It’s been a while. But I still need to learn the song ,” said Hlongwane. “I am happy when I hear it. It makes me feel good because I see the people’s joy.”

Just a week later, he was responsible for the first home win in league play as well, the lone scorer in a 1-0 win against Houston Dynamo on Matchday 13, earning MLS Team of the Matchday honors and overtaking Luis Amarilla and Mender García as the squad’s leading scorer with three in league play.

Bongokuhle Hlongwane has contributed five goals and two assists in all competitions and leads Minnesota United with 13 shots on target (Amarilla is in second with 7). A fan favorite for his goal celebrations, Hlongwane is on track for a productive breakout performance this season and may well be the difference for an MNUFC squad that faces personnel challenges moving forward in US Open Cup play.

2023 US Open Cup Round 4: Minnesota United overcome Philadelphia Union comebacks, advance after PK shootout

May 10, 2023 by Bridget McDowell

Minnesota United players celebrate after defeating the Philadelphia Union 7-6 in a PK shootout in the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Minnesota United FC

Minnesota United FC had an opportunity to better their one-and-done performance in last year’s edition of the US Open Cup and they did so in stunning fashion on Tuesday night against Philadelphia Union at St Paul, Minnesota’s Allianz Field. The fact that it took a full 68 minutes before either team found a goal was not a surprise. However, one Philadelphia player snatching a win away from Minnesota in the last minute of play, twice, was a surprise. Still, the Loons outlasted their visitors to advance to the Round of 16, winning 7-6 in a penalty kick shootout after a 3-3 draw. This sets the stage for the first round of ‘Wonderwall’ of the 2023 season.

Head coaches Adrian Heath and Jim Curtin had every excuse to roll out heavily rotated squads, with Heath’s side struggling in league play and Curtin’s seeing so much play over the last couple of weeks, but held close to their favored lineups while keeping things fresh. Clint Irwin started in goal for the home side following a clean performance at Detroit City FC in the last round. Ahead of him was a 5-3-2 capitalizing on Minnesota’s defensive depth and the attacking energy of Sang Bin Jeong and Mender García. Mikael Uhre and Chris Donovan started up top for the Union and Andre Blake remained in goal. Defender Damian Lowe (of NASL-era fame in Minnesota) got his second consecutive start.

The match started with a probing shot or two from each side in the opening minutes, all high or wide and no real threat. The biggest threats came from the chippy one-v-ones between centerback Michael Boxall and Uhre, Mickey Tapias and Joaquin Torres. It was a physical match with no real scoring threat. In fact, neither team registered a single shot on goal in the first half. The second half was a different story.

“They left a few out on Saturday, didn’t they? And then they brought them back in tonight, so weren’t totally surprised by their team,” Heath said. ΅You look at the team that they had on the field at the end, they were all on there. Gazdag and Wagner had come on, and Flach had come on. As I’ve said, theyŕe a good team, and they never give in. It didn’t surprise me that it went as long as it did this evening.”

Substitute Bongokuhle Hlongwane scored the first goal in the 68’, heading in a cross from rightback DJ Taylor. Hlongwane notched an assist six minutes later, cutting a ball across the box to Joseph Rosales in the 74’ for a one-time finish.

“It means a lot, it helped my confidence because I haven’t scored in six games,” Hlongwane reflected. “I was talking to my mom today and said ‘today we play and hopefully we can score because it’s been a while.’ And she said, ‘that’s your job’, you have to, so people in Minnesota who give us their love, we can show our appreciation for them by scoring goals. So I am happy.”

Donovan put Union on the board minutes later, given far too much space in the box in the 78th minute. While that goal propelled Philadelphia’s attack, Minnesota held on and were one late whistle away from a win when another substitute made his mark. Kai Wagner, who entered the match in the 87th minute, stunned Allianz in the 94th minute with an equalizer in the final seconds of stoppage time.

Extra time was a mirror of the teams’ late game efforts with Minnesota scoring first – a fantastic brace by Hlongwane in the 103rd minute – and Wagner extending the game for Philadelphia in the 120′, the final breaths of OT.

In the Modern Era of the US Open Cup, only five matches have been stretched to PKs by goals scored in the final minute, the last in 2014 when NTX Rayados beat the Austin Aztec in Round 2.

The keepers in Tuesday’s match each had only one PK shootout in their USOC careers and neither was on the winning side. It took eight rounds, but a diving stop by Irwin finally secured the win for MNUFC. And he gave the rest of the squad the credit.

“From guys who came on, really put on a shift. Guys at the beginning put on a shift. I think Bongi was absolutely electric when he came on and just put pressure on their back-line and ran with the space and had some incredible finishes,” Irwin said. “Yes, I made a couple saves, but at the same time, all these guys who made their penalties, put us in that position to have that opportunity to keep the game going, to keep the pressure on Philly and then you just have to come up with one in sudden death. I think it was a total performance from everyone.”

The final score, 7-6 after a 3-3 draw, is a rare example of the score sheet reflecting the tone and energy of the game. Minnesota will need to harness that momentum as they enter the Rpund of 16.

2023 US Open Cup Round 3: Minnesota United overcomes Detroit City with trio of second half goals

April 27, 2023 by Tavio Palazzolo

Emmanuel Iwe of Minnesota United FC gestures to the crowd in his club's 2023 US Open Cup match against Detroit City FC. Photo: Minnesota United FC — Emmanuel Iwe of Minnesota United FC gestures to the crowd in his club’s 2023 US Open Cup match against Detroit City FC. Photo: Minnesota United FC

Three goals in six minutes helped Minnesota United FC (MLS) erase a one-goal deficit in the second half as the Loons defeated Detroit City FC (USL Championship) 3-1 at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, Mich.

Yazeed Matthews scored his second goal of the US Open Cup early in the match to give Le Rouge the lead, but Franco Fragapane, Emmanuel Iwe, and Luis Amarilla all were able to get on the scoresheet to turn the tide in favor of the Major League Soccer side.

Detroit was able to make their statement early in the match in the fifth minute as Matthews and Devon Amoo-Mensah were able to trade passes after intercepting a clearance. This ultimately culminated in a Matthews strike from about 25 yards out. The ball went past a diving Clint Irwin, bounced off the left post, and trickled in toward the opposite side, eerily mimicking the penalty kick goal scored by Maxi Rodriguez last year in this round that brought DCFC the win over the Columbus Crew.

a series of fortunate events in 5 minutes#MNUFC | #DETvMIN
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) April 26, 2023

The goal by the home side appeared to wake up the visitors from St. Paul, as they turned up the pressure quickly. The pressure steamed over in the 15th minute as they failed to capitalize on a counter-attack, with the pass to Cameron Dunbar in the box deflecting back off his feet. Oneil Fisher, who had played for the Loons last year (appearing in two of their USOC matches), was able to collect the ball and move toward the line, where Amarilla caught up with him and checked him into the sideline. Words were exchanged involving the referee, Kervin Arriaga, and MNUFC head coach Adrian Heath, ultimately leading to Heath being shown a yellow card.

The remainder of the first half saw both sides trading chances. One set came in the 28th minute, as Fragapane slid the ball forward for Amarilla, but Steinwascher was able to slide in and collect. On the ensuing counter for Detroit, Ben Morris sent the ball wide to Fisher, who pushed a one-time pass into the box where Connor Rutz wasn’t able to get the shot on frame. Arguably the best chance for Minnesota in the first half was in the 38th minute when they had a pair of corners, both of which led to shots on frame only to be blocked.

Minnesota United was able to put their stamp on the match in the second half, pressing the Detroit City back line and testing Steinwascher a multitude of times, forcing him to make five saves in the first 15 minutes. The breakthrough came in the 60th minute as Fragapane received the ball in the box, and laid it off for Dunbar, who passed it back to Fragapane behind the defensive line. Fragapane was able to put the ball in the top shelf to tie the match at 1-1.

From that point, the goals for the Loons came quickly. Just three minutes later in the 63rd, Iwe received the ball off a deflection, took a step to the left, and fired a shot that deflected off a guarding Michael Bryant and over an unsuspecting Steinwascher. Just like that, Minnesota went from down 1-0 to up 2-1, turning the match on its head.

The goals didn’t stop there, though. Again just three minutes later, in the 66th minute, Minnesota widened the lead. A corner kick resulted in a header by Brent Kallman that was cleared by Abdoulaye Diop. However, that clearance landed at the foot of Amarilla 12 yards out, who volleyed the shot, again deflected, into the net.

DCFC’s best chance to make up ground came in the 85th minute as Skage Simonsen sent a ball past midfield to a streaking Morris on a counterattack, hoping to catch Irwin off guard. Irwin was able to make a diving save, shutting the door to the possibility of a comeback by the underdog side.

With the win, Minnesota earned its first win of this year’s competition after getting upset by Union Omaha (USL League One) last year. On the other end, Detroit City FC loses their first US Open Cup match in regulation time since 2015, when they, as an amateur side, were defeated 3-0 by the Michigan Bucks (now Flint City Bucks).