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New England Revolution

2019 US Open Cup Round 4: Teal Bunbury of New England Revolution voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

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Graphic by Dallas Kreil | IG: @dak_design

With his team coming off of an impressive win on the road and facing a short-rested New York Red Bulls team, Teal Bunbury and the rest of the New England Revolution still found themselves in a difficult position in their Fourth Round match in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The Revolution were trailing 2-1 late in the second half and knew that they needed to make every shot count. The team’s fortunes have slightly turned around in Major League Soccer play since new head coach Bruce Arena took over last month but without an equalizer the squad would be one-and-done in the US Open Cup for the second year in a row.

Bunbury made almost every one of his shots count late in the game during his 120-minute performance. With two goals on three shots including both the equalizer and an incredible game-winner in extra time when the Revs were playing with 10 men, Bunbury was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round for the Fourth Round. The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) from TheCup.us’ Patreon team. Bunbury narrowly edged Devon Sandoval of New Mexico United who led the USL Championship team to an upset of the Colorado Rapids. Saint Louis FC goalkeeper Tomas Gomez received strong support and finished in third place.

In a game that had only seen him have one shot all game, Bunbury came up big for his fellow Revs on the road when it mattered most. First, his quick feet out-paced defender Amro Tarek and allowed him to find space, cut back to his right foot and shoot low past Red Bulls goalkeeper Ryan Meara to the opposite post. The goal came in the 85th minute and the match would head into extra time tied at 2-2.

However, before extra time could begin, New England’s Luis Caicedo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in stoppage time.

This made Bunbury’s 109th minute game-winner even more impressive as the Red Bulls were in control for the first 18 minutes of extra time with the man advantage.

The Ontario via Minnesota native scored what might very well be the goal of the round and the tournament when he stole a Red Bulls pass near midfield and raced down the left wing where he was held up by both Tarek and Tim Parker just as he entered the penalty area. He stopped, looked up and sent a chip shot toward goal that squeezed between the crossbar and a jumping Meara and into the net for the eventual game-winner.

“Obviously I love scoring. I love working for my team. I love winning. Everybody loves winning,” said Bunbury after the game. “I’m just really proud of the guys. When I’m put in those positions – guys playing great balls, and I’m one-on-one with a defender or the ‘keeper – I’ve got to keep up my end of the bargain and finish those chances.”

With those two goals, Bunbury has scored a grand total of eight goals in the US Open Cup between his tenures with Sporting Kansas City and New England. Since joining his current club in 2014, his six scores are tied for second in New England history with Kelyn Rowe, and rank just one behind the club’s all-time leader Taylor Twellman with seven. Eight goals also puts Bunbury into the Top 20 of the Modern Era (1995-present), tied with players like Brian McBride and Herculez Gomez. While the goal doesn’t count in his career total, Bunbury’s first professional goal came in a US Open Cup qualifying match with the Kansas City Wizards (Sporting KC) in a 2-1 loss to the Colorado Rapids.

With the award win, Bunbury becomes the first non-Open Division participant player to take home POTR honors this year. He and his team will remain on the road for the next round as they head south and take on Orlando City SC in the Round of 16.

2019 US Open Cup Round 4: Teal Bunbury’s chip-shot winner saves 10-man Revolution against Red Bulls

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Teal Bunbury of the New England Revolution controls the ball in a Fourth Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup against the New York Red Bulls. Photo: Bob Larson
Teal Bunbury of the New England Revolution controls the ball in a Fourth Round match in the 2019 US Open Cup against the New York Red Bulls. Photo: Bob Larson

Down a man and after playing for more than 100 minutes, a quick-headed Teal Bunbury saw that a New York Red Bulls’ player had made a careless back pass in his general direction and quickly jumped on it before charging down the left side of the field. With defender Amro Tarek intercepting him at the corner of the 18-yard box and Tim Parker quickly joining, the Prior Lake, Minnesota native noticed the goalkeeper slightly out of position and the team captain quickly chipped a shot between the two and towards net.

The Red Bulls’ goalkeeper Ryan Meara jump wasn’t enough as the ball slipped just above the goalkeeper and under the crossbar to give the New England Revolution a 3-2 lead in the 109th minute. They would hold on to that lead to advance to the Round of 16.

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 <a href="https://shop.thecup.us/">THECUP.US SHOP</a>
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

New England head coach Bruce Arena explained that while he’s happy his team came away with the win, he understands the year is long and sometimes in this competition one team can come into a match with an advantage, like rest, citing New York’s recent MLS match on the road last Saturday.

“I don’t think it’s the end all,” Arena said after the game. “But any coach with any team you wanna win, I’ve never not said I wanna win Open Cups. I think tonight was challenging for the Red Bulls having had a game on Saturday in Philadelphia so they have to make decisions on what’s in the best interests of their team. I think that’s the case with everyone in all cup competitions. Tonight we were the more rested team and that may have been a factor in allowing us to get through the last 30 minutes with ten players.”

Thanks to Bunbury’s eighth career Open Cup goal, his sixth as a Rev which ranks him second in club history, New York has lost back-to-back games after holding a lead in the second half. Last Saturday, the Red Bulls, who are missing several key players due to international call-ups, saw a 2-0 halftime lead disappear in a league game against the Philadelphia Union.

The loss also comes after the team held a man advantage for the entirety of the 30 minute extra time after Luis Caicedo earned his second yellow card of the match during second half stoppage time following a behind the back takedown of Alex Muyl five minutes into second half stoppage time.

After the game, Red Bulls head coach Chris Armas said even when his team was up a man, it can be a disadvantage. The Revolution change the way they play after 90 minutes and his team needs to adapt quickly while also still looking to attack a highly entrenched opponent.

“One of the dangers and difficulties is when you lose bad balls,” Armas said. “Understanding what the opposition is trying to do is important. It’s pretty clear; 4-4-1, bunker in, tight this way, and hope that we’re going to force balls or have a few turnovers, and catch us on the counter … Tonight, the message was to keep probing wide, have some patience, if it’s not on one side come back around, rest defense the way we say, pin them in.

“There’s little moments in there, you just have to make a play when it’s not so easy because there’s not a lot of space,” he added, noting the late chances his team had to equalize and force the game into penalty kicks.

Out of the gate, the home team, playing out of their USL Championship affiliated reserve team’s venue at Montclair State University, were playing catch up. A turnover by New York off the kickoff allowed the Revs to spring the ball down the left side. A series of team passes into the box were quickly followed up by a Juan Fernando Caicedo no-look back pass toward former New York homegrown prospect Juan Agudelo who, with Meara out of position, nudged the ball into a practically open net.

Juan Fernando Caicedo of the New England Revolution dribbles against the New York Red Bulls in the Fourth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Bob Larson
Juan Fernando Caicedo of the New England Revolution dribbles against the New York Red Bulls in the Fourth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Bob Larson

“It was a strange one, especially the way we started the match,” Armas said. “To be quite honest with you, in terms of the way we try to play with our pressing and our counter-pressing, it looked like a Red Bull team and a Red Bull performance that we were in control. When you really think about it of course it’s first goal we give up, a ball behind which we knew was coming all night long … and then we see the last goal. We didn’t feel threatened most of the night.”

New England kept the pressure on and off during the first half including a Juan Caicedo shot in the 9th minute from directly in front of the net that hit off the inner crossbar and straight down outside the goal line before coming back into play. A rebound attempt was stopped by the New York defense which became a common theme throughout the night.

With the Red Bulls looking to even early, the team implored a high press and started to create more chances. That paid off in the 19th minute when Sean Davis sent a long pass past the backline and in the lane of a charging Tom Barlow. The St. Louis native, who still leads New York Red Bulls II in goals this season despite being signed by the first team for over a month, made the run under pressure from defender Jalil Anibaba before stopping just enough to create some space and launch a left footed strike into the net past Revs keeper Matt Turner.

The goal was Barlow’s first for the Red Bulls in the Open Cup and his second overall after he scored with Chicago FC United in 2017 during the team’s upset of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the Second Round.

“I was just trying to get in behind,” Barlow said after the match, obviously disappointed with the result. “I felt like I could outrun some of those guys in the back and it was a great ball, set up nice for me. I was able to put it in the corner. Felt good.”

Alex Muyl of the New York Red Bulls has his shot blocked by Luis Caicedo of the New England Revolution in the Fourth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Bob Larson
Alex Muyl of the New York Red Bulls has his shot blocked by Luis Caicedo of the New England Revolution in the Fourth Round of the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Bob Larson

Both teams enjoyed chances after that but couldn’t pull ahead, with New York controlling the ball more effectively and spending a lot of time in the visitors’ end while New England made constant quick runs against the home side.

The second half played out much more in Red Bulls favor to start. The group kept New England out of their end and eventually took the lead when Omir Fernandez, following a turnover by the Revolution and few passes outside of the box, found Cristian Cásseres Jr. at the top of the box. His shot was not unlike Bunbury’s winner later on, from distance and just between a jumping keeper and under the crossbar to take the lead.

With his team seemingly in control, Muyl had a chance to change the outlook of the match when he was taken down in the box about midway through the half and awarded a penalty kick. His 65th minute attempt was correctly dived on by Turner as it rolled towards the right corner as he forced it out. Muyl’s attempt to redeem himself moments later also came up short when his header off the ensuing corner kick was saved on the line.

After the match, Arena, who didn’t agree with the referees decision to award a penalty, said he believed the save was just another obstacle his team had to overcome to earn this win.

“I think we overcame a lot of obstacles tonight and really responded very well and were really deserving of this win,” Arena said.

The block came back to haunt one team and save another as the Revolution were able to find the late-game equalizer. A long pass from his own end found Bunbury in the left side of the box. After getting by Tarek for the first time on the night, he cut back to his right, shot low and to the opposite post to score his first of the game.

New England advances to the Round of 16 after falling last season in the Fourth Round. The team will learn who their next opponent will be when the draw is officially announced on Thursday, June 13.

2018 US Open Cup Round 4: Brian Ownby’s wonderstrike gives Louisville City upset of New England Revolution

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Oscar Jimenez of Louisville City celebrates an equalizing goal against the New England Revolution in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: EM Dash Photography
Oscar Jimenez of Louisville City celebrates an equalizing goal against the New England Revolution in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: EM Dash Photography

Louisville City FC notched another massive win in the club’s short history as it took down its first MLS team in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Louisville came back from a goal down on two occasions to knock off the New England Revolution, 3-2, in the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup Tuesday evening at Lynn Stadium, on the campus of the University of Louisville. Former Houston Dynamo winger Brian Ownby was a threat all night and he capped an impressive performance with an absolute laser into the upper 90 midway through the second half that helped give LouCity the win.

“You could see the juice out there,” Ownby said with a smile, referring to the high emotional energy on display for Louisville City. “We had everyone buzzing around. Everyone had each other’s backs regardless of a mistake here or there. We always believe in the process … and I think that’s showed today.”

In fact, had you shown up at Dr. Mark and Cindy Lynn Stadium and not known which team was in MLS, you could be mistaken for believing it was Louisville City, which took the game to New England for nearly 70 minutes before sitting back and defending its lead.

A raucous crowd at kickoff was silenced just five minutes into the match when Louisville City goalkeeper Tim Dobrowolski misplayed a ball and Revolution winger Mark Segbers was able to tap the ball in for a quick 1-0 lead.

It didn’t take long for Louisville City to find its answer. Ownby, who sent the Revolution defense into fits all game, cut inside with the ball in the 11th minute and sent a chip towards the left side of the box. Wing back Oscar Jimenez arrived and slotted home just under the dive of Revolution goalkeeper Brad Knighton to tie the game.

Ownby finished the match with 12 duels, putting his body on the line, where he won seven of those against the Revolution. When he did have a chance to run against the defense, he wound up with three key passes, three crosses and three shots. “We broke a very important rule: When you go and play teams that are in lower divisions than you … you have to at least match their work rate,” Revolution head coach Brad Friedel said. “It’s a very simple thing. We spoke about it for the past two days.” “Fair play to Louisville,” Friedel added. “They deserved to win today. Absolutely. No issues with them advancing with the type of performance that we put out.” Once again, another Louisville City error gave the Revolution another lifeline. A long-ball into the box was shanked by Femi Hollinger-Janzen towards goal. But after Dobrowolski missed handling it, Louisville City defender Pat McMahon knocked the ball into the net. Following the goal, Louisville City pushed forward and were rewarded. George Davis IV found Tottenham product – and onetime teammate of Friedel with Spurs – Cameron Lancaster at the top of the box. The Englishman swerved and fired a low strike that may have taken a deflection before finding the back of the net to tie the game at 2-2 in the 37th minute.

After a chance for both teams to regroup at halftime, Louisville City once again came out the more aggressive team in the second half, and it finally paid off with Ownby. The 27-year-old star brushed off a challenge from Revs midfielder Scott Caldwell that left Caldwell on his back before charging up and unleashing a strike that had eyes for the upper 90. Knighton dove to save it but was only able to get fingertips on the singing strike.

Louisville City held off a handful of attacks from New England late, still managing to force turnovers with its press. Juan Agudelo and Kelyn Rowe each earned shoutouts from Friedel but neither were able to find the equalizer.

As the final whistle neared, fans in the packed crowd of 5,196 chanted “USL,” showing their support for the league which Louisville City lives.

“Incredible from the guys to have that mentality, not just to win but to win in that manner. It’s very, very pleasing,” Louisville City coach James O’Connor said.

2017 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: BWP scores late winner as Red Bulls edge 10-man Revolution

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The New York Red Bulls celebrate their 1-0 win over the New England Revolution in the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: Bob Larson
The New York Red Bulls celebrate their 1-0 win over the New England Revolution in the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: Bob Larson

Bradley Wright-Phillips scored his first ever US Open Cup goal and the New York Red Bulls defeated the New England Revolution 1-0 to advance to the Semifinals for the fifth time in franchise history.

It was heartbreak for New England, who had fallen to New York in MLS play just eight days prior on a 90th minute goal from the Red Bulls’ Gonzalo Veron. This time it was Wright-Phillips, who collected a perfect pass inside the box from Felipe Martins in the 88th minute with New England down a man after Benjamin Angoua was sent off. Wright Phillips spent the night tormenting the Revs and their fans on the campus of Harvard University.

Neither team looked particularly sharp at the beginning of the match. The first half was defined more by heavy touches, sloppy passes, and poor shooting, but New England looked the better of the two sides early on.

In the 12th minute, Diego Fagundez found himself in space on the left just outside the box and was cut down, setting up a dangerous free kick. The ensuing pass found a wide open Chris Tierney at the top of the box, but his shot went soaring over the crossbar.

Bradley Wright Phillips of the New York Red Bulls scores the game-winning goal against the New England Revolution in the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: Bob Larson
Bradley Wright Phillips of the New York Red Bulls scores the game-winning goal against the New England Revolution in the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: Bob Larson

Minutes later, New York’s Aaron Long picked up a yellow card. In a sequence that summed up the first half pretty well, Lee Nguyen played a nice through ball into the box, but Fagundez held his run and the chance was wasted. Moments after that, Teal Bunbury went down right on the edge of the box and after a moment’s hesitation, referee Jorge Gonzalez awarded a free kick that was subsequently struck right into the wall by Tierney.

The Red Bulls fought back though and ended up finishing the half with some momentum, punctuated by a well hit shot by Wright-Phillips that was saved by Brad Knighton at his near post.

New York carried that momentum into the second half, winning the battle for possession and stringing more passes together in the final third. In the 68th minute, Wright-Phillips pulled down a long ball on the edge of the box and went down inside the box in a 50-50 scuffle but was ultimately hit with the penalty and the game remained scoreless.

Despite controlling the ball in the attacking third, the Red Bulls failed to create any shots on target until the 72nd minute when Daniel Royer got his head on a well hit cross, but his effort ended up in the hands of Knighton.

Bradley Wright Phillips of the New York Red Bulls rises up for a header against the New England Revolution in the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: Bob Larson
Bradley Wright Phillips of the New York Red Bulls rises up for a header against the New England Revolution in the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: Bob Larson

Things did not get any better for New England as, moments later, Benjamin Angoua was given a red card after having words with Jorge Gonzalez, who had just awarded the Red Bulls a free kick on the edge of the box and also booked Tierney with a yellow card. The ensuing free kick hit the crossbar though and New York continued to search for a goal with the man advantage.

In the 85th minute, Felipe hit a cross field pass to Sacha Kljestan, who hit it first time but the shot went right at Knighton. Then, two minutes later, Felipe played a perfect pass into the box to Wright-Phillips who, despite going to ground, calmly slotted it past Knighton for the winner.

New York advances to the Semifinals for the first time since 2003 despite scoring just three goals in their first three games of the 2017 Open Cup. The 2015 Philadelphia Union scored five goals in their five Open Cup games and ultimately fell to Sporting Kansas City in the final via a penalty shootout.

The Red Bulls will take on the winner of Miami FC-Cincinnati FC, which had been scheduled for Wednesday July 12, but was postponed due to weather.

2017 US Open Cup Quarterfinals preview: Semifinals on line for MLS originals Revolution, Red Bulls at Harvard

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New York Red Bulls (MLS) at New England Revolution (MLS)
Thursday, July 12 – 7:30 p.m. EST
Jordan Field (Harvard Univ.) – Boston, MA

BROADCAST: ONLINE VIDEO (video will be embedded when it becomes available)

Winner will play FC Cincinnati / Miami FC winner (Site / Date TBD)

New York Red Bulls Open Cup records
Overall: 19-7-3 (2-1 PK) | Home: 9-5-2 (1-1 PK) | Away: 9-11-1 (1-0 PK) | vs. MLS: 6-9-3 (2-1 PK)
Last entry: 2016 (Lost 2-1 at Philadelphia Union of MLS in Round of 16)
Best finish: 2003 Runner-up
Leading goalscorer: Sacha Kljestan & Daniel Royer – 1 goal each

New England Revolution Open Cup records
Overall: 19-12-5 (3-2 PK) | Home: 13-4-3 (2-1 PK) | Away: 5-8-2 (1-1 PK) | vs. MLS: 6-8-1 (1-0 PK)
Last entry: 2016 (Lost 4-2 at FC Dallas of MLS in Final)
Best finish: 2007 US Open Cup champions
Leading goalscorer: Five players tied with 1

Every rivalry match contains an added layer of drama when points are on the line, but when that shared history extends to tournament play, well, there’s usually no shortage of rich subplots.

ny-red-bulls-ne-revolution-split-2017-round-5-bigThat sentiment certainly holds true for Thursday’s US Open Cup quarterfinal tie between the New York Red Bulls and New England Revolution, who’ll renew acquaintances at Harvard University only nine days after the former handed the latter a last-gasp home loss.

While some would point to the clash as a classic opportunity for the Revolution to seek revenge against the Red Bulls, the truth is there’s far more at stake when the MLS originals battle for a semifinal spot.

For New England, who punched their ticket to the Quarterfinals after beating D.C. United in the Round of 16, the outcome of Thursday’s match has the potential to carry serious reverberations for the rest of the year.

A loss could signal wholesale changes that could start at the top as coach Jay Heaps, whose club has lost four straight and currently sit in 10th place in league play, has struggled to get the most from his talented group of young players. A win would, at very least, give Heaps and his group a temporary reprieve. The sentiment in New England was that the Revolution’s run to last year’s Open Cup final saved the seventh-year coach from getting sacked.

But a win is far from certain given the state of the roster. The Revolution won’t have Kelyn Rowe or Juan Agudelo at their disposal with both currently a part of the USMNT’s Gold Cup tournament roster. The international tournament has also claimed last year’s Open Cup hero Je-Vaughn Watson, who was called in for Jamaica National Team duty.

On the other end of the pitch, New York, who booked their spot in the quarterfinals after beating Philadelphia on PKs two weeks ago, hasn’t exactly defended its Eastern Conference crown in convincing fashion this season.

Yes, last week’s road win over the Revolution gave it some much-needed confidence going into Open Cup play but the team wouldn’t qualify for the playoffs if the MLS season ended today. A quarterfinal triumph could give the Revs a crucial boost in league play.

Similar to the fortunes of their foes, the Red Bulls are far from assured of a victory on Thursday. Key contributor Kemar Lawrence is in camp with Jamaica while long-term injuries to Mike Grella and Aurelien Collin will prevent them from aiding the Red Bulls come Thursday.

One bright spot for both clubs: whoever comes out on top will face a lower-division side in the semifinal with the winner of Wednesday’s Miami FC-FC Cincinnati tie on tap for the next round.

Two beleaguered teams with one chance to salvage a disappointing league year on the line. You want drama? Thursday’s quarterfinal in the Commonwealth won’t disappoint.

#USOC2017 coverage:

* 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup schedule, results
* 2017 US Open Cup Round 1 review
* 2017 US Open Cup Round 2 review
* 2017 US Open Cup Round 3 review
* 2017 US Open Cup Round 4 review
* 2017 US Open Cup Round of 16 review
* 2017 TheCup.us Player of the Round winnners
* 2017 US Open Cup bracket (TheCup.us)
* 2017 US Open Cup statistical leaders
* A map of all 99 entries for the 2017 US Open Cup
* 2017 Meet the Underdogs series
* 2017 US Open Cup qualifying Round 2 review: 14 more teams advance as Round 3 moved to next year
* 2017 US Open Cup qualifying Round 1: Scores and recaps from every game

MORE:
* Who is the US Open Cup equivalent to Lincoln City FC and their magical FA Cup run?
* Eric Wynalda hired to lead LA Wolves for 2017 US Open Cup run
* Reading United qualifies for record 9th straight US Open Cup, seeking more than an opening round win
* Things you should know about the Quarterfinals of the US Open Cup
* The nine upsets of the US Open Cup Quarterfinals (Modern Era)

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2017 US Open Cup Round 5: New England Revolution eliminate D.C. United for first time in 16 years

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The New England Revolution celebrate one of the team's two goals against D.C. United in the Round of 16 of the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: David Silverman | New England Revolution
The New England Revolution celebrate one of the team’s two goals against D.C. United in the Round of 16 of the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: David Silverman | New England Revolution

The New England Revolution used a strong mid-game surge to beat the visiting D.C. United on Wednesday night in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The 2-1 victory sets up a quarterfinal match up against the New York Red Bulls in the Cup quarterfinals.

The visitors opened the scoring early on a seventh-minute strike from José Guillermo Ortiz. Following the goal, D.C. kept sustained pressure and frustrated the short-handed New England squad, which only dressed 17 players on the evening.

With a mere amount of time remaining in the first half, midfielder Diego Fagundez equalized the score, with a beautiful free kick in the 44th minute.

“I practiced it today and yesterday,” said Fagundez of his goal. “I told Chris (Tierney) and Farrell that I would score today. I had my chance and i’m glad I could take it.”

Fagundez took his free kick from 20 yards out and curled it right past D.C. keeper Travis Worra.
With the two teams deadlocked at 1-1 at halftime, it didn’t take long for the Revs to take full advantage of the shift in momentum. Rookie forward Brian Wright scored his first professional goal for the go-ahead score in the 48th minute.

“It was a great effort from everybody, from start to finish.” New England coach Jay Heaps said. “We knew what we needed to do and we didn’t have a full bench because of injuries and callups.”

For New England, it was the first Open Cup win over United since the 2001 Semifinals when the Revs advanced and eventually finished as the tournament’s runner-up. This puts the Revolution into the Quarters for the fourth time in the last five years.

2017 US Open Cup Round 4: New England Revolution capitalize on 10-man Rochester Rhinos in 3-0 win

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The New England Revolution defeated the Rochester Rhinos 3-0 in the Fourth Round of the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: Keith Nordstrom | New England Revolution
The New England Revolution defeated the Rochester Rhinos 3-0 in the Fourth Round of the 2017 US Open Cup. Photo: Keith Nordstrom | New England Revolution

A reserve-laden New England Revolution team beat an undermanned Rochester Rhinos (USL) 3-0 in Wednesday’s US Open Cup fourth round in front of 1,633 fans at Chapey Field in Providence, Rhode Island.

The locals struck right before the break after Teal Bunbury sent it through from the spot in the 44th minute moments after reserve midfielder Zachary Herivaux was brought down inside the box by Rochester defender Wal Fall. New England’s backup defender Donnie Smith headed through a Daigo Kobayashi corner kick in the 50th minute. Herivaux added another for the Revs in the 51st minute after goalkeeper Tomas Gomez failed to corral a Femi Hollinger-Janzen shot.

The Revolution wasted little time putting the second-division Rhinos under pressure, but Rochester withstood it for much of the first frame thanks to some timely tackles. But the guests’ efforts took a significant hit when Farrell, who was already on a caution, was booked a second time in the 40th minute for a foul on Bunbury.

Not long after, the Revolution took advantage as Herivaux darted into the box before he was cut down by Fall to earn the penalty try, which Bunbury sank right before the half to notch his first goal of the year.

The Revolution picked up right where they left off at the start of the second half. Five minutes into the half, Kobayashi sent a corner kick near the top of the box where Smith met hit with his forehead to send it through to collect his first professional goal.

Barely a minute after Smith’s score, the Rhinos were under siege again as Hollinger-Janzen made his way into the area and fired low shot that was initially saved by Gomez. But Herivaux followed up on the rebound and shoved it into the back of the net, marking the second straight year in which the Revolution’s Homegrown Player scored in the fourth round.

Holding a commanding lead against a 10-man Rochester squad, New England spent the final half hour menacing the Rhinos in search of a fourth goal. Regulars Kelyn Rowe and Diego Fagundez, who notched his club-record 13th all-time appearance in Open Cup play, both came off the bench after the hour mark to test Gomez and his defenders.

The Revolution, however, would have to be content to settle for the three-goal margin as referee Henrik Karlsson blew his whistle before a fourth strike.

For the second straight year, a trip to the round of 16 awaits the Revolution, who will face D.C. United at Harvard University’s Jordan Field on June 28.

2016 US Open Cup: Who should be TheCup.us Player of the Tournament?

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The 103rd edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup wrapped up with FC Dallas lifting the trophy for the second time in club history. But before we shift focus to 2017 US Open Cup qualifying, which is already underway, let’s take a look back at some of the top individual performances from 2016.

Every year, TheCup.us honors the overall and the lower division Player of the Tournament.

Here are a list of nominees for the 2016 TheCup.us Player of the Tournament. The award is voted on by the staff at TheCup.us and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters. But, if YOU had a vote, who would you vote for?

David Accam (Chicago Fire)

David Accam of the Chicgao Fire scored a pair of first half goals to help the home team beat the Columbus Crew, 2-1. Photo: Chicago Fire
David Accam of the Chicago Fire scored a pair of first half goals to help the home team beat the Columbus Crew, 2-1. Photo: Chicago Fire

Round 4: 1-1 home draw (4-3 PK win) vs. Indy Eleven (NASL)
– Started, played 120 minutes and scored a 111th minute equalizer in a 1-1 home draw vs. Indy Eleven (NASL). Accam also scored the winning goal in the PK shootout which the Fire won 4-3

Round 5: 2-1 home win vs. Columbus Crew
– Started, played 69 minutes and scored both goals (7th, 30th mins.) in a 2-1 home win vs. Columbus Crew (MLS). He was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round for his efforts.

Quarterfinals: 3-0 home win vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)
– Started, played 72 minutes and scored a goal and assisted on another in a 3-0 home win vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL).

Semifinals: 3-1 road loss at New England Revolution (MLS)
– Started, played 90 minutes and scored a 40th minute equalizer in a 3-1 road loss at New England Revolution (MLS).

Mauro Diaz (FC Dallas)

Mauro Diaz of FC Dallas assisted on both extra time goals in the club's 2-1 come-from-behind win in the Semifinals. Photo: FC Dallas
Mauro Diaz of FC Dallas assisted on both extra time goals in the club’s 2-1 come-from-behind win in the Semifinals. Photo: FC Dallas

Round 4: 2-2 home draw (6-5 PK win) vs. Oklahoma City Energy (USL)
– Started and played 120 minutes in a 1-1 home draw vs. Oklahoma City Energy (USL) and scored a PK in the penalty shootout

Round 5: 2-1 OT home win vs. Colorado Rapids (MLS)
– Started and played 120 minutes and scored a 64th minute equalizer in a 2-1 OT home win vs. Colorado Rapids (MLS)

Quarterfinals: 1-0 road win at Houston Dynamo (MLS)
– Started and was subbed out in 2nd half stoppage time in a 1-0 road win at Houston Dynamo (MLS)

Semifinals: 2-1 OT road win at Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
– Started, played 120 minutes and assisted on a 116th min. equalizer and the stoppage time game-winner in a 2-1 OT road win at LA Galaxy (MLS). Diaz was named TheCup.us Player of the Round.

Final: 4-2 home win vs. New England Revolution (MLS)
– Started, played 82 minutes and scored a PK goal and assisted on three other goals in a 4-2 home win vs. New England Revolution (MLS). Five points (1g, 3a) and three assists breaks the Modern Era record for a US Open Cup Final. He was named TheCup.us Player of the Round

Diego Restrepo (Fort Lauderdale Strikers – NASL)

NOTE: Restrepo was voted 2016 TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament.

Diego Restrepo of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers makes a save against Orlando City SC in the Fifth Round of the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Fort Lauderdale Strikers
Diego Restrepo of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers makes a save against Orlando City SC in the Fifth Round of the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Fort Lauderdale Strikers

Round 3: 1-1 draw (2-0 PK win) at home vs. Richmond Kickers (USL)
– Made 3 saves in 120 minutes and then saved 3 of the 4 attempts in the PK shootout (NOTE: It was just the second time in Modern Era that a team was shutout in a PK shootout) – he was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round for his efforts

Round 4: 0-0 draw (4-3 PK win) on the road vs. DC United (MLS)
– Made eight saves in 120 minutes and then made one save in the PK shootout as the Strikers eliminate a MLS team for the first time in club history (Est. 2006). Finished runner-up for TheCup.us Player of the Round by one vote.

Round 5: 2-1 OT win at Orlando City SC (MLS)
– Made eight saves in 120 minutes as the Strikers defeated a MLS team and also won a road game for the first time in club history (Est. 2006)

Quarterfinals: 3-0 loss at Chicago Fire (MLS)
– Made four saves in the losing effort

Je-Vaughn Watson (New England Revolution)

Je-Vaughn Watson celebrates his goal with New England Revolution fans in the Revs' 3-1 win over the Chicago FIre in the 2016 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: David Silverman | New England Revolution
Je-Vaughn Watson celebrates his goal with New England Revolution fans in the Revs’ 3-1 win over the Chicago FIre in the 2016 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: David Silverman | New England Revolution

Round 4: 1-0 OT road win at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
– Did not play

Round 5: 3-2 road win at New York Cosmos (NASL)
– Started and played 90 minutes in a 3-2 road win vs. New York Cosmos

Quarterfinals: 1-1 home draw (4-2 PK win) vs. Philadelphia Union (MLS)
– Started and played 120 minutes, scored a goal, and scored the match-winning PK shootout goal in a 1-1 home draw (4-2 PK win) vs. Philadelphia Union (MLS)

Semifinals: 3-1 home win vs. Chicago Fire (MLS)
– Started and played 87 minutes and scored what would prove to be the game-winning goal in the 42nd minute.

Final: 4-2 road loss at FC Dallas (MLS)
– Started but was subbed out just before halftime.

2016 US Open Cup Final: Mauro Diaz helps FC Dallas beat Revolution to end 19-year title drought

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FC Dallas: 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup champions. Photo: FC Dallas
FC Dallas: 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup champions. Photo: FC Dallas

UPDATE: Mauro Diaz wins his second consecutive TheCup.us Player of the Round award

Mauro Diaz set up two goals and then converted a penalty kick in the first half, before adding a third assist in the second half, and FC Dallas defeated the New England Revolution 4-2 in front of a standing room only crowd of 16,612 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

With owner Clark Hunt and team president Dan Hunt looking on, the last remaining MLS team owned and operated by the Hunt family took home its second Lamar Hunt US Open Cup trophy; the first coming back in 1997 before the trophy was eventually named after Lamar in 1999. The then-Dallas Burn defeated DC United 5-3 on penalty kicks after playing to a scoreless draw in regulation. It was also the first US Open Cup final rematch since 1944. The two teams met back in 2007 with New England coming away with a 3-2 win on the same field, including a goal from the game’s ESPN color commentator Taylor Twellman.

With the win, FC Dallas earns a $250,000 cash prize, and a spot in the 2017/18 CONCACAF Champions League.

It didn’t take long for the game to get going. In the sixth minute, Gershon Koffie played a pass to Juan Agudelo, who was posting up Dallas center back Walker Zimmerman at the top of the box. Agudelo spun Zimmerman neatly and took a quick touch to set up his shot before beating Dallas goalkeeper Chris Seitz to put the Revolution up 1-0 early.

Agudelo’s goal is the second-fastest goal scored in a US Open Cup Final in the Modern Era (1995-present). The only goal that was faster was Luciano Emilio of D.C. United who scored in the 4th minute in 2008.

Dallas was quick to respond though. In the 15th minute, Diaz drove a low, very early cross into the box to Maxi Urruti, who needed just one touch to control it and fire past New England keeper Brad Knighton for the equalizer.

Minutes later, Mauro Rosales went down in the box under a challenge from Watson, but referee Baldamero Toledo did not blow the whistle. It would prove to be an irrelevant moment.

In the 40th minute, a Dallas corner wasn’t quite cleared by the Revs and Diaz floated a feathery cross back into the box and it found the head of Matt Hedges who finished calmly to make it 2-1 Dallas.

Several minutes of added time were needed at the end of the first half due to several players needing treatment in the first half. One of those players was Je-Vaughn Watson, who had to be substituted right before halftime. He was replaced by Chris Tierney as New England coach Jay Heaps had to burn his second substitution before halftime; Kei Kamara was brought on for Koffie in the 42nd minute.

To make matters worse for New England, the first half went on just long enough for Jose Goncalves to bring down Matt Hedges in the box during a free kick to earn the home side a penalty kick. Diaz stepped up and converted to add a goal to his two first half assists and put his team up 3-1 going into the locker room at halftime. The four combined first half goals were the most in an Open Cup final since 1983.

Diaz continued his stellar form in the second half, placing a perfect through ball to an on-rushing Urruti who calmly slotted home to make it 4-1 Dallas in the 61st minute.

The two almost repeated their connection for a third time a few minutes later, but Urruti was whistled for offside coming off a Diaz free kick. Kei Kamara almost got one back for the Revs in the 67th minute, but his leaning header went just wide of goal.

Urruti continued to go hunting for a third in the 71st minute, but his header from second half substitute Tesho Akindele hit the far post. New England’s final substitute, Teal Bunbury (on for Kellyn Rowe), almost made an instant impact but his curled shot went just wide of the far post.

Then in the 73rd minute, Juan Agudelo found himself open at the far post and received a fortuitous deflection off a Dallas defender on the cross from Bunbury and brought it back to 4-2.

Kamara got his head on another cross in the 77th minute, but Seitz did well as he made his only save of the evening for Dallas. In the 82nd minute, Victor Ulloa, who scored the winner for Dallas against Los Angeles in the semifinals, came on for Diaz, who received a standing ovation from the home crowd as he exited the game.

It was a history-making night for Diaz as he broke multiple Open Cup Final records for the Modern Era (1995-present). Diaz broke the single-game record for assists (3) and points with five (1 goal, 3 assists). He also brought his tournament total to five assists which ties Diego Serna’s single-tournament mark set in 2000 with the Miami Fusion.

“Mauro’s performance tonight, I thought, was a collection of what he has done this year. Mauro showed the heart of this club.”, Dallas head coach Oscar Pareja said of his captain’s performance.

“It means a lot. Tonight is a night I won’t ever forget.”, Pareja added when asked about what it meant to win his first trophy as a head coach.

Cup finals are traditionally fairly low-scoring affairs, but with six total goals, the 103rd Final is the highest-scoring championship game since 1984. That year, New York’s AO Krete defeated Chicago’s Croatian SC 4-2.

Although the 2016 edition of the tournament is officially in the books, Open Cup fans need not worry: Qualifying is already underway for the 2017 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup!

#USOC2016 NOTES (TheCup.us)

* 16,612 was the announced attendance which shatters FC Dallas’ club record for US Open Cup attendance. The previous record was set in 2007 when 10,618 attended the Final against the New England Revolution. The total ranks 8th among US Open Cup Final attendance figures in the Modern Era.

* Maxi Urruti of FC Dallas and Juan Agudelo of the New England Revolution become the first pair of players in the same game to each score multiple goals in a Final (Modern Era). Prior tonight, only one player (Sanna Nyassi of the Seattle Sounders in 2010) had scored more than one goal in a Final since 1995.

* With the win, FC Dallas ends a 19-year trophy drought, which was, by far, the longest among MLS teams.

* FC Dallas becomes just the second Texas-based club to win the US Open Cup (Dallas Burn – 1997).

* This is the 31st US Open Cup win for FC Dallas in club history, which moves them into a tie for 4th place among clubs in the Modern Era.

2016 US Open Cup Final preview: Why FC Dallas or New England Revolution will lift the trophy on Tuesday

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A statue of the late Lamar Hunt on display outside of FC Dallas' Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX. Photo: FC Dallas
A statue of the late Lamar Hunt on display outside of FC Dallas’ Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX. Photo: FC Dallas

On Tuesday night in Frisco, Texas, soccer fans will gather at Toyota Stadium to witness a rematch of the 2007 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final. It will feature the same teams, at the same stadium.

FC Dallas will look to avenge their loss in the 2007 Final to the New England Revolution in what is a battle between two teams who are desperately looking to add to their trophy case. Both clubs have just one US Soccer Major to their credit, FC Dallas won a US Open Cup title in 1997, and the Revolution’s only major came in that 2007 title game.

This is the 103rd US Open Cup Final and some fans might be surprised to learn that this is just the fifth time that a pair of clubs have met more than once in a title game. Five-time winners Bethlehem Steel and the Fall River Rovers met three straight years between 1916-18. Stix, Baer & Fuller from St. Louis played the Pawtucket Rangers (Rhode Island) in back-to-back years in 1934 and 1935. The last championship rematch the tournament had was during World War II when Brooklyn Hispano defeated Morgan Strasser (Pittsburgh) in 1943 and 1944.

2016-us-open-cup-trophy-press-conferenceThe two teams, aside from trying to break their respective trophy droughts, they are trying to win a championship for some relatively trophy-starved states. The state of Texas has only seen one US Open Cup title (1997 – Dallas Burn) with just six teams reaching the Final (4 of them being FC Dallas). This is the 17th time that a team from Massachusetts has reached the championship game and nine of those teams lifted the trophy. However, aside from the Revolution’s 2007 cup win, the state hasn’t had a winner since 1947 (Ponta Delgada).

The winner of Tuesday’s Final will received a $250,000 cash prize and a berth in the 2017/18 CONCACAF Champions League.

The game will be broadcast live, for the second straight year, on ESPN2 and Univision Deportes. Fans can watch the game online through the Watch ESPN app. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. Eastern Time.

Below, you will find links to our tournament coverage on TheCup.us, as well as an in-depth look at both teams entering Tuesday’s championship game.

You can also follow qualifying for the 2017 US Open Cup using the hashtag #USOC2017 and TheCup.us’ Qualifying page.

You can get all the latest US Open Cup updates through Twitter, using the hashtag #USOC2016. Use that same hashtag on Instagram to share your US Open Cup-related photos.

#USOC2016 coverage:
* 2016 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup schedule, results (video/audio links)
* 2016 US Open Cup bracket (TheCup.us)
* 2016 US Open Cup statistical leaders
* 2016 TheCup.us Player of the Round winners
* 2016 Meet the Underdogs series
* USSF’s new US Open Cup qualifying tournament has challenges to address after year one
* US Open Cup Final goalscoring leaders (1914-2015)
* Series of forfeits, teams with ineligible players overshadow 2016 US Open Cup
* MLS-owned USL teams no longer eligible for 2016 US Open Cup, confirms USSF
* One is enough: NPSL champion New York Cosmos B withdraws from 2016 US Open Cup

#USOC2017 coverage:
* Find the #USOC2017 qualifying scoreboard on TheCup.us home page
* 2017 US Open Cup qualifying tournament set to begin Sept. 10 with 64 Open Division amateur teams
* Which NPSL teams will qualify for the 2017 US Open Cup?
* Which PDL teams will qualify for the 2017 US Open Cup?

More US Open Cup Final coverage
* FourFourTwo’s “Cup Tied” series
* FC Dallas, New England Revolution share trophy thirst entering U.S. Open Cup final
* USSoccer.com’s Open Cup coverage
* US Open Cup 101: Everything you need to know about the historic tournament
* Kei Kamara’s status for New England’s US Open Cup final up in the air
* Armchair Analyst: Revs have a shot vs. favorites Dallas in US Open Cup
* FC Dallas not worried about home loss just before hosting US Open Cup final
* Revs firing on all cylinders with win over New York City FC
* The story of the Dallas Burn, 1997 US Open Cup champions
* 2016 US Open Cup Final press conference
* Oral history of the New England Revolution’s 2007 US Open Cup title

Help the coverage on TheCup.us
* Support TheCup.us: New Del Rey City jerseys available for purchase
* Appreciate what we do at TheCup.us for last 13 years? Donate here
* TheCup.us is looking for writers/editors, graphics, WordPress gurus & people who can handle digital ad sales (paid position). Email us here

Twitter (#USOC2016) | Facebook | Instagram | Flickr | Reddit

New England Revolution Open Cup records
Overall: 17-11-5 (3-2 PKs) | Home: 11-4-3 (2-1 PKs) | Away: 5-7-2 (1-1 PKs) | vs. MLS: 5-7-1 (1-0 PKs)
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 1-0 in OT vs. Charlotte Independence of USL in Round 4)
Best finish: 2007 US Open Cup champions
Leading goalscorer (all-time): Taylor Twellman (7)
Leading goalscorer (2016): Teal Bunbury (3)

FC Dallas Open Cup records
Overall: 30-16-6 (5-1 PKs) | Home: 17-6-3 (2-1 PKs) | Away: 13-10-2 (2-0 PKs) | vs. MLS: 11-11-3 (2-1 PKs)
Last entry: 2015 (Lost 6-2 at Sporting KC of MLS in Round 5)
Best finish: 1997 US Open Cup champions
Leading goalscorer (all-time): Kenny Cooper & Abe Thompson (6)
Leading goalscorer (2016): Carlos Lizarazo (2)

WHY FC DALLAS WILL WIN

By Adam Uthe

(Why New England will win is down the page)

Four months ago the 103rd Lamar Hunt US Open Cup kicked off with a Modern Era (1995-present) record 92 participating teams.

Now we’re down to just two.

FC Dallas celebrate a goal against OKC Energy FC in Round 4 of the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: OKC Energy
FC Dallas celebrate a goal against OKC Energy FC in Round 4 of the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: OKC Energy

MLS leaders FC Dallas will host the New England Revolution on Tuesday night in front of a reportedly sold-out crowd at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Here are a few reasons why the Hoops will take home the trophy and could end up taking the first step to becoming the league’s first team to win three trophies in one season.

They’re The Best Team In MLS

Let’s start with the obvious: FC Dallas will win because they are the better team. In fact, they are the best team in MLS if you look at the standings. Despite a 1-0 loss to the Colorado Rapids on Saturday night, Dallas is currently five points ahead of Toronto FC and the Rapids for best record in MLS. Colorado does have two games in hand and Toronto has one, but if you’ve watched MLS all season you’d still feel comfortable declaring Dallas the best team. They’ve won the most games (15) and if you’re a fan of advanced stats, they’re averaging a league-best 1.76 points per game.

New England Isn’t Very Good

Ryan Hollingshead of FC Dallas races to the ball in a 2016 US Open Cup Semifinal match against the LA Galaxy. Photo: LA Galaxy
Ryan Hollingshead of FC Dallas races to the ball in a 2016 US Open Cup Semifinal match against the LA Galaxy. Photo: LA Galaxy

If you look at the Eastern half of the standings in MLS, you’ll find the New England Revolution fighting for their playoff lives with just 33 points from 29 games played. Their points-per-game currently sits at a meager 1.14 and their league-worst goal difference of -14 is actually five goals worse than the Chicago Fire and Columbus Crew, who are currently tied for fewest points in the overall league standings. They may be fighting for a playoff spot in the East, but in the overall league standings they’re just 14th out of 20. You could even make the argument that their toughest opponent was the New York Cosmos in Round 5 since the Cosmos have been one of the best, if not the best, team in the NASL. After that, they faced an average Philadelphia Union side and they were gifted the aforementioned Chicago Fire in the semifinals.

Balance And Depth

Unlike Toronto (Sebastian Giovinco) and Colorado (Jermaine Jones and Tim Howard), Dallas has been successful throughout this season without relying heavily on one or two players. Michael Barrios leads the team with eight goals in league play, followed by offseason acquisition Max Urruti with seven, and then Tesho Akindele with six. Midfield maestro Mauro Diaz, who typically creates first and leads the team with 11 assists, has gotten in on the action with five goals himself. Even with the departure of Colombian winger Fabian Castillo (fifth on the team with five goals and five assists), Dallas is creating goals from multiple positions.

The same has been true during their Open Cup run.

FC Dallas celebrate the game-winning goal in extra time stoppage time against the LA Galaxy in the 2016 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: FC Dallas
FC Dallas celebrate the game-winning goal in extra time stoppage time against the LA Galaxy in the 2016 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: FC Dallas

In Round 4 against OKC Energy they recalled Coy Craft left back from Oklahoma and he ended up providing the assist on both of Dallas’ goals, both scored by holding midfielder Carlos Lizarazo. Not to be outdone, Colin Bonner, also recalled from OKC to face them, scored the sixth and final penalty kick in the shootout to see the Hoops advance.

In Round 5 against Colorado it was Urruti’s turn as he scored the winner in extra time, with Mauro Diaz supplying the first goal in regulation. In the quarterfinals against Houston it was Castillo who stepped up and scored in stoppage time in the second half to help Dallas advance past their in-state rivals and into the semifinals. Against the LA Galaxy in the semifinals, Dallas needed extra time again (more on that trend in a moment) and it was center back Matt Hedges who scored first in the 116th minute before the unheralded Victor Ulloa score just seconds before the final whistle to send Dallas to the final.

So the team has scored six goals in four US Open Cup games and Dallas is looking to become the first team in the Modern Era (possibly of all-time) to win the tournament without having a single player who has scored more than one goal in the competition.

They’ve Faced Adversity In Every Round … And Won

As you might have noticed above, the road to this year’s final for Dallas hasn’t been easy. They needed a penalty shootout in Round 4 against USL side OKC Energy. In Round 5 they had to go to extra time against a very good Colorado team. The Quarterfinals were their only regulation win and that game would’ve gone to extra time as well if not for the heroics of Castillo. Then in the semifinals they needed two goals from the final five minutes of extra time to advance past Los Angeles.

Anything can happen in a cup final, but by most objective measures you’d have say that FC Dallas are the favorites the lift the trophy on Tuesday night.

FC Dallas’s Road To The Final

Round 4: 2-2 draw (6-5 PK win) vs. OKC Energy (USL)
Round 5: 2-1 OT win vs. Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Quarterfinals: 1-0 win at Houston Dynamo (MLS)
Semifinals: 2-1 OT win at LA Galaxy (MLS)

Texas teams in the US Open Cup Final (all-time)

1991: Richardson Rockets
1995: El Paso Patriots
1997: Dallas Burn (Champions)
2005: FC Dallas
2007: FC Dallas
2016: FC Dallas

The New England Revolution captured the club’s first-ever US Open Cup championship (and the first championship of any kind) with a 3-2 win over FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park, a stadium where they had lost the last two MLS Cup championship games. Photo: Rick Yeatts
The New England Revolution captured the club’s first-ever US Open Cup championship (and the first championship of any kind) with a 3-2 win over FC Dallas at Pizza Hut Park. Photo: Rick Yeatts

WHY THE NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION WILL WIN

By Brian O’Connell

If there’s any indication the New England Revolution shouldn’t be overlooked in Tuesday’s US Open Cup Final, just cue the highlights from their most recent performances.

Instead of resting his starters in advance of the Final, Revolution coach Jay Heaps employed a first-choice XI, and they did well to show how dangerous they can be in Saturday’s 3-1 win over New York City FC.

The Revolution received scores from Juan Agudelo, Diego Fagundez, and Lee Nguyen, all of whom have benefited tremendously from the recent switch to a 4-4-2. But it isn’t just the goalscoring that’s made the eighth-place side a formidable foe for FC Dallas.

After the team sputtered along in a 4-2-3-1 that rarely served the attacking talents well, the move to the diamond midfield has given the likes of Fagundez, Nguyen amd Kelyn Rowe more opportunities to make the kind of short and quick passes that put Colorado’ top-ranked defense to the test in a 2-0 win on September 3.

The New England Revolution celebrate after a goal against the Philadelphia Union. Photo: David Silverman | New England Revolution
The New England Revolution celebrate after a goal against the Philadelphia Union. Photo: David Silverman | New England Revolution

The attack isn’t the only department that’s improved since the switch. The back four, which was much-maligned by mental mistakes and uncharacteristic miscues, has only conceded twice in their last four matches. With fewer gambles required from the fullbacks in the 4-4-2, Andrew Farrell and Chris Tierney have recommitted themselves to their defensive duties to frazzle opposing offenses.

Another development that’s made the Revolution a team to be reckoned with lately? The emergence of goalkeeper Brad Knighton. Bobby Shuttleworth’s ongoing struggles opened the door for Knighton, and the former backup has made the most of the opportunity. Since taking the reins, the veteran keeper has collected two clean sheets, and perhaps more importantly, provided stability to a back four that looked lost far too often prior to the switch at goalkeeper.

While some may call the Revolution’s recent form nothing more than a fluke – especially with the squad still operating below the playoff line in the Eastern Conference – it would be a mistake to simply hand the Lamar Hunt trophy to FC Dallas prematurely.

The New England Revolution celebrate after their PK shootout win over the Philadelphia Union. Photo: David Silverman | New England Revolution
The New England Revolution celebrate after their PK shootout win over the Philadelphia Union. Photo: David Silverman | New England Revolution

Yes, Dallas is in the midst of a remarkable season in which the word “treble” has been dropped on more than one occasion by many pundits. And yes, they may enter Tuesday’s final with fresher legs after coach Oscar Pareja rested many of his starters in Saturday’s loss to Colorado.

But the Revolution are playing with a full-tank of confidence as of late, and as we’ve seen all too often in tournament play, sometimes the edge belongs to the team playing with the full belief that it can’t be beat.

New England Revolution’s Road To The Final

Round 4: 1-0 OT win at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
Round 5: 3-2 win at New York Cosmos (NASL)
Quarterfinals: 1-1 draw (4-2 PK win) vs. Philadelphia Union (MLS)
Semifinals: 3-1 win vs. Chicago Fire (MLS)

Massachusetts teams in the US Open Cup Final (all-time)

1916: Fall River Rovers
1917: Fall River Rovers (Champions)
1918: Fall River Rovers
1920: Fore River Rovers
1924: Fall River Marksmen (Champions)
1925: Shawsheen Indians (Champions)
1927: Fall River Marksmen (Champions)
1930: Fall River Marksmen (Champions)
1931: Fall River Marksmen (Champions)
1932: New Bedford Whalers (Champions)**
1946: Ponta Delgada
1947: Ponta Delgada (Champions)
1950: Ponta Delgada
1959: Fall River SC
2001: New England Revolution
2007: New England Revolution (Champions)
2016: New England Revolution

** Same club as Fall River Marksmen with different name/location

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