New York City FC

2026 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Max Arfsten goal, solid defense leads Columbus Crew past NYCFC

May 21, 2026 by Tyler Fisher

Max Arfsten of the Columbus Crew dribbles the ball against New York City FC in the Quarterfinals of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Carlos Hernandez – Black Cat Photography – IG @black_catphoto

For the first time in 16 years, the Columbus Crew have advanced to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Semifinals, securing a 1-0 win over New York City FC at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.

Max Arfsten delivered the decisive moment in the 59th minute of a match that lacked consistent attacking rhythm. Following a patient buildup in the attacking third, Nariman Akhundzada found Arfsten in space and finished past the NYCFC goalkeeper, giving the Crew the breakthrough they needed. His goal energized the home supporters and secured Columbus a place in the tournament’s final four.

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“I don’t know. I feel like I’m just a bit more confident in front of goal as the games go on, and Open Cup is a fun tournament, and I just wanted to do whatever I could to help us get the win, and I just saw the moment to cut inside, and I saw a little bit of space, and it went in,” said Arfsten.

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

The first half was characterized by strong defensive organization and few scoring opportunities. Columbus controlled possession at times but struggled to create chances in the final third, while New York City was unable to break through Columbus’s defense. Most of the opening 45 minutes were contested in midfield, with neither team establishing sustained attacking momentum.

The match became more open after halftime, particularly following Arfsten’s first career US Open Cup goal. New York City increased its pressure in pursuit of an equalizer, committing more players forward and forcing Columbus into a defensive posture late in the match. Despite this, the Crew’s back line remained composed and consistently disrupted dangerous passes into the box.

“I feel like we were calm,” said Arfsten.

“I think one main difference from tonight was even though we were winning 1-0, we still had the ball, and we’re being a bit daring and bold with the ball.

“We didn’t just give them the ball and sit back and kind of hope for our lives, like sometimes at the end of games. That’s what I think helped us a lot, was like we actually kept the ball, even though we were up 1-0.”

NYCFC created several tense moments late in the match, but Columbus delivered one of its strongest recent defensive performances. The Crew closed down shooting lanes, won key aerial duels, and prevented New York City from finding a clear opportunity to equalize.

In the end, Crew goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen his second clean sheet of the tournament without having to make a save. Hagen, a Guatemalan international, has only allowed one goal in three Open Cup games and has made a total of four saves during that span.

Columbus Crew players celebrate with Max Arfsten after he scored a goal against New York City FC in the Quarterfinals of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Carlos Hernandez – Black Cat Photography – IG @black_catphoto

This victory is a significant milestone for Columbus, marking its first US Open Cup semifinal appearance since 2010. That year, they lost in the championship game to the Seattle Sounders FC. After weeks of inconsistent league form, the result provides a much-needed confidence boost as the club balances MLS play with knockout competition.

Next, the Crew, who won the 2002 US Open Cup, will host Orlando City SC in the Semifinals the week of Sept. 16-17, with a place in the tournament final at stake.

2026 US Open Cup Round of 16: Maxi Moralez of NYCFC voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

May 9, 2026 by Matt Mangam

Graphic: Frank Lanham | Photo: New York City FC

Maxi Moralez has consistently come up big in important games for New York City FC.

The 39-year-old midfielder was the star of NYCFC’s 3-1 win over Red Bull New York in the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Round of 16, totaling three corner-kick assists as his side got their first-ever win in an elimination game against their bitter rivals.

Moralez, who was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round, is the seventh player since 1995 — start of Modern Era — to record three assists in a single Open Cup game and the first since 2005.

Moralez is the seventh player from Argentina to win the award and the first since Lionel Messi who carried Inter Miami CF to the Final by assisting on two key goals and scored in the PK shootout that eliminated FC Cincinnati in the 2023 Semifinals.

“We train every single day the free kicks, the set pieces, and today we have three big chances, three scores,” Moralez said after the game. “We are so happy with this.”

TheCup.us Player of the Round 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.

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

Moralez got NYCFC started early with a corner kick in the ninth minute that was headed home by Kai Trewin, marking the first goal the club has scored against the Red Bulls in an elimination game.

After the Red Bulls’ 18-year-old wonderkid Julian Hall leveled things five minutes later, Moralez was influential on New York City’s final two goals, delivering the corner-kick crosses that were scored by Raul Gustavo and Thiago Martins.

Moralez beat out Eduard Löwen of St. Louis CITY SC for the award in what was a two-man race for the award. Löwen came off the bench in the second half, assisted on the equalizer, and then scored the game-winning goal in a 2-1 road win over the Chicago Fire.

Those assists were Moralez’s fifth, sixth, and seventh all-time against the Red Bulls, a Hudson River Derby record. Additionally, Moralez’s five goals in the rivalry are tied with Taty Castellanos and David Villa for the most by a New York City player, trailing only Bradley Wright-Phillips’s 12 goals in the rivalry.

Beau Leroux of the San Jose Earthquakes — who scored two goals, including the game-winner in his side’s 4-2 win over Minnesota United — and Rafael Navarro of the Colorado Rapids — who assisted on both goals and scored in the penalty shootout victory over the Colorado Springs Switchbacks — finished in third in voting for Player of the Round.

2026 US Open Cup Round of 16: Blue no more, New York City FC finally beats Red Bulls to advance

April 30, 2026 by Michael Battista

Goalkeeper Matt Freese of New York City FC makes a save against Red Bull New York in the Round of 16 of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: John Perdicaro

It only took 12 seasons.

New York City FC slayed the dragon and beat rival Red Bull New York, 3-1, on Wednesday evening in the 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Round of 16. A near history-making performance from midfielder Maxi Moralez gave NYCFC its first-ever win over RBNY in any knockout competition, including US Open Cup, Leagues Cup, and the MLS Cup Playoffs.

In total, 9,000 fans witnessed the match live at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. Including a sold out away section of 500 NYCFC fans, plus those around the stadium, who saw their team score a first-ever goal (plus two more) in a knockout game against their Hudson River Derby rivals. At this, the boisterous blue fans were louder than the majority home crowd and NYCFC head coach Pascal Jansen made sure to acknowledge them.

“I experienced a similar moment last season as well in an away game, and I knew going into this match that a lot of people who support us, who’d rather not come to this stadium but did come,” Jansen told the media after the match. “We are very well aware of the position we take in their lives also, and it’s something I addressed going into this game, making sure that we realize what this means for our fans, but also the phase that we’re in, because every time we were close, the coin fell the other way. It was good to see that the coin fell our way today, and that the energy and chemistry with the fans in an away stadium like this was there. That was a very good thing to see.”

NYCFC is into the Quarterfinals for the 3^rd time in team history and are now one win away from reaching the club’s first Semifinal appearance.

Both teams entered the match with mostly MLS starting caliber lineups, with a few exceptions. Red Bull had backup John McCarthy in goal and sometimes starting winger Cade Cowell returning for a second straight after playing the previous weekend. NYCFC saw the young Nico Cavallo start at leftback for Kevin O’Toole while forward Malaki Jones made his first post-injury start since June 2024 over regular Talles Magno.

While both teams’ defensive struggles were known, RBNY’s was at the forefront early and often. Two corner kicks in the first ten minutes set up the game’s first goal, when Maxi Moralez sent a ball into the box and found the head of Kai Trewin who put the ball into the far side of the net past a diving McCarthy in the 9th minute. The goal marked Trewin’s first-ever USOC goal and NYCFC’s first goal against RBNY across all knockout competitions.

The home side was quick to counter back and found the equalizer in the 14th minute. A quick run of passes from their own end began with midfielder Ronald Donkor playing a wide ball to winger Cade Cowell on the right side. Cowell sent a superb pass to Julian Hall in the middle, past two defenders and an approaching Matt Freese, who got a shot off down the middle of the goal for an equalizer. The goal was Hall’s third in the USOC this year and his ninth across all competitions.

RBNY kept on the attack, with solid attempts from Jorge Ruvalcaba saved or forcing dives from Freese in goal. On the other side a 23^rd minute pass into the box by Jones was re-directed on target by Nicolás Fernández Mercau, forcing McCarthy into a diving save of his own. In the interim, NYCFC kept getting corner kicks.

Those set-pieces led to the second goal by City in the 39th minute. Another Moralez corner into the box was headed in by defender Raul Gustavo to give NYCFC a 2-1 lead. Gustavo’s first-ever USOC goal was nearly identical to his team’s first, with the ball redirected into the opposite side netting as the corner kick.

The Red Bull did suffer a potential no-call in the 29th minute, when a foul against Dylan Nealis in the box went unanswered as shouts for a penalty kick rang out. Nealis had been tripped in the box while the referee made a delayed call on a previous alleged penalty. No pool reporter and no VAR means no further information on this play will be available.

After the break, NYCFC brought on Talles Magno to replace Jones and City began to take full control of the match. The visitors looked more flexible and quick on their feet in attacks. More chances from open play tested the Red Bull backline, which has lacked a consistent center back presence all season.

Red Bull only had one shot in the second half, coming in injury time, while NYCFC had six. Only one was on target but that was the one that clinched the result.

New York City FC players celebrate after scoring a goal against Red Bull New York in the Round of 16 of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: NYCFC

A third Moralez corner kick in the 57th minute was headed in by NYCFC captain Thiago Martins to make it 3-1. Moralez becomes the seventh player since 1995 to earn three assists in a single USOC match, only one short of tying the record of four set in 2005.

Nico Cavallo nearly scored from open play just after the 60th minute and another Moralez corner kick was flicked on in the 70th but went wide right. Not even mentioning a near Olympico by Moralez a few minutes into the half that McCarthy kept out by the near post.

A complete performance by NYCFC got them the win, breaking RBNY’s six-game home unbeaten streak in USOC.

“I was a little concerned when (Red Bull) equalized at that moment because that was a particular moment which was also part of the story in the previous games (in MLS),” Jansan said, “But to see how we stood our ground in a tough away game against a good opponent, with a lot of movement in their team, and playing as solid as we did in the majority of the phases in possession, was good to see.”

The loud away contingent serenaded their boys in blue, taunting the Red Bull faithful but bringing a smile to the face of players like Malachi Jones.

“To all you guys watching this, thank you. The support was unbelievable. I heard you guys more than the Red Bull fans when I was on the bench, and that just shows how committed you are to us and how committed we are to you. So thank you.”

2026 US Open Cup Round 3: Talles Magno hat trick helps NYCFC disappoint Westchester’s record crowd

April 15, 2026 by Dave Einhorn

Players from New York City FC (left) and Westchester SC battle for the ball in the Third Round of the 2026 US Open Cup. Photo: Westchester SC

New York City FC (NYCFC) of Major League Soccer defeated Westchester SC of USL League One, 5-2 on Tuesday night. A hat trick from Talles Magno and goals from Agustin Ojeda and Arnau Farnos, propelled NYCFC to victory.

Westchester were without head coach George Gjokai after he was sent off in the club’s Second Round penalty kick win over Vermont Green FC (USL-2). Westchester had two goals from open play from Daniel Burko and Kyle Evans, their first goals against an MLS team. It may not have been enough for Westchester in the match, but with a crowd of 5,145 in attendance, it was their first-ever sell out and, according to team officials, it’s a new record for the largest sporting event ever attended in Westchester County, New York.

NYCFC fell in last year’s Third Round to eventual USL Championship winners the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, so they made sure to come out on the front foot against Westchester. It only took 14 minutes for Agustin Ojeda to get on the scoresheet. Galloping through the midfield, Ojeda laid the ball off to Seymour Reid on the right, who played it back to Ojeda for the open shot and goal. After not scoring in regulation in the second round versus Vermont Green, Westchester responded rather quickly.

Just a few minutes later, striker Daniel Burko got on the end of an inswinging corner kick. It was bundled over the line for good measure, but headed for goal nonetheless. The deadlock did not last very long as NYCFC retook the lead through a penalty conceded by captain Connor McGlynn. He went to ground in the area and managed not to make any contact with Talles Mango, who was on the ball, instead, Magno’s touch hit McGlynn’s arm and a handball was called. The penalty was scored by Magno.

The goals kept coming as NYC would add a third goal from Mango assisted by Augstin Ojeda once again. Both players showed their class in the goal, Ojeda through his ability to receive and keep the ball in a tight space, and Mango made a brilliant flick to move the ball onto his left foot and shoot. Just before half time, they’d get a fourth from Arnau Farnos, assisted once again by Ojeda, who pulled a pass that went all the way across the box and found an unmarked Arnau Farnos waiting for it. His powerful, close range strike was no match for Westchester goalkeeper Andrew Hammersley making the half time score, 4 to 1 in favor of NYCFC.

The second half was a slightly different story as NYCFC had put the match out of reach, but Westchester still had a record crowd to show up for. Talles Mango would first send NYCFC into a frenzy as he completed his hat trick with an easy headed finish from a simple cross. He was left unmarked at the back post and made sure he wouldn’t miss. Westchester would get a second goal later on in the half as McGlynn found Kyle Evans, who took an ambitious shot that managed to find the back of the net. Although clearly down and out, Westchester players and fans celebrated proudly.

After the match, Westchester assistant head coach Paul McGlynn praised his side for coming back in the second half. “We knew that we were pretty poor in the first half, and we just said we want to come out and win the 2nd half. We didn’t win it. We tied it, but at least we put in a bit of a better performance together.”

The match had been billed as a derby, but what did both head coaches think? NYCFC’s supporter groups filled entire sections at Memorial Park. The 914 Infantry was also well represented. Was this really the beginning of a rivalry?

“No, I saw from the moment I arrived here, everybody was excited. People at this club were all so happy that they were playing against us because we have a lot of fans in this region. It was great for them to see us play, and have the local club play against us. I hope they enjoyed themselves. But for us, getting through to the next round was the priority.” said NYCFC head coach Pascal Jenson.

“Not in the first half, but maybe in the second.” said Westchester assistant coach Paul Glynn. When asked about the sell-out crowd, he went on to talk about the major accomplishments of the team. “It’s a community globe that’s gonna grow, grow, and grow. I think it’s just going to take a little bit more work within the community just to get more people in the stands, but I think that it’s happening step by steps.”

Westchester will turn their attention back to USL League One with their next match on the road this Saturday against Athletic Club Boise. Meanwhile, NYCFC will face Charlotte FC at home on Saturday. They will also keep their eyes on the New York Red Bulls and Pittsburgh Riverhounds as they will face the winner, potentially setting up a classic Hudson River Derby in the fourth round of the US Open Cup.

2025 US Open Cup Round 4: Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ last-second winner stuns NYCFC

May 7, 2025 by Colton Coreschi

PIttsburgh Riverhounds players celebrate after scoring a goal against New York City FC in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Chris Cowger - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC — PIttsburgh Riverhounds players celebrate after scoring a goal against New York City FC in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Chris Cowger – Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

When the final whistle blew on Wednesday night, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds fans were treated to a familiar sight — their home team taking down a visiting MLS team at Highmark Stadium for the second time in three years in the US Open Cup.

It came in the most dramatic fashion. With New York City FC reduced to 10-men for a DOGSO (Denying Obvious Goal Scoring Opportunity) red card late in the second half, the Riverhounds seized their chance in stoppage time mere moments before the final whistle. Rookie defender Beto Ydrach headed home a corner kick from Robbie Mertz with the penultimate touch of the game to snatch another famous victory for the Hounds in Cup play, this time 1-0 over New York in Round 4.

“I thought we had a pretty good first half,” said Riverhounds coach Bob Lilley, who won his 24th Open Cup game as a coach, which now ranks 5th most in the Modern Era (1995-present). “And then to win it like that, at the death, and not have to play another 30 minutes, was great.”

While New York City largely dominated the first half in terms of possession, each team managed to get off several shots, with the Riverhounds taking the two more dangerous attempts of the first 45 minutes of play.

The Hounds found their first good chance on target in the 10th minute, as a loose ball in the box off a Robbie Mertz free kick wound up falling to Bertin Jacquesson. The Hounds forward managed to pull off a tough, spinning half-volley, sending it towards the net but also straight at NYCFC goalkeeper Tomas Romero.

The best opportunity of the half came the Hounds’ way as well, again through Jacquesson. This time, a three-on-two counterattack was spearheaded by the pacey forward, who opted to keep the ball himself with runners on either side — firing a blocked shot but ending up with his own rebound. His subsequent right-footed effort was on-target and forced a diving save out of Romero in goal.

Ultimately, neither side was able to find the breakthrough in the first half and entered the locker rooms still level at zero.

The second half started out as a cagier affair for the hosts, as NYCFC ramped up the pressure. Led by Julian Fernandez and Hannes Wolf, City forced the Hounds defense deeper and deeper with more crucial saves, punches and step-ups from goalkeeper Eric Dick.

But everything turned on its head in the 78th minute. A long clearance upfield from the Riverhounds bounced in the NYCFC defense, and as centerback Strahinja Tanasijevic waited for his chance to control it, Bradley Sample aggressively pressed and forced the turnover. Tanasijevic had no choice but to drag the Hounds midfielder down as the last man, earning the red card and reducing City to ten.

Bertin Jacquesson of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds looks for the ball against New York City FC in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Ed Thompson - Pittsburgh Soccer Now — Bertin Jacquesson of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds looks for the ball against New York City FC in the Fourth Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Ed Thompson – Pittsburgh Soccer Now

Despite that, NYCFC had two great chances to win it before the end. In the 83rd minute, Agustin Ojeda rang the crossbar from 20 yards out on a ripped shot off a rebound. He then set up Julian Fernandez on the counter just five minutes later, with the latter inexplicably missing a wide-open net.

Finally, it was the Hounds turn to respond, and they took full advantage. With a late burst of pressure, the Hounds earned a corner in the final moments of added time. Mertz took it centrally from the far corner, where Ydrach was lurking. The rookie defender scored not only the first goal of the night, but the first goal of his professional career and the Hounds first set piece goal of the season, to send the crowd into a rapturous thunder.

“I think we needed a result like this,” Ydrach said. “It was gritty until the last minute, but we dug it out, and hopefully we can take that into league play and get a result on the road this weekend too in Louisville.”

NYCFC barely got a chance to kickoff again before the final whistle blew with the Riverhounds triumphant. The Hounds advance to the Round of 16, while New York City FC suffers an unfortunately familiar early exit to a lower-division foe.

2022 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Red Bulls make New York red once again with 3-0 win over NYCFC

June 23, 2022 by Daniel Rebain

Luquinhas of New York Red Bulls celebrates his 70th minute goal against NYCFC in the Quarterfinals of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: New York Red Bulls

The first Hudson River Derby of the season delivered on what people tend to expect to see from a derby between the New York Red Bulls and their counterparts from across the river, New York City FC. Fans at Red Bull Arena witnessed goals, rash challenges, three red cards and plenty of emotion from both sets of players on the pitch and both sets of fans off of it.

Expectations were raised to a new level for this derby as the winner would earn a birth in the Semifinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

This was the third meeting between the two rivals in US Open Cup play with the Red Bulls winning both previous meetings — also both played at Red Bull Arena — by shutout in 2017 and 2018.

This year, followed a similar script with the Red Bulls blanking NYCFC 3-0. With goals from Lewis Morgan, Luquinhas, and Omir Fernandez, the Red Bulls advanced to the Semifinals for the sixth time, and the first since 2017. With the win, the men in red took another step toward lifting their first Open Cup trophy and being the first New Jersey-based club to win the tournament since 1972 (Elizabeth SC).

They will face the winner of Nashville SC and Orlando City SC who will play on June 29. The host of that Semifinal game will be announced on June 23.

This year’s matchup was by far the most competitive with both teams entering the match first (NYCFC) and second (NYRB) in the Eastern Conference standings with just one point between them. The game was set to be a slugfest between two of the giants in MLS and that’s what the fans got from the moment the two teams stepped onto the pitch.

Here’s how both Gerhard Struber & Nick Cushing lined up their boys in the rivalry that crosses the Hudson River.

This match was tense from the jump, with both sets of fans singing back and forth at each other and that bad blood translated onto the pitch early and often.

The Red Bulls from both wings created some scary moments in the box for Luis Barraza, but the back NYC goalkeeper was up to the task, clearing the danger on both occasions in the opening 10 minutes.

In the 15th minute, things got a bit testy when NYC’s Keaton Parks went into a challenge very recklessly against Luquinhas, gathering a big commotion at midfield as the players from both sides were going at the referee.

The Red Bull players were demanding a red card to be shown, while in NYC’s eyes, there should not have been a foul called. In the end, a yellow card was shown to Parks.

Just minutes later, Malte Amundsen tackled Luquinhas very recklessly to stop a counterattack. He also received a yellow card in the 19th minute for his actions.

From that point on in the match, things turned into a fouling match in midfield which limited each team from creating anything offensively.

That was until Red Bull was awarded a free kick in the 40th minute, just on the edge of the box after Luquinhas was brought down by Gabriel Pereira.

It would be Lewis Morgan to take the free kick and with everyone holding their breath, the Scotsman blasted one just past the NYC post.

Just two minutes later, chaos broke out in the NYCFC box which produced the Red Bulls’ best chance of the half.

After Luquinhas and Morgan beat the defense and then with the tip of his toe, Morgan rolled the ball to Christian Casseres Jr.

Casseres Jr. surely thought he would put Red Bull up 1-0 with the outside-of-his-foot attempt on goal, but once again Barraza was up to the task, making a huge save to keep it scoreless going into halftime.

The first SOG of the game falls to @NewYorkRedBulls and Cristian Cásseres forces @NYCFC's Barraza into the save.

0-0 | #USOC2022 pic.twitter.com/aquJAQLtJt
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) June 23, 2022

In the second half, NYCFC came out on the front foot, getting their first shot on target of the game in the 47th minute from Castellanos, as the Argentine beat both Sean Nealis and Tom Edwards for the shot, but Carlos Coronel easily made the save.

But Red Bull would quickly take all the momentum back as they would find the first goal of the game in the 52nd minute.

On a free kick, Tom Edwards crossed one straight onto the head of Aaron Long, who proceeded to head the ball into the path of Lewis Morgan, who poked the ball past a helpless Barraza to set the roof on fire at Red Bull Arena.

The man is on a tear. Lewis Morgan puts us ahead.@Audi | #RBNY pic.twitter.com/FNBFJUK0g8
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) June 23, 2022

Things would start to really get ugly in the 61st minute when NYCFC’s Thiago Andrade threw a headbutt at Red Bull’s John Tolkin during a skirmish, drawing a straight red card from referee Matthew Thompson.

Tolkin described the who situation post-game saying, “All I said was ‘what’s up bro?’ and then he came at me, dug his head into mine and pushed off,” said Tolkin after the match. “I guess I egged him on too much.”

With Thiago being sent off, New York City would have to play the last 30 minutes with 10 men.

After things calmed down, both managers turned to some familiar faces off the bench. Gerhard Struber brought on Polish striker Patryk Klimala while Nick Cushing looked to South American’s Talles Magno and Maxi Moralez for a spark in the attacking third.

Struber would be the one who got his substitution right as Klimala made an instant impact leading to the Red Bulls’ second goal.

Just coming onto the field, Morgan fed Klimala with a beautiful cross as the Polish striker timed his run perfectly and was all alone in the box, 1-v-1 with Barraza.

The keeper would make the initial save on Klimala, but the rebound fell to a lurking Luquinhas, who rounded the keeper and fired the ball past the two defenders on the line to double the home team’s lead in the 70th minute.

????????????????????????????????????!

Fancy footwork from the @NewYorkRedBulls star to put away the rebound and double the lead!

2-0 | #USOC2022 pic.twitter.com/Cb6qXF9Z4p
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) June 23, 2022

The only thing the NYC supporters could do up in the upper balcony was chant “Campeones”, referring to their 2021 MLS Cup title and the empty trophy case at Red Bull Arena.

Red Bull would continue their attacking ways with Tom Edwards crossing the ball straight by everyone to find a wide-open Omir Fernandez after Barraza completely misjudged the ball.

Unfortunately for the Bronx native, he did not anticipate the ball landing at his feet as it just bounced off his shin with the closest defender just booting the ball out of bounds.

Red Bull continued to be on the front foot of play, attacking NYCFC and racking up corner kicks. They even came close to grabbing a third in the 86th minute when Omir Fernandez beat his defender down the left wing, finding Klimala open in the box, and with his first touch off his left foot, just narrowly hit the outside of the post.

The Red Bulls continued to put on the pressure into stoppage time, adding a third goal to seal the game.

Steven Sserwadda, just promoted from Red Bull II, played a ball down the right wing and with his pure pace, Cameron Harper won the race to the ball, crossing a ball to a wide-open Fernandez in the box as he beat the NYC keeper.

"????????'???? ???????????? ???????? ???????????? ????????????!"@NewYorkRedBulls Academy product Omir Fernandez gets the third!

3-0 | #USOC2022 pic.twitter.com/7AyoiZKzvZ
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) June 23, 2022

Sean Nealis gave a good ole wave to the traveling NYC supporters as he returned to his position after the goal. Most of the NYC fans started to head for the exits so they could catch the PATH back down into the City.

Tolkin when recollecting that walk back to midfield, he described it as a “ha-ha, in your face moment,” and then added “you need a little banter in these moments.”

But Tolkin did say that the NYC fans will remember that and will bring the noise when they see each other in the Bronx next time.

The referee Matthew Thompson blew the final whistles after five added minutes and Red Bull Arena erupted done last time.

Omir Fernandez of the New York Red Bulls celebrates after scoring a goal against NYCFC in the Quarterfinals of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: New York Red Bulls

But the game was not over for some, as the bad blood spilled over past the final whistle.

Tom Edwards, Taty Castellanos and Maxi Moralez got into a scum at midfield that drew the attention of everyone as players and coaches sprinted to intervene. Both Tom Edwards and Maxi Moralez received red cards for their actions in the melee.

“We are right now of course very happy to go onto the next round,” said Red Bulls head coach Gerhard Struber, who expressed his disappointment to lose Edwards for the next match. “The Open Cup, for us, is a big point for our season and my boys, especially in this game, wanted the victory more than New York City. Now we are in the semifinal, and yeah, this was the big goal today.”

Gerhard Struber speaking to #RBNY press after 3-0 Open Cup win over NYCFC.

“I think we invest more over the whole game than New York City…we wanted it more and you could feel that.”
— Ben Cork (@corkinho) June 23, 2022

When asked about what it meant to beat NYC, being a Red Bull “through & through”, Red Bull’s defender John Tolkin said, “being from around here, it’s pretty cool”.

“Being from around here , it’s pretty cool,” said Tolkin about beating NYCFC. “Especially in the Open Cup, this is my first year in the tournament. It’s massive obviously, the atmosphere and the emotions that go into it, it’s an amazing feeling”

For Omir Fernandez, the emotions of this derby are a bit more special to him based on where he grew up.

“For all of us, this is a big game, but for me it’s a bit different because of where I’m from and I have a special connection with the Red Bulls,” said Fernandez. “So for somebody to come in and try to claim that they’re better than us, for me it always hits different to play against this team.”

When Fernandez entered the game as a sub, he really wanted to make an impact.

“We were killing them 2-0, and I came in and I knew I wanted to score,” said Fernandez. “I knew that opportunity was going to present itself and for me to score in front of my family and to run to that corner to see them, a lot of emotions”.

On NYCFC postgame claims that #RBNY prevents “beautiful football”, Omir Fernandez says “if you say you play beautiful football but you’re losing to your rivals 3-0? I don’t know what to tell you.”
— Ben Cork (@corkinho) June 23, 2022

Fernandez, also a homegrown Red Bulls player, was asked what it meant to see all those NYCFC fans heading for the exits after he made it 3-0 in the 91st minute.

“I have a different emotion to this matchup just because of so many things. Old Red Bull fans turned into NYC fans, so when I see these people in our stadium trying to make noise and at the end of the day it’s 3-0 and I look up and they’re all gone.”

Fernandez added: “Get them out of our stadium and out of this conversation that they are better than us and for me it was satisfying to see them leave and that whole team … get out.”

2022 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Previewing three intriguing matchups this week

June 21, 2022 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

The Sacramento Republic celebrate after the club's 2-0 home win over the San Jose Earthquakes in the Round of 16 of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC — The Sacramento Republic celebrate after the club’s 2-0 home win over the San Jose Earthquakes in the Round of 16 of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Sacramento Republic FC

UPDATE: Sacramento Republic upset the LA Galaxy on Tuesday night

Three of the four matches for the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Quarterfinals will take place this week and feature some intriguing drama.

#USOC2022 Essentials

2022 USOC Results/Schedule
2022 USOC Statistical Leaders
2022 USOC Qualifying Results
USOC rule changes since 2019

TheCup.us Player of the Round winners
Round 5: Joseph Brito (Union Omaha)

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Tuesday night will see a Northern California vs. Southern California matchup with the LA Galaxy hosting the Sacramento Republic of the USL Championshup.

Wednesday’s doubleheader will kick off with a Hudson River Derby at Red Bull Arena as the New York Red Bulls will host their rival New York City FC. After that, the lone USL League One (Div. 3 pro) team left, Union Omaha, will travel to Kansas to take on four-time champion Sporting Kansas City.

The hosting scenarios for the Semifinals and the Final are scheduled to take place on June 23, then the final Quarterfinal match will be played on Wednesday, June 29 when Nashville SC heads south to face Orlando City SC.

All games this round, and the rest of the tournament, will be streamed on ESPN+.

As always, TheCup.us will have reporters at every game and will be providing in-game updates on Twitter (@USOpenCup) and as we have done for more than a decade, the hashtag we recommend is #USOC2022

Below you will find a brief preview of this week’s three Quarterfinals with links to each broadcast:

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez of LA Galaxy celebrates during the club's 2022 US Open Cup Fifth Round match against LAFC. Photo: LA Galaxy — Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez of LA Galaxy celebrates during the club’s 2022 US Open Cup Fifth Round match against LAFC. Photo: LA Galaxy

Tuesday, June 21
Sacramento Republic (USL-C) at LA Galaxy (MLS)
Dignity Health Sports Park; Carson, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+

UPDATE: Sacramento Republic upset the LA Galaxy on Tuesday night to reach the Semifinals

The two-time US Open Cup champion LA Galaxy, one of the most decorated MLS clubs of all time, will host the Sacramento Republic FC, the last remaining USL Championship (Div. 2 pro) club.

After a bit of an up-and-down start to the season, Sacramento has a 4-3-1 record in their last eight games. After their upset of the San Jose Earthquakes on May 25, Sacramento are unbeaten in their last four, including winning three straight. That momentum has carried them into a four-way tie for third place in the competitive Western Conference.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy are also in the top half of their league’s Western Conference table with a 7-5-3 record. Since their last Open Cup game (a 3-1 home win over LAFC), the Galaxy have picked up a pair of results in league play, a 4-1 win over Austin FC and a 1-1 draw against the Portland Timbers this past Saturday.

How they got to the Round of 16

Sacramento had no trouble beating the Portland Timbers U-23s 6-0 in the Second Round. Sacramento held a 6-0 lead at halftime and eased up in the second half so as not to run up the score on the youngsters.

In the Fourth Round Sacramento hosted a battle of USL Championship Western Conference rivals, facing off with Phoenix Rising. Republic added to their outstanding home Open Cup record with a 2-0 win, Luis Felipe scoring in the first half and Douglas Martinez adding the second in the 88th minute.

In the Round of 16, Sacramento broke through the San Jose blockade, beating the Earthquakes for the first time in Open Cup play in four tries. Over 11,000 packed Heart Health Park in Sacramento on a sweltering night. Luis Felipe opened the scoring in the 28th minute on a Rodrigo Lopez assist, and then Lopez closed out the game with a fantastic shot in the 84th minute to propel Sacramento to the Quarterfinals for the first time.

The Galaxy began their Open Cup run by welcoming former club legend and San Diego Loyal manager Landon Donovan to Dignity Health Sports Park in the Third Round. Los Angeles came away with a 1-0 win as Kevin Cabral scored the lone goal.

In the Fourth Round, the Galaxy got by the stubborn California United Strikers of NISA, 3-2. Cal United grabbed a shocking 1-0 lead in the 19th minute on a goal by Shinya Kadono, but Dejan Joveljic evened things up with the first of his two penalties for the Galaxy. The game stayed level until the 80th minute when Owen Lambe put the Galaxy ahead, and three minutes later Joveljic converted his second penalty to seal the win. Cal United created some late drama with an 88th minute goal from Kevin Garcia-Lopez.

In the Round of 16 the Galaxy faced off with cross town rivals Los Angeles FC in the first ever Open Cup version of “El Traffico” in front of 24,174 fans at the Galaxy’s Dignity Health Sports Park. After a scoreless first half, Kevin Cabral put the Galaxy ahead in the 51st minute, and Chicharito doubled the lead seven minutes later. Dejan Joveljic made it 3-0 in the 81st minute, and LAFC’s Ryan Hollingshead scored the visitors lone goal four minutes later.

The lone Open Cup meeting between the two clubs came in the 2017 Round of 16. Sacramento began in the Second Round that year, and in the prior round they rolled over Real Salt Lake 4-1 in front of 11,569 in Sacramento. In front of a sparse crowd of 2,672 at the StubHub Center Track & Field Stadium, LA’s Ariel Lassiter and Bradford Jamieson scored early in the second half to give the MLS club a 2-0 win. At the time, it was the furthest Sacramento had gone in the Open Cup.

The Galaxy will look to avenge their reserve club LA Galaxy II after Sacramento beadt them in USL Championship play 2-0 on June 18. Luther Archimede and Rafael Jauregui scored midway through the second half for the winners.

Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)
7th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 17-5-1 (0-1 PKs)
Away: 1-4-1 (0-1 PKs)
vs. MLS: 3-4-1 (0-1 PKs)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2022)

Current Season
7-3-4 25 Pts., 17 GF 11 GA, 5th in USL Championship Western Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Douglas Martinez, 3
Assists Leader: Douglas Martinez, Luther Archimede, 2
Goalkeeping Leader: Daniel Vitiello, 10 games, 0.80 GAA / 3 clean sheets

Last Three Games
6/4 – USL-C – 1-0 win vs. San Antonio FC
6/11 – USL-C – 2-0 vs. at Detroit City FC
6/18 – USL-C 0 2-0 win vs. LA Galaxy II

LA Galaxy (MLS)
17th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 35-17-1 (1-0 PKs)
Home: 25-3-0
vs. Div. 2: 11-4-0
Best finish: U.S. Open Cup Champions (2001, 2005)

Current Season
7-5-3 24 Pts., 18 GF 16 GA, 5th in MLS Western Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Chicharito, 6
Assists Leader: Raheem Edwards, 5
Goalkeeping Leader: Jonathan Bond, 15 games, 1.07 GAA / 5 clean sheets

Last Three Games
5/22 – MLS – 3-0 loss vs. Houston Dynamo
5/29 – MLS – 4-1 win vs. Austin FC
6/18 – MLS – 1-1 draw vs. Portland Timbers

Union Omaha celebrate in the locker room after a 2-1 upset win over Minnesota United FC in the Fifth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Union Omaha

June 22

Union Omaha (USL-1) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
Children’s Mercy Park; Kansas City, KS
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+

Union Omaha are the last remaining third division club in the tournament, representing USL League One. They are trying to become just the third team from a third division league to reach the Semifinals. The other two are the San Francisco Bay Seals (D3 Pro League) in 1997 and the Richmond Kickers (USL) in 2011.

Much like their opponents on Wednesday, Union Omaha are struggling in league play with a 3-2-4 record. However, there is still plenty of time for the defending USL League One champions to get back on track. It looked like they were headed that way with a six-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, until this past weekend when they fell 2-0 at home to the Greenville Triumph, the team they defeated in the league championship game last year.

Sporting Kansas City are attempting to join some elite company in 2022. The MLS side has four US Open Cup trophies and adding a fifth would tie the tournament’s all-time record (Bethlehem Steel, Maccabee AC, Fall River Marksmen/New Bedford Whalers). Sporting might have extra motivation because they have struggled in league play. They enter Wednesday’s match one point from the bottom of the Western Conference with a 4-9-4 record. Last weekend, they snapped a three-game winless streak (0-2-1) with a 2-1 road win over Nashville SC. Teams using the Open Cup to get their league season back on track, or to save a season would not be unheard of.

How they got to the Round of 16

Union Omaha began their inaugural Open Cup run in the Second Round when they edged USL League Two powerhouse Des Moines Menace 2-1 in Omaha, Neb. The game was decided on an 81st minute own goal by Des Moines.

With no Open Cup experience, Omaha received a major test with their first professional opponent: Chicago Fire of MLS. Noe Meza scored the tying goal midway through the second half, and in extra time Alex Touche sent the game to penalties with a 120th minute stoppage time goal. Rashid Nuhu saved Chicago’s final penalty to give Omaha the upset.

Omaha’s found USL League One rivals Northern Colorado Hailstorm (who pulled off an MLS upset of their own in the previous round) waiting in the Fourth Round, and came away with a 2-0 victory. Goals from Noe Meza and Conor Doyle in the second half powered the Union to the win and the tournament’s $25,000 prize money as the last remaining third division club.

In the Round of 16, Omaha claimed another MLS upset on the road as they traveled north and knocked off Minnesota United FC, 2-1. The Sportscenter-worthy winning goal was scored by Joseph Brito in the 51st minute. That goal was enough to earn him a narrow win in TheCup.us Player of the Round voting. The win also made history for the state of the Nebraska as Omaha became the first club from the Cornhusker State to reach the Quarterfinals.

Sporting KC began their Open Cup journey in dramatic fashion. The four-time champs overcame a 2-0 halftime deficit to FC Dallas, scored an equalizer deep into second half stoppage time, and then tacked on two more goals in extra time to prevail 4-2. Marinos Tzionis scored the late equalizer for his first goal for Sporting KC. Four minutes into extra time an own goal from Edwin Cerrillo put KC up for good, and Khiry Shelton made it 4-2 in the 113th minute.

SKC would reach the Quarterfinals for the 12th time with a 2-0 win over the Houston Dynamo. Their 12 Quarterfinal appearances are tied for fifth-most in the tournament’s 107-year history. Johnny Russell scored both goals for Sporting, who was playing Houston for the fifth time in the last six tournaments.

Johnny Russell of Sporting KC talks to his teammates in the huddle before the club's 2022 US Open Cup Fifth Round match against the Houston Dynamo. Photo: Sporting KC — Johnny Russell of Sporting KC talks to his teammates in the huddle before the club’s 2022 US Open Cup Fifth Round match against the Houston Dynamo. Photo: Sporting KC

Union Omaha (USL League One)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-0-0
Away: 2-0-0
vs. MLS: 1-0-1 (1-0 PKs)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2002)

Current Season
3-4-2 13 Pts., 10 GF 8 GA, 7th in USL League One
Goal Scoring Leader: Noe Meza, 3
Assists Leader: Noe Meza, 3
Goalkeeping Leader: Rashid Nuhu, 8 games, 0.80 GAA / 4 clean sheets

Last Three Games
6/4 – USL1 – 1-0 win at Chattanooga Red Wolves
6/11 – USL1 – 2-1 win at FC Tucson
6/18 – USL1 – 0-2 loss vs. Greenville Triumph

Sporting Kansas City (Major League Soccer)
22nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 30-15-6 (4-2 PKs)
Home: 22-7-2 (2-0 PKs)
vs. Division 3: 3-3-0
Best finish: U.S. Open Cup Champions (2004, 2012, 2015, 2017)

Current Season
4-9-4 16 Pts., 16 GF 29 GA, 12th in MLS Western Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Johnny Russell, 5
Assists Leader: Cameron Duke, Felipe Hernandez, 3
Goalkeeping Leader: Tim Melia, 17games, 1.71 GAA / 4 clean sheets

Last Three Games
5/28 – MLS – 0-1 loss vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
6/12 – MLS – 1-2 loss vs. New England Revolution
6/19 – MLS – 2-1 win at Nashville SC

Luquinhas of the New York Red Bulls battles for the ball against Charlotte FC in the Fifth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: New York Red Bulls

Wednesday, June 22

New York City FC (MLS) at New York Red Bulls (MLS)
Red Bull Arena; Harrison, NJ
Kickoff: 8 p.m.
Broadcast: ESPN+

It doesn’t get much better when two league rivals square off in the US Open Cup. It makes it even more meaningful because the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC have both never won the US Open Cup. But adding a little more spice to the matchup at Red Bull Arena is the fact that these two rivals neck-and-neck in the Eastern Conference standings with NYCFC on top of the Eastern Conference with Red Bulls one point behind them.

The Red Bulls are a two-time finalist (2003, 2017) but have never been able to get to the top of the mountain. After four consecutive opening round defeats in their first four tournament entries, NYCFC won a couple games in 2019 before falling in PKs to Orlando City in the Quarterfinals. This year, NYCFC needed home wins over Rochester NY FC (formerly Rochester Rhinos) and the New England Revolution to punch their ticket to the Quarterfinals.

NYCFC haven’t lost a game in any competition since early April, going 12 games without a loss. Their last outing on Sunday saw them finish with a 1-1 draw the Colorado Rapids. Similarly, the Red Bulls have only lost one game since mid-April in all competitions.

How they got to the Round of 16

The Red Bulls reached the Fourth Round with a 2-1 win over Hartford Athletic of the USL Championship. Early goals from Lewis Morgan and Aaron Long was all NYRB needed while out-shooting Hartford, 30-4.

The Red Bulls had no trouble with their Fifth Round encounter with rivals D.C. United, leaving D.C’s Audi Field with a 3-0 win. Luquinhas opened the scoring in first half stoppage time, and John Tolkin added another just after halftime. Zach Ryan put the game to bed with his 68th-minute goal.

NYCFC had a bit of a tougher task with Rochester New York FC, beating the MLS Next Pro club 3-1 in the Fourth Round. Thiago Andrade started the scoring for NYCFC in the 23rd minute, and eight minutes later Heber took advantage of a goalkeeping mistake to double the lead. Jesus Baitz got Rochester back into the game in first half stoppage time, but Maxime Chanot’s goal midway through the second half gave the MLSers a comfortable lead.

Then, in the Round of 16, it was a battle between two major trophy winners from last season with NYCFC lifting MLS Cup and the New England Revolution winning the Supporters’ Shield. Santiago Rodriguez scored the lone goal of the game in the 94th minute of extra time as New York City advanced.

New York City FC (Major League Soccer)
6th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 4-3-2 (0-2 PKs)
Away: 1-2-2 (0-2 PKs)
vs. MLS: 1-2-1 (0-1 PKs)

Best finish: Quarterfinals (2019)

Current Season

8-3-3 27 Pts., 26 GF 11 GA 1st in MLS Eastern Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Valentin Castellanos, 7
Assists Leader: Santiago Rodriguez, 7
Goalkeeping Leader: Sean Johnson, 14 games, 0.79 GAA / 8 clean sheets

Last Three Games
5/22 – MLS – 1-0 win vs. Chicago Fire
5/28 – MLS – 1-0 win at Minnesota United
6/19 – MLS – 1-1 draw vs. Colorado Rapids

New York Red Bulls (Major League Soccer)
22nd US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 25-20-3 (2-1 PKs)
Home: 11-6-2 (1-1 PKs)
vs. MLS: 10-12-3 (2-1 PKs)
Best finish: Final (2003, 2017)

Current Season
7-4-5 26 Pts., 26 GF 17 GA, 2nd in MLS Eastern Conference
Goal Scoring Leader: Lewis Morgan, 7
Assists Leader: Omir Fernandez, 6
Goalkeeping Leader: Carlos Coronel, 15 games, 1.00 GAA, 4 clean sheets

Last Three Games
5/28 – MLS – 4-1 win vs. D.C. United
6/11 – MLS – 0-2 loss at Charlotte FC
6/18 – MLS – 2-0 win vs. Toronto FC

Santiago Rodriguez of NYCFC celebrates after scoring a goal against the New England Revolution in the Fifth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: NYCFC

June 29, 2022
Nashville SC (MLS) at Orlando City SC (MLS)
Exploria Stadium; Orlando, FL
Kickoff – 7 PM
Broadcast: ESPN+

Preview coming soon …

2022 US Open Cup Round 5: NYCFC’s OT winner helps MLS Cup champs edge New England Revs

May 26, 2022 by Julian Cardillo

New York City FC edged the New England Revolution 1-0 in an extra time thriller at Belson Stadium on the St. John’s University campus Wednesday night.

The victory – secured thanks to a 94th minute goal by second half sub Santiago Rodriguez – sends NYCFC to the Quarterfinals of the 2022 US Open Cup, where they will meet their rival New York Red Bulls on either June 21 or 22.

NYCFC extended its unbeaten run to 10 games across all competitions.

After being eliminated in their first four Open Cup appearances (2015-18) to the New York Cosmos and New York Red Bulls (twice each), NYCFC has enjoyed back-to-back Quarterfinal appearances.

“Tough place to play here, tough surface,” said NYCFC head coach Ronny Deila. “They fought really hard. They were organized, tough to break down … but we created the most chances, and I thought we deserved to win in the end. The attitude was very good.”

Game tape from a successful 120 minute cup clash in Queens ???? #VamosNYC pic.twitter.com/8OtejhoROx
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) May 26, 2022

Rodriguez’s goal broke open what had been a frustrating game for New York as New England – playing with a lineup made mostly of reserves – held back the hosts despite spending most of the match chasing the ball and in their own end of the field.

But New York’s moment came shortly into the first extra-time period. Revolution central Andrew Farrell misplayed a pass behind the center circle and Valentin Castellanos closed in, launching a speedy breakaway as New England’s back line hustled back.

Castellanos then sent a pass to the top of the area, where Rodriguez emerged unmarked to smash the game’s lone goal into the back of the net past Djordje Petrovic.

“We were expecting them to sit back, with pretty much all their players behind the ball,” said NYCFC midfielder Justin Haak. “But we knew that if we were just patient – they couldn’t keep up with our tempo, because not many teams can.”

The match served as a sort of rematch to last year’s MLS Eastern Conference semifinal, where NYCFC defeated the Revolution on penalties at Gillette Stadium. On paper, it was an intriguing matchup between last year’s MLS Cup champions (NYCFC) and last season’s Supporters’ Shield winner (New England).

Wednesday’s atmosphere was less of a high octane affair, though an announced crowd of 1,988 got to experience another extra-time thriller between the rivals.

That said, both teams produced chances that could have settled things in regulation.

New York produced the first major scoring opportunity of the game, with Petrovic having to make a double save on Andres Jasson off a 13th minute corner kick.

The Revolution, playing without several starters – including Matt Turner, Adam Buksa, and reigning TheCup.us Player of the Round Carles Gil – returned fire at the stroke of halftime, with Luis Barraza dropping low to Esmir Bajraktarevic’s header off a Justin Rennicks cross.

Barraza also halted Damian Rivera’s low drive at the far post in the 50th minute, and stopped Gustavo Bou’s one-time hit from the top of the box in the first minute of extra time.

New York is also now 7-9-5 against the Revolution across all competitions, with the two teams’ next meeting set for July 9 at Yankee Stadium in the MLS regular season.

When asked about NYCFC’s title ambitions – particularly as reigning MLS Cup champions – Haak praised his team’s depth and mentality.

“We have the best environment in the league,” Haak said. “We rotated eight players, and New England did the same, but our quality is much higher than theirs. Many teams don’t have the depth we have. Even if you don’t get to see the other players all the time, anybody can step up at any moment.”

2022 US Open Cup Round 4: NYCFC trio helps knock Rochester New York out, 3-1

May 12, 2022 by Julian Cardillo

Kevin O’Toole of NYCFC dribbles the ball against Rochester New York FC in the Fourth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: NYCFC

New York City FC fought off a challenge from Rochester New York FC in Round 4 of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, emerging as 3-1 victors in front of 1,513 Wednesday night at Belson Stadium on the St. John’s University campus.

At times, Rochester — a tournament entrant from MLS Next Pro, the third-tier league in American professional soccer — looked more dangerous than the reigning MLS Cup champions, threatening with dynamic runs down the flanks and quick counters.

But after successfully absorbing stretches of Rochester pressure, NYCFC opened the scoring in the 23^rd minute.

The decisive play started on the right flank with Gabriel Pereira, who cut to his left foot and floated a beckoning cross toward the top of the penalty area for an oncoming Thiago Andrade. Free of a marker by several feet, Thiago struck the feed with a one-time lob and sent the ball looping past goalkeeper Phillip Ejimadu and into the back of the net.

JOGA BONITO ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/I9HG57ARmp
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) May 11, 2022

It was Thiago’s fifth goal this year across all competitions.

Eight minutes later, a goalkeeping howler doubled NYCFC’s advantage. Ejimadu lingered on a back pass just long enough for Heber to create calamity; the goalkeeper’s botched clearance never left the box, instead caroming off Heber’s thigh and bouncing into the net for the 2-0 lead.

On a different day, and with slightly more precision, Rochester may have produced a historic USOC upset. The visitor’s matched NYCFC’s physicality throughout the night and started with a higher tempo, producing the game’s first two scoring chances.

Raymond Drai rolled an effort just wide of the far post after finding space on the right side of the box inside the first 38 seconds, and Gibran Rayo narrowly missed an open net off Christian Wood’s 17^th minute feed.

Jesus Batiz scored what would become a consolation goal for Rochester in the third minute of first-half stoppage time, poking a loose ball past NYCFC goalkeeper Luis Barraza.

MASK ON ???? MASK OFF ‼️ @MaximeChanot pic.twitter.com/Fg6PT5wkXQ
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) May 12, 2022

“I think we felt a little bit under it in the first 15 minutes…backs were against the wall a bit,” said NYCFC defender Kevin O’Toole, who made his first team appearance of the year. “Thiago’s finish was amazing, and that really gave us a lift. I think we felt more comfortable after that, we were able to possess it through the midfield, we got our outside backs high, and that sort of took the pressure off a little bit.

“Then we were able to get the second with Heber pressing really hard on the goalkeeper. It was a good way to get into halftime with those two goals.”

NYCFC limited Rochester throughout the second half, their third goal arriving in the 76^th minute as Maxime Chanot headed in Santiago Rodriguez’s corner.

Ejimadu partially redeemed himself for his error on NYCFC’s second goal by saving Gedion Zelalem’s penalty after referee Ernie Constantine awarded a spot kick for a late foul on Andres Jasson.

More late-game drama ensued, as both teams had players sent off. For NYCFC it was Pereira — who received his second yellow in a fracas inside the penalty area following the penalty save — and Rochester’s Preston Popp in added time for a late hit near the benches.

NYCFC, which extended its unbeaten run across all competitions to six with the win, advances to the Round of 16 for the second time in club history.

“These games are always hard,” NYCFC head coach Ronny Deila said. “Rochester was physical, they were organized and they gave everything. It was a tough game, but I think the boys did the job. They were fighting, we got three goals, and we win in the end.”

While NYCFC has never advanced past the quarterfinals, clubs representing the state of New York have had an impressive record: Since the tournament’s inception in 1913, 26 New York-based teams have won the trophy – the most of any state – with the most recent being the Rochester Raging Rhinos (ceased operations in 2017 as the precursor to Rochester New York FC) in 1999. The other 25 teams were based in New York City, but the Big Apple has not had a team lift the trophy since the Brooklyn Italians in 1991.

2019 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Adam Grinwis’ PK heroics send Orlando City past NYCFC, into Semis for first time

July 11, 2019 by Neil Blackmon

Adam Grinwis of Orlando City SC celebrates in front of the club's fans after a 5-4 PK win over NYCFC in the 2019 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Orlando City SC — Adam Grinwis of Orlando City SC celebrates in front of the club’s fans after a 5-4 PK win over NYCFC in the 2019 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Orlando City SC

Orlando City advanced to their first Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Semifinal Wednesday night, defeating New York City FC in penalties in front of a rowdy 7,227 in attendance on a steamy night at Exploria Stadium.

One of two all-MLS Open Cup Quarterfinals, the matchup lived up to the billing as both teams fielded strong lineups and played a rollicking, back and forth, tense game that featured stark momentum changes, chaotic goals and last-minute heroism.

In the end, James O’Connor’s side won the day, thanks to an incredible- perhaps unlikely- star turn from goalkeeper Adam Grinwis, who made three vital saves in 120 minutes, controlled his area well and parried away two NYCFC penalties to secure the victory in spot kicks.

The match was a credit to the character of both teams, who entered the game playing on short rest, having struggled through Sunday league fixtures. Orlando City also suffered through a travel delay that pushed their return to Florida back a day, further limiting their rest ahead of this crucial quarterfinal.

What a ????!@OrlandoCitySC is headed to the Semifinals with a win in PKs vs. @NYCFC!

This is what #USOC2019 is all ABOUT!?

? Highlights pic.twitter.com/Y45LLpXySk

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) July 11, 2019

O’Connor was pleased none of those hardships became an excuse, and even more proud of how his team found a result despite surrendering a heart wrenching late equalizer in regular time.

“We’ve talked about culture and having a next man up mentality. We’ve tried to build that from preseason, to get a level of trust and commitment in our performances,” O Connor said after the game. “The difference this year has been noticeable and we saw it matter tonight. It’s a special night for our club and we should savor it.”

“Being on the field at the end of the game, seeing the joy it brought to the crowd, that was amazing,” Chris Mueller said after the win. “We want to bring the first trophy to Orlando, that’s the mentality. But we’re going to enjoy this right now, making the first semifinal in club history. It’s a big moment.”

Early on, it didn’t look as if it would be Orlando’s night.

Despite the questions about fitness- or perhaps because of them– NYCFC seized the initiative early. The Pigeons dominated possession for the first twenty minutes, winning nearly every second ball and pinning Orlando City deep with terrific pressure from their wingbacks.

The hard work nearly paid off just under the ten-minute mark.

A searing run down the left flank by Ronald Matarrita saw the Costa Rican international latch onto a well-placed diagonal and fire a strong effort just wide of the far post from just inside the left edge of the eighteen.

Players from Orlando City SC celebrate after a 5-4 PK win over NYCFC in the 2019 US Open Cup Quarterfinals. Photo: Orlando City SC

Minutes later, Matarrita was again the source of NYCFC’s danger, pumping in a lovely ball that found the head of Maxime Chanot, who placed his header well only to be denied on a spectacular leaping save from Orlando City goalkeeper Adam Grinwis.

The hosts managed the early scares and came into the game late in the first half, nearly taking the lead themselves after a corner, when Nani played a strong cross to Sebastián Méndez, only to see the Ecuadorian strangely decide to hit the ball one-time and well-wide. Nevertheless, it was a statement of intent from the Lions that they didn’t plan on going quietly into the humid central Florida night.

Orlando City controlled the early stages of the second half. First, Chris Mueller made a sharp run through NYCFC’s center, only to be denied a shot on goal by a swarming Pigeons defense. Minutes later, it was Nani probing the NYCFC defense, playing a slicing ball to Kyle Smith whose ensuing cross just missed the extended leg of Mueller.

The early second half purple and gold onslaught wasn’t over, either.

After a corner, Nani’s effort was deflected but crossed again by Mueller, only to see a terrific effort Will Johnson miss just high and right. Next, it was Sacha Kljestan’s turn to nearly breakthrough as the veteran beat his defender with a tidy pirouette only to be denied a shot on frame by a timely Alexander Ring challenge.

A Juan Torres injury gave the Blues a moment to collect themselves at the hour mark, but the respite was only brief. After the restart, Nani latched onto a ball on the left flank and scorched his defender on the incut, slicing an inch perfect cross to an unmarked Chris Mueller at the far right post. Mueller’s head did the rest, easily beating Brad Stuver, who could do little beyond hopelessly appeal for offside.

Mueller has had a special year for Orlando, but O’Connor, predictably, saw a team effort.

“(Mueller) is an exciting young attacking player, one who plays with great composure. He took the header well, fantastic ball from Nani and all he had to do was place it. But credit Tesho for getting back onside- a testament to his character and intelligence. We made a number of good plays to score a good goal.”

Domènec Torrent went to his bench shortly after the Orlando goal, calling on Benfica loanee and US U-23 prospect Keaton Parks off the bench to try to stabilize the NYCFC left flank. Defensively, it worked, with Parks tucking centrally to solidify the spaces being exploited by Mueller, Méndez, and Kljestan. Offensively, however, the Pigeons lacked a creative spark outside of the existential threat created by their wingbacks.

Tempers flared late as late NYCFC substitute Valentin Castellanos put in a hard, late tackle on Orlando’s Robin Jannsson in the 83rd minute, earning a yellow card and jeers from the Orlando City Wall for his efforts. Torrent may have seen that moment as a sign of life for his side, and Castellanos nearly leveled proceedings two minutes afterward on a headed cross from Jesús Medina, only to see Grinwis beat him to the ball.

Less than two minutes later, Parks exploded through the channel with only one defender to beat, but took too heavy a touch and lost the ball– another chance to level squandered.

The Pigeons, however, would get one more glorious chance late in stoppage time- and this time, they would take it. Maxi Moralez, fresh off being named MLS Player of the Month in June, got a toe to the end of a 50/50 in a congested scramble in the eighteen, clipping the ball just past Adam Grinwis and two Orlando defenders to level proceedings at one and send what had been a jubilant home crowd into agonized disbelief.

In extra time, Orlando was happy to sit deep, defend and wait for penalties, rarely seeing the ball and not hurling bodies forward when they did. For the most part, it worked, though NYCFC nearly found a winner in the 112th minute when Jesus Medina played Castellanos through and the young Argentine’s well-struck, curling effort was parried away by the extended arms of Grinwis. That would be the best chance for either side in extra time, as the game headed to penalties knotted at one goal apiece.

.@NYCFC chose the opposite end of The Wall.

The Wall doesn’t care. #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/RnAsjJsTb1

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) July 11, 2019

In penalties, as Orlando supporters on the “Wall Side” raced from one side of the stadium to the other to cheer on their Lions.

O’Connor said that was a sight to see.

“To see them- bumrush their way over there or whatever you want to call it- was incredible. I’m so thankful for them. It provided us an immense lift and put us in the right frame of mind to win in penalties,” O’Connor said.

The Lions shot first, with Tesho Akindele burying the kick in the left corner and saluting the fans who made the trek. Alexander Ring was denied by Grinwis on the NYCFC opener, sending the LIons faithful into rapture. Their joy was short lived, as moments later, Dom Dwyer’s meek effort was saved by Brad Stuver and after NYCFC’s Anton Timmerholm connected, proceedings were again level. They would remain that way until the sixth penalty taker, when once again, Grinwis would come up huge for the purple and gold. Maxime Chanot stepped up and Grinwis read the penalty properly, punching the hard and low penalty away to send Orlando City to the semifinals.

“As a goalkeeper, those are the situations you dream of,” Grinwis said. “Growing up, you play penalty shootouts with friends and you want to be the hero. Usually, if you’re the goalkeeper, the idea is to not be noticed. But the team fought hard for 120 minutes, and I was just glad to come up big for them at the end too. I’m still trying to figure out where I am and what’s going on. It was surreal.”

It won’t get any easier for the Lions, who will face Atlanta United in the Semifinals, a club they’ve never defeated in a game of soccer. But for a club that has never won a trophy- indeed, never made a MLS Playoff appearance– this deep Open Cup run is a well-deserved gift to a tremendous and patient fanbase, and one Orlando City doesn’t want to end any time soon.