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2022 US Open Cup Quarterfinals: Who should be voted TheCup.us Player of the Round?

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Who should be voted TheCup.us Player of the Round trophy
Photo: Atlanta United FC

The final eight teams took to the field in hopes of advancing to the Semifinals of the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and continuing their quest to add a trophy to their cabinets. Five MLS and two USL (one Championship and one League One) teams competed in this dramatic quarterfinal round. This round had it all: a blowout, a lopsided Hudson River Derby, a USL upset, and a penalty shootout that came down to the wire.

At the end of the round, three MLS teams and one intrepid USL team emerged victorious to advance to the final four of the 107th edition of the tournament, which will take place July 27.

The Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff and a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters but if YOU had a vote, which player do you think should win?

Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order):

Luis Felipe
Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)

Felipe took a shot from way outside the 18-yard box to beat the keeper to the lower corner in the 70th minute. The goal ended up to be the game-winner, giving Sacramento the huge upset on the road against the LA Galaxy (MLS) and cemented their spot as the only USL team remaining in the Open Cup tournament.

Pedro Gallese

Orlando City SC (MLS)

Gallese made five saves in Orlando’s narrowly-decided clash at home against Nashville SC (MLS).  After finishing 1-1 after 90 minutes, the game went scoreless through extra-time into a penalty shootout. There, Gallese saved the seventh Nashville penalty kick in sudden death, winning the game for the players in purple in front of their home crowd.

Felipe Hernandez

Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

Herenandez provided the corner kick assist for the second goal and scored the final brace as Sporting KC emphatically crushed any hopes of a road upset from Union Omaha (USL League One) with a 6-0 home win. He beat two defenders to a ball in the box in the 66th minute to score his first of the game and 15 minutes later slammed in his second from the top of the box, putting the final nail in the coffin for Omaha.

Lewis Morgan

New York Red Bulls (MLS)

Morgan scored the opening goal, which turned out to be the game-winner, in an Open Cup edition of the Hudson River Derby. He made a near-post run in the box to sneak a ball headed from a free kick past the New York City FC (MLS) keeper, giving the Red Bulls a 3-1 home win in the rivalry.

Rodrigo Schlegel

Orlando City SC (MLS)

Schlegel scored a dramatic game-tying goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time to propel the game against Nashville SC (MLS) into extra-time. The defender pounced on a ball that had been headed down by his teammate off a free kick after the Nashville keeper missed the clearance in traffic, knocking the ball in with a little hop and his right foot. Orlando would go on to win the game in a penalty kick shootout to advance to the semifinals.0

Khiry Shelton

Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

Shelton provided the assists for Sporting KC’s first and third goals (both to Daniel Salloi) and scored the fourth in the MLS side’s dismantling of Union Omaha (USL League One) in a 6-0 win at Children’s Mercy Park.  Shelton received a long ball and shot from the top of the box as he slid to the ground, kissing the ball off the inside of the far post to add to the goal tally of the home team.

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

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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
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.

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.

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.

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.

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
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.”

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”.

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

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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
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
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
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: New York Red Bulls pull away in second half to oust Charlotte FC

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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
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

The New York Red Bulls advanced to the Quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a 3-1 victory over Charlotte FC at Montclair State University Soccer Park on Wednesday night. 

Patryk Klimala, Dylan Nealis, and Tom Barlow all found the scoresheet to ensure New York won the first-ever meeting between the two teams, while Daniel Ríos bagged an impressive goal for Charlotte. 

The Red Bulls, an MLS original who are still seeking the club’s first US Open Cup title, advance to the Quarterfinals for the 10th time, and the first time since 2017 (the year they finished runner-up).

Both teams entered the Round of 16 on the back of impressive road victories. New York triumphed over DC United 3-0 at Audi Field, while Charlotte disposed of the Richmond Kickers at City Stadium 5-1.

The Red Bulls got off to a lightning fast start through Klimala in just the 2nd minute. A corner from Tom Edwards ricocheted off the foot of Aaron Long right into the path of Klimala, who rifled the ball into the top left corner from point-blank range to give the Red Bulls a 1-0 lead.

The ball hit the back of the net 63 seconds into the match, which, according to the club, is the fastest US Open Cup goal ever scored by a Red Bulls player.

Charlotte didn’t dwell on the Klimala tally and responded immediately. A long ball from Kristijan Kahlina in the Charlotte net was misjudged in the air by Sean Nealis, springing Andre Shinyashiki behind the Red Bulls defense. Shinyashiki found Daniel Ríos, who stayed composed and slid the ball through the legs of Nealis and past Carlos Coronel to level the score at one.

Klimala had a prime chance for a brace in the 41st minute, when he received a through ball from Luquinhas and cut back brilliantly on Guzmán Corujo. His left-footed empty curled just inches wide of the far post.

It was a chippy and testy affair that saw six total yellow cards brandished, four to New York and two to Charlotte. Speaking on the performance of referee Ernie Constantine, Red Bulls manager Gerhard Struber did not hold back. 

“This is crazy when you play this level of football and have referees that are not ready. From the tempo, the physical side … the confidence to make good decisions. Especially Luquinhas, we can be happy that he is not injured after a game like that,” Struber said. “I cannot say this was only in our direction, bad decisions in both directions. The referee was outstanding bad.”

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

In the second half, the Red Bulls found another gear. Klimala made his night a memorable one in the 63rd minute, when he blew past Guzmán Corujo and laid a perfect ball across the box to Dylan Nealis who tapped it in to put New York in front 2-1. This tally was a special one for Nealis, as it was his first professional goal.

New York put their finishing touches on the game in the 92nd minute. Luquinhas stole the ball from Christian Makoun deep in the Charlotte half and remained composed, slotting the ball across the six yard box for substitute Tom Barlow to finish off. That made the score 3-1 and sealed the victory for New York.

After their first home victory of the season, the Red Bulls advance to the quarterfinals where they will host NYCFC on June 22 in another rendition of the Hudson River Derby. In the immediate future, New York will welcome an old foe in D.C. United to Red Bull Arena on Saturday in MLS play.

Charlotte FC won’t bring home the US Open Cup in their inaugural MLS season, but there’s still plenty to play for on the MLS side of things. Currently 7th in the Eastern Conference, Charlotte will travel to Lumen Field for a matchup with the CONCACAF Champions League winners Seattle Sounders on Sunday.

2022 US Open Cup Round 4: New York Red Bulls dominate young, rotated D.C. United

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John Tolkin of the New York Red Bulls celebrates after scoring a goal againsts D.C. United in the Fourth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: New York Red Bulls
John Tolkin of the New York Red Bulls celebrates after scoring a goal against D.C. United in the Fourth Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: New York Red Bulls

In a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Round of 32 matchup between two original MLS rivals, the New York Red Bulls came out on top, 3-0, against their hated foe D.C. United at Audi Field on Tuesday night.

Luquinhas, John Tolkin, and Zach Ryan bagged goals against the three-time US Open Cup champions. Ryan Meara was rarely tested in goal, making one save to earn the clean sheet. Despite their close proximity, this was just the third all-time meeting between the two rivals, and the first since 2006.

Red Bull, after some nerves early in the game, settled into the game around the 15th minute and would go on to dominate United’s young and heavily-rotated lineup.

To start the game, things turned on its head for Red Bull and their manager Gerhard Struber, as their club captain & USMNT CB Aaron Long needed to be subbed off after 10 minutes due to “stiffness” in his calf. Uruguayan youth national Lucas Monzon would be first off the bench and even with his lack of minutes with the first team, looked the part for Red Bull in their excellent backline.

Other then the Long injury, the first half was a real snoozer. That would be until the third minute of first half stoppage time where Red Bull would find the breakthrough just before the half time whistle. 

A little over the top ball from Sean Nealis to Frankie Amaya would be the moment to free up space for players making secondary runs towards the box. As Amaya turned back, he found Dru Yearwood in acres of space as the Englishmen rumbled forward.

With the focus on him, Yearwood toe poked the ball into the path of Luquinhas, who got inside his defender and then ripped one far post on DC keeper Rafael Romo to give Red Bull a 1-0 lead and all the momentum going into the locker room.

Even though they were down 1-0 going into the break, D.C. deserves some credit. D.C. heading into the game against Red Bull heavily rotated their team. With a young & hungry team, who were looking to impress manager Chad Ashton, D.C. were running with Red Bull stride for stride in the first half. Unfortunately for them, their quality would be their downfall against an almost full XI from Red Bull.

In the second half, things would turn for the worse if you are a fan of D.C., and pretty quickly. Just three minutes into the second half, left back John Tolkin doubled Red Bulls lead as the team from New York would not look back any time soon.

Luquinhas escaped a doubled team on the RW, and once he got to the end line cut it back to the penalty area where Tolkin was making his run. In an awkward shot while falling, the Chatham, NJ native scored his first goal of 2022.

Red Bull were on their way to a victory at D.C. for the first time since 2020 after going 0-2 last season, but they were not done at Audi Field.

In the 67th minute, Dylan Nealis caught the D.C. sleeping on a FK as he threaded a through ball to a sprinting Cameron Harper down the RW, who would find Zach Ryan at the near post for a tap in and it was 3-0 just like that.

No more goals were scored by either team, but the game started to get physical down the stretch with both teams picking up multiple yellow cards in typical D.C.-Red Bull fashion.

After three minutes of stoppage time, official Matthew Franz blew his whistle one last time and it is Red Bull moving on to the US Open Cup Round of 16 slated for later this month. New York will learn their opponent on Thursday when the USSF conducts the Fifth Round draw.

Post-game

Red Bull’s manager Gerhard Struber in his opening statement postgame said, “We are right now very happy we are in the next round. I expected today from my boys that we go with all our power in this game. We were good in some transition moments, we were sharp when we have the one-on-one chance and we can see how important Luquinhas is for us to create overload moments, to create the right passes, and then we can see how easy it is to score.”

On new young players like Daniel Edelman & Cameron Harper contributing and having very solid individual performances, Struber could not be happier for those two specifically. “Especially some new faces coming in the game, Daniel Edelman today a starting player, the first time for him in the Open Cup and he created and also had a good game. With Cameron Harper in the second half, he has a long-term injury behind him, right now we can see his dribbling ability, also he was clean in the box, and I think in the end, we deserved to win and with this result and this high.

Scorer of the second goal, John Tolkin, said winning at Audi Field was the first thing the boys talked about in the dressing room.  “It’s always a tough place to come here and win. Obviously last year, we didn’t get a win here, so we’re really happy with this. It helps us with our momentum, and we carry it on to this weekend with a big game against Philly.”

Talking to the media for the first time this season, USYNT U20 midfielder Daniel Edelman could not hide his excitement to one, get his first career start for the first team and two get the win.

“I’m super happy and stoked I was able to start today and get the victory”, said Edelman. “I’ve been ready for this moment and I’m always preparing for whenever my chance comes. Today, I got the opportunity, and we got the three points. My teammates and everyone were helping me get through the game and we got the three points.”

Wrap Up

Red Bull have been on fire when it comes to playing on the road this season. With the win, Red Bull improves to 7-0-0 on the road this season in all competitions, outscoring their opponents 18-4 with three clean sheets. They will look to continue that trend at Philadelphia as they look to become the first team in MLS history to start a season 6-0 on the road.

For DC United, that is a wrap on their hopes of capturing their 10th major trophy in franchise history. They now look to improve their form in MLS, which currently has them in 10th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 4-0-5 (12 PTS) as they look for some redemption on the road against Inter Miami.

2022 US Open Cup Round 3: NY Red Bulls score early, hold off Hartford Athletic to advance

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More than 5,000 fans came to Dillon Stadium in Hartford, CT to watch the New York Red Bulls take on Hartford Athletic in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Hartford Athletic
More than 5,000 fans came to Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford, CT to watch the New York Red Bulls take on Hartford Athletic in the Third Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Hartford Athletic

USL Championship side Hartford Athletics’ U.S Open Cup run came to an end on Wednesday night, as New York Red Bulls defeated the Connecticut-based squad 2-1 at Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford, Conn.

New York Red Bulls dominated the attack in the first half, and first found the net in the 18th minute, when Lewis Morgan snuck a ball inside the post from just outside the box after receiving a pass from Brazilian Midfielder Luquinhas. Aaron Long added a second goal eight minutes later, when he tapped in an initial save from Hartford goalkeeper Jimmy Slayton.


Hartford made a number of tactical adjustments and three substitutions in the second half that allowed them to finally get on the offensive. Those adjustments paid off in the 51st minute, when Sierra College product and substitute Conor McGlynn finished a low freekick from 32 year old Colombian (and former TheCup.us Player of the Tournament winner) Danny Barrera. However, Hartford Athletic could not capture this momentum; they ended the game with just four shots compared to New York’s 30. Hartford’s goal marked their only shot on target.

Red Bulls faced a setback in the final minutes of the game when Cristian Cásseres Jr. received a red card for putting his hands to the face of an opponent. He will therefore be unavailable to play in the next round.

This was Hartford’s second appearance in the tournament; they previously made it to the Third Round in 2019 where they were defeated 4-0 by Memphis 901 FC.

With Hartford Athletic’s elimination, New England Revolution will be the sole representative of the New England region when they enter the competition in the Fourth Round.

The Red Bulls will move on to the Fourth Round, where they will travel south to take on fellow MLS side D.C. United, a rival they haven’t played against in Open Cup play since 2006. The game is scheduled to take place on May 10 at Audi Field in Washington D.C.

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 5: Alejandro Bedoya helps Philadelphia Union beat New York Red Bulls, advance to Quarterfinals

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Cory Burke of the Philadelphia Union celebrates his goal against the New York Red Bulls in the Fifth Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Bob Larson | TheCup.us
Cory Burke of the Philadelphia Union celebrates his goal against the New York Red Bulls in the Fifth Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Bob Larson | TheCup.us

For the fourth straight year of US Open Cup action, the Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls faced off. This time around, the Union defeated their MLS rivals, 2-1. With the win, and move on to the Quarterfinals for the fifth time in seven years where they will host either D.C. United or Orlando City SC on July 18.

Cory Burke and Haris Medunjanin each scored for the Union with US international Alejandro Bedoya assisting on both goals to lead the way.

Philadelphia held an 11-6 shots advantage including many prime opportunities within striking distance. Cory Burke headed Fabrice-Jean Picault‘s cross just wide in the 31st minute as the young forward was wide open inside the box. Moments later, Picault’s shot forced Robles to his left to keep the game scoreless. In total, six of the Union’s 11 shots missed the frame in the first half as the home side could have easily taken a lead into the locker room.

After the intermission, the Red Bulls came out with their own opportunities. Connor Lade’s shot from outside the box was blocked a minute after New York earned a free kick that didn’t lead to any threatening chance on goal. Two minutes later, in the 49th minute, Andre Blake was forced to save Kemar Lawrence’s shot before Marc Rzatkowski left-footed shot was blocked in the box. New York threatened with a header that went wide.

The Union finally opened the scoring on Medunjanin’s impressive strike from outside the box. The 52nd-minute goal was Medujanin’s first career Open Cup goal and gave the Union the lead. Bedoya brought the ball up the right wing before finding Medujanin in the center of the field where the midfielder dribbled to his left from about 25 yards out and sent a rocket into the back of the net.

Philadelphia didn’t let up after the much-needed score and doubled their lead less than nine minutes later. Burke, who frustrated the Red Bulls’ defensive unit regularly, capped off a quality team effort as Medunjanin fed Bedoya who sent a through ball to a wide-open Burke in the box.

Each team traded missed chances later in the second half as the Red Bulls attempted to make a comeback. Bradley Wright-Phillips cut the deficit to one as Kaku slotted the ball to the dangerous forward who finished accurately to score his fifth career US Open Cup goal. With that tally, Wright-Phillips ties Amado Guevara for the most tournament goals in club history.

While New York had a few more plays towards goal, the Union’s defensive unit hunkered down and held on for the 2-1 victory over their MLS foes. With the win, the Union remain undefeated against the Red Bulls in Open Cup play (2-0-2, 1-1 PKs). This marked the first time in the Modern Era (1995-present) that two teams have met in four consecutive tournaments.

The win also extends the Union’s tournament unbeaten streak to 12 games (7-0-5, 2-3 PKs), the second-longest in the Modern Era. (NOTE: Matches that end in penalty kicks are officially listed as draws)

2018 US Open Cup Round 5 preview: Round of 16 continues with two Saturday MLS games (video)

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2018 US Open Cup bracketThe Portland Timbers became the first team to punch their ticket to the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy on Friday night. Two more Round of 16 matchups are on the schedule for Saturday night with a pair of MLS vs. MLS games.

At 7 p.m. the Philadelphia Union will host the New York Red Bulls followed by the defending champion Sporting Kansas City welcoming FC Dallas to Children’s Mercy Park.

This is just the ninth time in the Modern Era (1995-present) that a Major League Soccer team has played in a US Open Cup game on a Saturday. The last time it happened was during another World Cup break in 2014 when there were three games on the same night involving MLS teams. In fact, all three of those MLS teams (Chivas USA, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake) were all eliminated by teams from the North American Soccer League (NASL). The two most notable Saturday games of the Modern Era were championship games as the Chicago Fire lifted the trophy in 2000 and the Los Angeles Galaxy won their first US Open Cup title.

Check out a preview of each Saturday game below, including links to tonight’s live video feed.

#USOC2018 coverage:
* 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup schedule, results
* 2018 US Open Cup statistical leaders
* 2018 US Open Cup Player of the Round winners
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 1 review
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 2 review
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 3 review
* 2018 US Open Cup qualifying Round 4 review

MORE: How amateurs Dallas Roma FC beat World Cup champs, an MLS team and it cost $75,000

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2018 US Open Cup Fourth Round

 

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New York Red Bulls (MLS) at Philadelphia Union (MLS)
Talen Energy Stadium – Chester, PA
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: New York Red Bulls at Philadelphia Union

By Phil Naegely

For the first time in the Modern Era (1995-present) two teams will meet for the fourth tournament in a row when the Philadelphia Union take on the New York Red Bulls in US Open Cup play on Saturday night at Talen Energy Stadium. If you include Open Cup qualifying, this will be the fifth meeting with the first match coming in the now-defunct 2010 MLS qualifying tournament. It was one of the first official games at the newly-opened Red Bull Arena and hometown Red Bulls prevailed 2-1 on April 27, 2010.

While the Union have struggled in league play this year, the Philadelphia heads into Saturday’s match riding an 11-game unbeaten streak in Open Cup play,  the second-longest unbeaten streak in the Modern Era (matches that go to penalty kicks are officially listed as a draw). Their last US Open Cup loss was a 3-1 result against the Seattle Sounders in the 2014 Final. In this year’s edition, the Union advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating the Richmond Kickers, 5-0 in the previous round. Five different scorers tallied a goal for Philadelphia in June 6 match.

The New York Red Bulls travel to Chester, PA on short rest after defeating the Seattle Sounders, 2-1 in league play on Wednesday night. New York advanced to face the Union after defeating New York City FC, 4-0 in front of its home crowd.

HISTORY

Philadelphia Union (MLS)
7th US Open Cup appearance

Overall: 13-3-6 (3-3 PK)
Home: 12-2-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 5-3-5 (2-3 PK)
Best finish: Runner-Up (2014, 2015)

After falling in consecutive finals matches in 2014 and 2015 to the Sounders and Sporting Kansas City, respectively, the Union have yet to return to the Semifinals. In the 2016 Quarterfinals, the New England Revolution advanced on a 4-2 decision in penalty kicks after the Union scored an equalizer in the 90th minute to tie the game at 1-1. In 2017, the Red Bulls ousted the Union 5-3 in penalties.

With the Union last playing on Friday, June 8 against Toronto FC, Philadelphia most likely will play its regular players. Alejandro Bedoya and Haris Medunjanin served red-card suspensions during this match, so both of these players should see the field during Saturday’s US Open Cup match.

New York Red Bulls (MLS)
20th US Open Cup appearance

Overall: 22-18-3 (2-1 PK)
Away: 11-12-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 8-10-3 (2-1 PK)
Best finish: Runner-Up (2003, 2017)

Just like the Union, the Red Bulls’ best US Open Cup finish is runner-up. And they have done it twice. In last year’s tournament, the Red Bulls lost 2-1 to Sporting Kansas City. It was their first trip to the Final since 2003 when the Red Bulls (then the Metrostars) lost 1-0 to the Chicago Fire at Giants Stadium.

It wouldn’t be shocking if the Red Bulls rest some of their regular starters after playing a league match on Wednesday. However, nothing is officially confirmed at this time.

2018 US Open Cup Fifth Round Round

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FC Dallas (MLS) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
Children’s Mercy Park – Kansas City, KS
Kickoff: 9 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: FC Dallas at Sporting Kansas City

By Alan Hainkel

At Children’s Mercy Park, two of the best clubs in the MLS Western Conference, Sporting Kansas City and FC Dallas, will meet in a Round of 16 clash in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, named after the original owner of both clubs. The weather is expected to be a factor in the match with a heat advisory predicting temperatures in the upper 90s and heat index readings between 100 and 105 degrees.

FC Dallas picked up a 1-0 win on the road in the Fourth Round over USL side San Antonio FC, while Sporting KC defeated Real Salt Lake 2-0 at Rio Tinto.

Both clubs are in good form of late. Sporting KC is on a seven match unbeaten streak across all competitions, their last loss a 1-0 road defeat to the New England Revolution on April 28. FC Dallas is on an eight match unbeaten streak and have won their last five. Their last loss was on April 29 to NYCFC in a 3-1 match at Yankee Stadium.

This will be the fourth meeting between these two clubs in the US Open Cup and the fourth time that the match has been played in Kansas. In 2004, the then-Kansas City Wizards defeated the then-Dallas Burn 4-0 in a quarterfinal match played at the Blue Valley District Activity Center. In 2015, Sporting KC dismantled FC Dallas 6-2 in a Round of 16 clash, behind four goals from Dom Dwyer and a brace from Krisztián Németh. The 2017 match-up in the quarterfinals saw three red cards as 10-man Sporting KC defeated 9-man FC Dallas 3-0 on three goals in extra time from Latif Blessing (2) and Daniel Salloi.

FC Dallas has two players with six goals each in league play in Roland Lamah and Maxi Urruti. Mauro Diaz leads the club in assists with eight. Sporting KC’s top scorer is Johnny Russell who has six goals across all competitions. Roger Espinoza has a career-high six assists in league play so far in this campaign.

HISTORY

Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
20th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 27-13-6 (4-2 PK)
Home: 19-7-2 (2-0 PK)
vs. MLS teams: 13-8-3 (3-0 PK)
Best finish: 2004, 2012, 2015, 2017 champions

FC Dallas (MLS)
21st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 34-17-6 (5-1 PK)
Away: 14-11-2 (2-0 PK)
vs. MLS teams: 13-12-3 (2-1 PK)
Best finish: 1997, 2016 champions

The matchup is also a meeting of the last three US Open Cups championships. FC Dallas have won the Open Cup twice, in 1997 and 2016. They also reached the final in 2005 and 2007. Sporting KC are the reigning titleholders and have won the Open Cup four times: 2004, 2012, 2015, 2017. If Sporting wins one more title, they will tie the all-time record for most Open Cup championships.

FC Dallas can make history with a win tonight. If they advance, it will be the 17th Quarterfinal appearance for the club, which would tie the all-time tournament record, held by Kutis Soccer Club (St. Louis).

2018 US Open Cup Round 4: NY Red Bulls keep NYCFC winless in tournament with dominate win

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Vincent Bezecourt of the New York Red Bulls celebrates a goal scored against New York City FC in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Bob Larson | TheCup.us
Vincent Bezecourt of the New York Red Bulls celebrates a goal scored against New York City FC in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Bob Larson | TheCup.us

The New York Red Bulls didn’t have superstar attackers Bradley Wright-Phillips or Kaku, but the Major League Soccer power cruised to a 4-0 win over rivals New York City FC in the Fourth Round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

NYCFC has yet to win a match in its four seasons involved in the competition, and fell at Red Bull Arena for the second year in a row without scoring a goal after manager Patrick Vieira made nine changes to the team’s starting XI.

The Red Bulls, who finished as the runner-up in last year’s tournament, were forced to tinker with their lineup as well because of a tight MLS schedule and various players away on international duty.

With Wright-Phillips on the bench to start for the Red Bulls, Vincent Bezecourt wasted no time providing the team with an attacking spark, and broke the deadlock in the third minute with a powerful strike to the bottom right corner.

NYCFC was tested again when Patrick Vieira turned to Sebastien Ibeagha in the sixth minute to replace defender Cedric Hountondji, who was forced out of the match with a leg injury.

NYCFC managed to get more involved in the flow of play as the first half progressed, and nearly found an equalizer in the 37th minute when David Villa’s shot at the near post trickled under goalkeeper Ryan Meara. However, center back Hassan Ndam was in the proper position to clear the ball off the line.

Red Bulls continued to push in the second stanza, and quickly found themselves with a second goal in the 52nd minute after Aaron Long headed home a corner kick.

“First, really good performance from Aaron ,” said manager Jesse Marsch. “Nights like this when it’s the full team isn’t here gives these young guys a chance to develop further. Aaron has become a leader, but it’s important to use these moments to help these guys build and challenge the players to get better and grow.

“When Aaron first came here we knew he was talented and gifted. But if we find talented guys with the right mentality then we feel they can become true Red Bull players.”

In the dying moments, Daniel Royer stamped his way onto the score sheet twice in a span of two minutes, giving Red Bulls their second 4-0 win over their cross-river rivals of this season.

“It’s one of the big positives on the night,” Marsch said. “Danny played a huge role for us tonight. From a confidence standpoint it was really good to see him get back on the scoresheet tonight.”

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