Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

2023 US Open Cup

2023 US Open Cup: Andrew Tarbell of Houston Dynamo voted TheCup.us Player of the Tournament

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Andrew Tarbell of Houston Dynamo FC named TheCup.us Player of the Tournament
Photo: Houston Dynamo FC

Houston Dynamo FC goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell was voted the 2023 TheCup.us Player of the Tournament.

Tarbell played every minute of the Dynamo’s run to the club’s second Lamar Hunt US Open Cup title. He had three clean sheets and only allowed three goals, including just a late goal in a 2-1 win in the 2023 US Open Cup Final against Inter Miami on their home turf at DRV Pink stadium, helping bring the trophy back to Houston for just the second time in tournament history.

Tarbell narrowly edged FC Cincinnati’s Alvaro Barreal for the award, with his Dynamo teammate Amine Bassi finishing third.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers from TheCup.us Patreon members.

The Houston Dynamo backup goalkeeper came in with plenty of Open Cup experience. Having played in seven cup games previous to his arrival in Houston, including the 2017 US Open Cup semifinal match with the San Jose Earthquakes in 2017, the 30 year old was certainly up to the task throughout the tournament. He capped off a memorable run with a three save performance in the Dynamo’s victory in the Final.

After being drafted by the San Jose Earthquakes with the 8th overall selection in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, Tarbell was one of the first signees with Houston after general manager Pat Onstad began to rebuild the club following the 2022 season. At Tarbell’s signing, Onstad’s words now seem prophetic, “Andrew is an experienced MLS goalkeeper who brings a winning mentality to our locker room and adds competition to our goalkeeping position. We talked about adding more quality and depth to our roster this offseason and Andrew’s signing aligns with that intention. Plus, his experience on three different MLS Playoff clubs will be invaluable as we restore a winning mentality at our club.”

Tarbell put together six wins en route to the US Open Cup title. His experience and winning mentality may have been at its peak when facing Sporting Kansas City when the Dynamo were down a man for nearly an hour. Sporting the captain’s armband, Tarbell was peppered with 17 shots and tallied four saves officially as Houston won 1-0.

Following that effort in the Round of 32, Tarbell refused to talk about his performance but was not bashful about his team.

“Everyone is working together and at the end of the day if we work together, good results will come if we keep doing that. We are a great unit. We have a good collective mentality about the team and he (Dynamo HC Ben Olsen) was just encouraging that.”

In the Round of 16, the Dynamo benefited from an early red card when Minnesota United had to play a man down starting in the 38th minute. Houston would prevail at home, 4-0.

Houston hit the road in the Quarterfinals and pick up a 4-1 win over the four-time champion Chicago Fire. Tarbell made four saves to earn the win. In the Semifinals, the Dynamo returned home and needed extra time to beat Real Salt Lake, 3-1. Tarbell was only forced to make one save that night.

Including the Final, Tarbell posted 11 saves while conceding just three goals, totaling 300 minutes of play. In the end, without Tarbell who knows if Houston would enjoyed the sweet fruits of victory on a warm summer night in Miami.

Tarbell becomes just the fourth goalkeeper to be named TheCup.us Player of the Tournament. He joins Chris Eylander (Seattle Sounders, 2008), Kasey Keller (Seattle Sounders FC, 2009), Tim Melia (Sporting KC, 2017).

2023 US Open Cup: Juan Agudelo of Birmingham Legion FC voted TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament

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Juan Agudelo of the Birmingham Legion FCBirmingham Legion FC’s Juan Agudelo has been voted TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament for the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Agudelo started every game of Birmingham’s run, scoring three goals (one game-winner) and a game-winning assist to help the USL Championship side upset the club’s first MLS team and became the first Alabama club to reach the Quarterfinals.

The 30-year-old forward won the award over league rival Arturo Ordonez of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, and teammate, Prosper Kasim.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. If you’d like to vote in this poll, please consider a pledge of $10 or more and help us continue to cover the US Open Cup each year and to also research its long history.

Agudelo was a force throughout the tournament, opening his 2023 campaign with a brace against the Chattanooga Red Wolves (USL League One), in a 4-1 win in the Scenic City. In the following match, he went for the Chattanooga double. While Agudelo was kept off the scoresheet, he played 120 minutes in a 1-1 draw at home against Chattanooga FC (NISA). Even though his penalty kick attempt in the shootout was stopped, the Legion prevailed 4-3. Agudelo followed his performance by getting on the scoresheet against Birmingham’s biggest rival, Memphis 901 FC. He opened the scoring in a 3-0 home win to move Legion on to the Round of 16 for the first time in the club’s relatively brief history.

Agudelo then provided an assist in what many would call the biggest moment in Legion history in front of their home fans at Protective Stadium. He delivered a pass to Prosper Kasim in the 60th minute which would be the only goal Birmingham would need in a 1-0 win over Charlotte FC (MLS). Birmingham’s run would come to an end with a 1-0 loss to Inter Miami CF, but Agudelo was a handful all night for the MLS team’s backline in front of a record crowd of 18,418.

The former US international had a tournament to remember, leading his team to a cup run that will not soon be forgotten by Birmingham Legion fans.

2023 US Open Cup: Who should be TheCup.us Players of the Tournament?

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With the 2024 Qualifying Rounds well under way, it’s time to put the finishing touches on the 2023 edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The Houston Dynamo, under the direction of Ben Olsen, lifted their second Cup last month after dropping Inter Miami, 2-1, at DRV PNK Stadium. For Olsen, it was his second Open Cup title as a manager – the first coming a decade earlier, in 2013, with DC United.

While an MLS team did lift the Cup, the lower divisions of the US Soccer pyramid kept the magic alive in the 108th edition of the US Open Cup. Across 97 matches in the tournament proper, there were 11 “cupsets.” Notably, the Birmingham Legion and Pittsburgh Riverhounds kept that magic going all the way to a joint exit in the Quarterfinals.

Following each year’s competition, TheCup.us honors a player with the distinction of being named the “Player of the Tournament” for their outstanding performance on the pitch. Additionally, TheCup.us added a Lower Division Player of the Tournament beginning in 2012 with the goal of honoring players from lower division squads (Open Division, Division 3 and Division 2) who made the most of their opportunities, helping their teams make memorable runs in the tournament that year.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. If you’d like to vote in this poll, please consider a pledge of $10 or more and help us continue to cover the US Open Cup and its long history.

Additionally, we encourage everyone to read over each players’ tournament resume and make your case for who you think should win the award in the comments or on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).

With all that out of the way, let’s meet our 2023 finalists, first for the Overall Player of the Tournament, and then for the Lower Division Player of the Tournament:

2023 TheCup.us Player of the Tournament Nominees

Alvaro Barreal (FC Cincinnati, MLS, Div. 1)

Barreal helped FC Cincinnati reach all the way to the Semifinals for the second time in club history and the first time since joining MLS. In the Third Round, he came off the bench in the 61st minute and assisted on the lone goal of the derby match with Louisville City FC (USL-C) in the 85th minute. The next round, Barreal went the full 90 while again assisting on the match winner in the 56th minute in a 1-0 triumph over New York City FC (MLS). While he was limited in action in the Fifth Round (Round of 16), he did come off the bench in the 73rd minute and then scored the deciding PK in a 1-1 (5-3 PK win) draw at New York RedBulls (MLS).

In the Quarterfinals, he had the magic touch. In a 3-1 win over Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C), he entered the match as a 60th-minute substitute and almost immediately scored the match winner in the 71st minute – a goal that was nominated for FIFA Goal of the Year. He then assisted on the third goal of the match.

In the Semifinals, he went 105 minutes in a 3-3 draw before his team fell, 3-3 (4-5 PK), to Inter Miami CF (MLS). For the tournament, he scored one goal and had two assists.

Amine Bassi (Houston Dynamo FC, MLS, Div. 1)

A member of the 2023 champions, Amine Bassi was a pivotal member of the squad with two goals and a tournament-high four assists. While he was fairly quiet in the Third and Fourth Rounds, he did play 73 minutes and assisted on one goal in a 4-0 win over Minnesota United FC (MLS) in the Fifth Round to help his team through.

In the Quarterfinals, he again went 73 minutes and scored the opening goal via penalty in a 4-1 road win over Chicago Fire FC (MLS). His best match was the Semifinal win over Real Salt Lake (MLS), going the full 120 minutes in a 3-1 extra time home victory that saw him assist on all three tallies. In the Final, he started, played 84 minutes, and scored the game-winning goal in the 33rd minute on his second PK conversion of the tournament as the Dynamo lifted their second Open Cup trophy with a 2-1 win over Inter Miami CF.

Andrew Tarbell (Houston Dynamo FC, MLS, Div. 1)

Another member of the 2023 US Open Cup-winning team, Andrew Tarbell was a steadying presence in goal for the Dynamo. While spending the entire regular season as the backup to Steve Clark, Tarbell was crowned the team’s Open Cup goalkeeper and he played in all six matches. In that Cup run, he collected three clean sheets for the Dynamo and posted 15 saves while giving up just three goals.

In the Third Round, Tarbell was largely untested against the Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C) in a 1-0 win. However, in the Fourth Round he stood tall and parried away four shots while securing another 1-0 win over Sporting KC (MLS) – the Dynamo played with only 10 men from the 35th minute on in the victory. In the Fifth Round (Round of 16), Tarbell posted his third consecutive clean sheet with a three-save performance in a 4-0 win over Minnesota United FC (MLS).

In the Quarterfinals, he collected four saves in a 4-1 road win over Chicago Fire (MLS) before turning around and playing 120 minutes in a 3-1 extra time home win over RSL (MLS) – posting one save. In the Final, he went the full 90 in another three-save performance against Inter Miami to secure the club’s second US Open Cup title.

 

2023 TheCup.us Lower Division Player of the Tournament Nominees

Juan Agudelo (Birmingham Legion FC, USL-C, Div. 2)

Juan Agudelo started every match of Birmingham’s Quarterfinal run, scoring three goals – including a match winner – and adding an assist as the Legion became the first Alabama club in the tournament’s 108-year history to reach the Quarterfinals. His assist was on a match winner as well, a 1-0 cupset of Charlotte FC (MLS). Agudelo was one of just nine players to score three or more goals in the tournament.

In the Second Round, Agudelo bagged a brace as the Legion secured a 4-1 win over Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1). In the Fourth Round, he started and played 73 minutes while scoring the opening (and match-winning) goal in the 20th minute against Memphis 901 FC (USL-C). After his assist helped secured passage over Charlotte FC, the Legion’s first win over an MLS side in club history, he went the full 90 in a 1-0 loss to eventual runner’s up Inter Miami.

Prosper Kasim (Birmingham Legion FC, USL-C, Div. 2)

Prosper Kasim started all five matches in the Legion’s march to the Quarterfinals, scoring two goals and one assist. One of his goals will forever be remembered as it was the match winner against Charlotte FC to not only give the Legion their first-ever triumph over an MLS foe, but also leading Birmingham to heights that no other Alabama-based side has ever ascended in the tournament.

In the Third Round, a 1-1 home draw that needed a 4-3 penalty kick win to secure passage to the next round, Kasim scored the Legion’s only goal against Chattanooga FC (NISA). Against Memphis 901 FC (USL-C), he assisted on the 3rd goal in a 3-0 win. He then scored the lone goal in a 1-0 cupset of Charlotte FC (MLS) in the Fifth Round (Round of 16) before going the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 loss to Inter Miami (MLS) in the Quarterfinals.

Arturo Ordonez (Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, USL-C, Div. 2)

A member of the only other USL Championship side to reach the Quarterfinals, Arturo Ordonez appeared in every match. He was the anchor defensively for a Riverhounds side that posted three clean sheets – a team who reached the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2001.

Those three shutouts were rattled off in quick succession. The Third Round was a 2-0 win over the Maryland Bobcats (NISA) before starting and going the full 90 in a 1-0 “cupset” on the road against the New England Revolution (MLS) in the Fourth Round. Not satisfied with one MLS scalp, Ordonez then went the distance again in a consecutive 1-0 shutout of an MLS team, the Columbus Crew. He then started and played 90 minutes against FC Cincinnati, the eventual MLS Supporters’ Shield winners, in a 3-1 road loss.

2023 US Open Cup Final: Houston Dynamo’s Griffin Dorsey voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

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Photo: Houston Dynamo FC

Outside back Griffin Dorsey led the Houston Dynamo FC to their second Lamar Hunt US Open Cup title in franchise history back on Sept. 27. The 24-year-old, drafted in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, has taken his time emerging as on offensive threat off the Houston backline. His goal in the 24th minute and a solid defensive performance sparked Houston to a 2-1 win over a Messi-less Inter Miami CF squad.

His performance in the 2023 US Open Cup Final earned him TheCup.us Player of the Round honors.

The Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) of TheCup.us’ Patreon team. Griffin edged out Houston Dynamo teammates Amine Bassi and Nelson Quiñónes for the award.

Dorsey, who was an original draft pick of Toronto FC, opened the scoring in the 108th US Open Cup Final. The former U.S. youth international broke down the right side and buried a right-footed blast top shelf far post leaving nothing to the imagination. Along with his Dynamo teammates, Griffin’s defensive performance nearly earned Houston a shutout in the championship game, but a stoppage time goal by Josef Martinez ruined the clean sheet. Despite that, Houston held on for the club’s second Open Cup title, and they remain the only South Texas club in history to lift the trophy (they are just the fourth team from Texas to win the tournament).

Under first-year Dynamo head coach Ben Olsen, the former Indiana Hoosier University player has flourished. Since early July, Dorsey has secured the right back position as his own starting ten of the team’s previous 12 games. Before that, Dorsey’s name had been called inconsistently at best with just four starts in Houston’s first 20 matches across all competitions.

When asked about Dorsey’s transformation, Olsen was quick to point out his attitude and work ethic while on the bench.

“He’s a wonderful kid and a wonderful human, and the fact that he’s been on the bench early in the year, it makes me think I was crazy,” said Olsen. “He worked at his craft, he didn’t sulk, he’s a great example of a guy that’s out of it, coming in, saying, ‘What do I need to do to get on the field? What do I need to work on?’ Grabbing assistant coaches, doing film work. And he’s just a great example for guys too, when you’re not in favor of how to get out of it.”

Dorsey’s riveting goal has everyone talking about his future. A future that included two more starts to end the season and most likely a start in the post season against Portland on Saturday Oct. 21. For the moment though, the former Toronto FC draft pick will just enjoy the hard work that has paid off with the Houston Dynamo coaching staff’s trust and confidence in his ability.

Trust it when Olsen says, “At this point, there’s no way I’m taking him off the field.”

2023 US Open Cup Final: Houston Dynamo uses hot start to beat Inter Miami, bring trophy back to H-Town

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Photo: Houston Dynamo FC

A dominant first-half performance was more than good enough to see Houston Dynamo FC claim the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup championship at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on Wednesday night.

The 2-1 win over Inter Miami CF marks the second time Houston has lifted the US Open Cup trophy, following the team’s first cup title in 2018.

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Houston’s Ben Olsen also lifted his second Open Cup as a manager, but his first piece of silverware with Houston. Olsen previously claimed the Open Cup as manager of DC United in 2013.

“The road to get here is always a wild one,” Olsen said after the victory. “I’ve always respected this tournament. I’m romantic with it. It means a lot to me. Amateur teams get to play bigger teams, it’s always a neat concept and idea. D.C. United always took it in the right way, and we did that this year.”

Inter Miami CF struggled to generate chances, as the team was missing star Lionel Messi, who was held out of the match by manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino. Messi was substituted early in Miami’s 4-0 victory over Toronto last week and did not appear in the team’s 1-1 draw with Orlando on Sunday. Defender Jordi Alba was also held off the Miami team sheet.

“(Messi) will play before the season will be over” Martino told the press through a translator. “We will go match-by-match defining how things are going and seeing if the medical department will give him the OK to play without any medical risk.”

“We prepared all week for Messi and Alba,” Olsen said. “Let’s be honest, they’re a different team with and without them. I think they missed him tonight, and I think they missed Alba. That’s OK. They’re still a pretty good team.

“If I was missing Hector Herra tonight, it would have been a different game. But I’m not crying for them.”

Dynamo thoroughly controlled play in the first half, racking up 18 shots to Miami’s one.

Houston threatened early and often. Nelson Quiñónes found multiple opportunities in the first 20 minutes, forcing Miami’s defense into multiple last-grasp clearances. Miami’s attempt to play off the counter foundered, as Houston routinely pounced on Miami’s inability to clear out of its own half.

The first of the Houston goals came from Griffin Dorsey in the 24th minute. Dorsey received a ball from Artur, made a run into the right side of the box and fired a rocket of a shot from close range into the back of the net.

“Griffin is a great human, and the fact that I had him on the bench at the start of the season makes me think I was crazy,” Olsen said. “He is a great example of, as a player, when you’re not in favor, how to get out of it. At this point, there’s no way I’m taking him off the field.”

Less than 10 minutes later, Miami defender DeAndre Yedlin caught Quiñónes in the box for a clear penalty opportunity. Amine Bassi took the attempt and converted on a low shot down the middle. A diving Drake Callendar had no chance. It was the second goal of the tournament (both from the penalty spot) for Bassi, who finished as the tournament’s leader with four assists.

The results weren’t just visible on the scoresheet. In the 39th minute, Miami midfielder Diego Gómez attempted to hold possession. Houston forward Corey Baird hounded him for possession, tracking him back yards before Gómez was forced to pass back into his own defense. The moment was a microcosm of Miami’s first-half frustration.

“I think we were so up for this match that we put so much into that,” Olsen said. “Really just dialed in. That takes a lot of stamina, both physically and mentally.”

Houston nearly sealed the match in the 73rd minute, as Quiñónes finally found the back of the net, but a VAR review found he was inches offside. Miami had life.

Inter Miami made the match interesting late in the second half, with a goal scored by Josef Martinez in the second minute of stoppage time. Facundo Farias played a ball into him into the box and Martinez was able to shield off a defender and launch a shot between the legs of goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell. But the Dynamo’s second-half defensive strategy held strong and paid off with a victory.

Martino attributed Miami’s sluggish start to both injury and fatigue. Wednesday’s final marks the 42nd game for the club, 29 in Major League Soccer, 7 in Leagues Cup and 6 in the US Open Cup.

“We’ve been playing a number of matches. That has a cost, physically and mentally,” Martino said. “We have a final on Saturday, and another on Wednesday in Chicago. We can’t complain, but we’re attempting to do our best.”

In addition to lifting the club’s fourth major trophy (2006 MLS Cup, 2007 MLS Cup, 2018 US Open Cup), Houston claims $300,000 in prize money. The Dynamo already earned a spot in next year’s CONCACAF Champions League, as Inter Miami earned its bid into the competition by winning the Leagues Cup last month. Miami earned $100,000 as the runner-up.

2023 US Open Cup Final preview: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami CF host Houston Dynamo in all-MLS title game

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More than 200 teams began the journey for the 108th Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Starting back in September of 2022 with the first of four qualifying rounds, only two teams now remain. The winner will be crowned on Wednesday evening when Inter Miami CF hosts the Houston Dynamo FC. Unlike last year’s run to the Final by Sacramento Republic of the USL Championship (Div. 2 pro) this is an all-MLS affair. For the 26th time since the league launched in 1996, a Major League Soccer team will lift the cup.

Some folks may consider Houston the underdog in this game, as Inter Miami is firmly has struggled mightily this MLS season and could miss their post-season entirely. However, the club is very much the hotter side. Major international signings like World Cup winner Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets have ignited the team in recent months. Inter won the Leagues Cup on Aug. 20, its first ever major trophy. Coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino is trying to win his 2nd US Soccer Major trophy (2018 MLS Cup). Houston will be trying for their second Open Cup title in as many finals (2018). Coach Ben Olsen is looking for his second title as a coach to go with one as a player (2008).

The teams have met three times in league play over three seasons (no Open Cup) with Houston leading the series 2 wins to 1 (4 goals to 2)

Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) at Inter Miami CF (MLS)
DRV PNK Stadium; Fort Lauderdale, FL
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast (ENG) Paramount +, CBS Sports Network; (ESP) Telemundo, Peacock, NBC Universo

Visitor: Houston Dynamo FC (MLS play: 12-7-11, 42 points, 4th place in Western Conference)
2nd USOC Final appearance – 1 title (2018)
15th USOC – appearance
Overall: 24-2-12 (1-1 PK)
on road: 5-1-7 (0-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 10-1-10 (1-0 PK)
Won 5 straight USOC games
Won 2 straight USOC road games

Coach: Ben Olsen – record 12-4-5 (2-2 PK) with DC United 2010-2020 & Houston Dynamo 2022-present

The Houston Dynamo are only the fourth Texas side to make the final. They’re also the only Texas winner since the Dallas Burn/FC Dallas’ run of four final appearances (winning in 1997 & 2016, losing in 2005 & 2007). Head Coach, Ben Olsen, is trying to win his 2nd US Soccer Major trophy (2013 US Open Cup). As a player he has won three US Soccer Major trophies: US Open Cup (2008) MLS Cup (1999, 2004)

Olsen has rebuilt the team after a string of paltry, and worse, seasons since 2018. This includes two 13th-place finishes. This is a side that has no remnants of the team that won it back in 2018.

Houston’s captain, Hector Herrera, is looking forward to a rematch with Leo Messi. Herrera’s Mexico and Messi’s Argentina battled in the most recent FIFA World Cup. Messi’s side won that game 2-0, with Messi bagging the game winner, just 10 months ago in Qatar.

Path to the Final: Houston Dynamo FC

Third Round: 1-0 road win over Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship)

Houston wins their opening game in the tournament for the ninth year in a row. A high energy game was decided by a 43rd minute goal by 18-year-old Brooklyn Raines.

Fourth Round: 1-0 home win over Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

Iceland international, Thor Úlfarsson, scored the lone goal in the 12th minute to see the home side through to the 5th round.

Fifth Round: – 4-0 win over Minnesota United FC (MLS)

Led by a Corey Baird hat trick (a first-ever for Houston Dynamo player in the USOC), the Dynamo manhandled a short-handed Minnesota side to advance.

Quarterfinal: 4-1 road win over Chicago Fire FC (MLS)

Nelson Quiñónes and Ibrahim Aliyu each had 2 goals to leave 4-time Open Cup winners, Chicago Fire, out of the running.

Semifinal: 3-1 extra time win over Real Salt Lake (MLS)

Amine Bassi had 3 assists, one each for Héctor Herrera, Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla, and Luís Caicedo to advance to their second final.

Texas teams that have made the USOC Final

  • Richardson Rockets (SISL) 1991 (Lost)
  • El Paso Patriots (USISL Pro) 1995 (Lost)
  • Dallas Burn (MLS) 1997 (Won in PKs)
  • FC Dallas (MLS) 2005 (Lost)
  • FC Dallas  (MLS) 2007 (Lost)
  • FC Dallas  (MLS) 2016 (Won)
  • Houston Dynamo (MLS) 2018 (Won)
  • Houston Dynamo (MLS) 2023 (???)

Host: Inter Miami CF (MLS play: 9-5-15, 32 Points, 14th place in Eastern Conference)

1st USOC Final appearance
2nd USOC appearance
Overall: 5-3-0 (2-1 PK)
at Home: 3-0-0
vs. MLS: 1-2-0 (1-1 PK)
Unbeaten in their last 8 USOC games

Coach “Tata” Martino – record 2-1-2 (1-0 PK) with Atlanta United 2016-2018 & Inter Miami 2023-present

Inter Miami are just the fourth Florida team to make it to the US Open Cup final. If they can win it, they will be the third winner and the second in as many years – Orlando City SC won the title last year. Inter has had a more down than up season, currently sitting in 14th place in MLS’ Eastern Conference. A victory over Houston would give the Herons their 1st Open Cup title in their 1st Open Cup Final appearance. This game is also a potential domestic and North American double, having won the Leagues Cup on August 20.

With a victory here, and if they can find some consistency and points, they could limp into the playoffs which would set them up for a potential domestic and North American treble (Leagues Cup, Open Cup, MLS Cup), so Miami has a lot to play for.

New hero, Lionel Messi, is coming off a precautionary rest day last weekend against Orlando City. The recent workload he has been given has aggravated an old injury, so the 36-year-old Messi was not suited up in Orlando. He is expected to start in the final.

Path to the Final: Inter Miami CF

Third Round: 2-2 road draw (aet) winning 5-3 on pks over Miami FC (USL Championship)

A 2nd minute goal by Miami FC was nearly enough to oust the Herons but an 89th minute equalizer from Shanyder Borgelin forced the extra frames. Miami FC re-took the lead in the 116th but Ryan Sailor equalized in the 118th minute.

Fourth Round: 1-0 home win over Charleston Battery (USL Championship)

In a very tight contest, a 48th minute Charleston own goal was the difference to send the MLS side through to the 5th round.

Fifth Round: 2-1 home win over Nashville FC (MLS)

Two second half goals by Franco Negri in the 57th and Nicolas Steffanelli in the 73rd minute got the job done for the home side.

Quarterfinals: 1-0 road win over Birmingham Legion FC (USL Championship)

Through the swirls of Messi rumors, the Herons got the job done through a 56th minute goal from Nicolas Steffanelli.

Semifinals: 3-3 road draw (aet) winning 5-4 on pks over FC Cincinnati (MLS)

Lionel Messi stamped himself on this game. After spotting Cincy a 2-goal lead, Messi would set up Leonardo Campana, TWICE, in the second half (68th, 90+7) to equalize. Josef Martinez put Miami in front in the 93rd, but Cincy would find a third goal to force PKs.

Florida teams that have made the USOC Final

  • St. Petersburg Kickers (amateur) 1989 (Won)
  • Miami Fusion (MLS) 2000 (Lost)
  • Orlando City SC (MLS) 2022 (Won)
  • Inter Miami CF (MLS) 2023 (???)

2023 US Open Cup Semifinals: Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

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Stop reading this if you have heard this before: Lionel Messi wins an award.

Among all of his accomplishments, Messi can add the TheCup.us’ Player of the Round for the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Semifinals to his resume.

Messi won the award over the Houston Dynamo’s Amine Bassi (who had a record-tying 3 assists vs. RSL), and his Inter Miami teammate Leonardo Campana. Campana scored twice, including a late equalizer in second half stoppage time. Both goals were assisted by Messi.

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

How did Messi fare in Inter Miami’s the Semifinal? He completed 85% of his passes, had five successful dribbles, completed all his long passes, and chipped in twice defensively winning both of his tackles. But the headlines of the night were his two assists. The first was a 68th minute equalizer to Campana, and then his wonder pass to assist Campana’s second goal seven minutes into stoppage time to get Miami into extra time where they would eventually win on penalties. Of course, Messi converted on his team’s first penalty kick in the shootout.

Messi’s performance may have left something to be desired, but the #MagicCityMagician knows how to place his stamp on the game at the right moments. There is no doubt that Inter Miami’s recent signings have shouldered the load since their arrival, none has done more that Argentine superstar. Messi was about thirty yards from frame when he saw an opportunity that no one else in the stadium could have fathomed. His chipped cross landed right in the path of Campana who made no mistake with his header in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

Since Messi’s arrival and first match against Cruz Azul (Liga MX) on July 21, Miami is undefeated in all contests. Their only dropped points came as a result of scoreless draw at home against a tough Nashville side they already bested in the Leagues Cup. To say that Messi has changed Miami supporters belief in what can be completed this season, is an understatement. At the time of writing, Miami is six points behind the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with two games in hand. While running the table may not be necessary for entry, every club in the Eastern Conference will be dreading a matchup with Miami when the MLS Playoffs arrive.

The Messi factor has also spilled its way into the greater South Florida area. Local stores and online retailers have found it nearly impossible to keep up with the demand for Miami kits. The MLS Messi nameplate is nearly impossible to find. On a national level, CBS Sports’ has reported that their coverage of the Semifinal match was the sixth-most streamed match ever on their platform. It’s worth noting that CBS Sports (Paramount+), is the current rights holder for Serie A and the UEFA Champions League. Add to those figures Telemundo’s Spanish coverage, and with the game broadcast in more than 100 countries worldwide, it is without a doubt the most viewed US Open Cup match of all-time.

The 2023 US Open Cup run is still not over. Miami will host Houston on Sept. 27 at DRV PNK Stadium. Can Messi secure the United States’ oldest soccer trophy? Will the cup final be the most streamed fixture in the US? Only time will tell, but Miami will be a force to be reckoned with and should be the odds-on favorite to lift the Lamar Hunt Trophy.

2023 US Open Cup Semifinals: Who should be TheCup.us Player of the Round?

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The 108th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup came down to a pair of games on Wednesday night, and both of them needed extra time to be decided.

Inter Miami CF traveled to FC Cincinnati and battled to a dramatic 3-3 draw in front of a packed crowd. Miami would prevail in the penalty kick shootout, 5-4. The next match a match that culminated in a penalty kick shootout. In the second game, the Houston Dynamo defended their home turf with a 3-1 extra time win over Real Salt Lake. It was just the third time in tournament history that both Semifinals went to extra time.

Since 2006, TheCup.us has set out to honor the best individual performance of each round.

The award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters, and select backers from TheCup.us’ Patreon. If you’d like to vote in this, or the upcoming “Player of the Tournament” vote, consider pledging $10 or more and help us continue to cover the US Open Cup and research it’s long history.

Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order):

Amine Bassi (Houston Dynamo)

Bassi played all 120 minutes and assisted on all three of Houston’s goals in a 3-1 home win vs. Real Salt Lake (MLS). He becomes just the 14th player in the Modern Era to have 3 assists in a game

Leonardo Campana (Inter Miami CF)
Played 90 minutes and scored the first two goals, including the game-tying goal in the final minute of second half stoppage time in Inter’s 3-3 road draw at FC Cincinnati (MLS). Miami won the PK shootout 5-4.
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF)
Played 120 minutes and assisted on the Miami’s first two goals, including the game-tying assist in the final minute of second half stoppage time in Inter’s 3-3 road draw at FC Cincinnati (MLS). He also scored his PK attempt in Miami’s 5-4 penalty kick win.

2023 TheCup.us Player of the Round winners

Round 1: Nicklas Rulle (Jacksonville Armada U-23s)
Round 2: AR Smith Jr. (Chicago House AC)
Round 3: Christian Volesky (Monterey Bay FC)
Round 4: Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United FC)
Round of 16: Corey Baird (Houston Dynamo)
Quarterfinals: Damir Kreilach (Real Salt Lake)

2023 US Open Cup Semifinals: Houston Dynamo need OT to survive RSL, return to Final

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Houston Dynamo celebrate after scoring a goal against Real Salt Lake in the Semifinals of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Vos_Castellanos
Houston Dynamo celebrate after scoring a goal against Real Salt Lake in the Semifinals of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: @FutbolPlusBrews (IG)

The Houston Dynamo beat Real Salt Lake 3-1 in extra time to advance to the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final on Wednesday at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston.

Héctor Herrera, Adalberto Carrasquilla, and Luís Caicedo scored in the win. Amine Bassi provided assists for all three of Houston’s goals.

Houston will face Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in South Florida in the championship game on Sept. 27 at an undetermined site.

This is Houston’s second Open Cup Final. In 2018 the Dynamo captured the club’s first Open Cup title with a 3-0 win at home over the Philadelphia Union.

It was clear from the opening whistle RSL was going to do everything possible to disrupt the fluid possession-orientated attack Houston has become known for under first-year coach, Ben Olsen. RSL’s Jefferson Savarino set the tone of the match early with his second-minute foul on Houston’s captain, Herrera.

The chippy game made it difficult for either team to establish any real rhythm as the first half progressed. Houston’s Griffin Dorsey was shown the first of 10 yellow cards on the night in just the 22nd minute for a bad foul on Braian Ojeda, followed by Herrera in the 38th for a hard foul on RSL goalkeeper Zac MacMath. RSL’s Brayan Vera was also shown yellow in resulting scuffle following the foul on the goalkeeper.

With just moments left in added time, Herrera broke the deadlock thanks to a gift from RSL defender Andrew Brody. Brody’s failed clearance fell to the feet of Bassi, who played Herrera a square ball only a few yards from an all-but-open goal five minutes into stoppage time.

Still reeling from the defensive miscue, it looked like things went from bad to worse for RSL when Corey Baird took advantage of yet another ball bungled by the RSL back line eight minutes into stoppage time. After a long look at the replay the goal was called back when it was determined Baird came from an offside position to score.

In the second half, Houston came out seeming to finally have wrangled some semblance of control of the game. Carrasquilla, Baird, and Franco Escobar all had decent chances early on in the second half.

The tide turned somewhat for RSL when captain and Open Cup leading scorer, Damir Kreilach was replaced by Anderson Julio in the 56th minute.

Eight minutes after coming on, Julio outjumped the entire Houston defense to slam-dunk a header from close range to level the score at one.

After nearly half an hour of choppy, chippy play, and the sultry night wearing negatively affecting both team’s execution in front of goal, the game went to extra time.

Again it was a defensive blunder from RSL, turning over the ball dangerously close to their own goal, and again it was the cool head of Bassi, this time finding Carrasquilla in front of the goal. Carrasquilla easily pushed the ball around a desperate defender and slammed the ball past a helpless MacMath to put the hosts back into the lead.

Things went from bad to worse for RSL when Vera lost all semblance of composure after getting tangled up field. Vera swung wildly as the fresh-legged Caicedo glided past him, striking him violently in the face. Vera stood over the felled Caicedo, offering his opinion on the matter before players from both sides intervened. Vera was immediately shown his second yellow card of the match, resulting in his expulsion. During the review process, the yellow card was rescinded and he was given a straight red card for the violent conduct.

But it was Caicedo who had the last laugh, once again taking advantage of the RSL defender’s discomfort with the ball. Sufficiently recovered from the bludgeoning he received from Vera, Caicedo’s tireless pressure paid off when he won possession of the ball close to goal. Caicedo found Bassi inside the penalty area, who played him right back, giving Caicedo a simple finish to the far post for Houston’s third goal on the night mere seconds before the final whistle.

With the win, Houston becomes just the eighth Texas club to reach the Final.

 

2023 US Open Cup Semifinals: Messi leads comeback, Inter Miami wins PK shootout with FC Cincinnati

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Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF lines up a free kick against FC Cincinnati in the 2023 US Open Cup Semifinals. Photo: Daniel Roesch

Inter Miami spotted FC Cincinnati a two-goal lead before doing the improbable against Major League Soccer’s best team. The Herons scored three unanswered goals, then gave up an equalizer in extra time before earning a berth in the 2023 US Open Cup Final on penalty kicks.

Leonardo Campana netted a brace accounting for Lionel Messi’s two assists in his US Open Cup debut. Just days away from having won the Leagues Cup, Inter Miami’s 3-3 draw, and shootout win opens the door for Messi to lift a trophy in yet another championship match.

It was a game in which Inter Miami was completely outplayed and yet Messi refused to allow his team to lose. And he did it in front of a sold-out crowd of 25,213 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. It was the ninth-largest crowd to witness a US Open Cup game in the 107-year history of the tournament.

Trailing 2-0, Messi on a set piece just outside the box to the left of FCC keeper Alec Kann delivered a perfect ball to the head of Campana in the 68th minute. With just seconds remaining second half stoppage time, Messi again delivered a ball to Campana who once again finished to tie the match.

Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino succinctly described Messi’s performance. “Today we needed him to be a conductor and not a finisher.”

Despite leading the possession battle 62%-38%, Inter Miami trailed at the half. Luciano Acosta in the 18th minute of play banged a ball off the post for the only marker of the night. It came after some sloppy backline play that led to a turnover in the defensive third. It was the Cincinnati captain’s first Open Cup goal, and the second of his career. His first came in 2018 as a member of D.C. United in a match that ended 1-1 with Orlando City SC. United would fall in penalty kicks that night.

Miami picked up the pace in the second half but it was Cincinnati that found the back of the net. On a quick counter in the 52nd minute, Brandon Vazquez found himself alone at the top of the 18 with a ball from Santiago Arias. A right footed laser inside the far post doubled the FCC lead.

Cincinnati had its moments to put the game away but was unable to do. In the 73rd minute, an open look by Yuya Kubo forced the Miami keeper Drake Callender into another tough save. Callender was also called upon in stoppage time to stop Santiago Arias’ close range shot following sloppy backline play once again by Miami.

Inter Miami took its first lead of the night on a Josef Martinez goal in the third minute of the first extra time. FCC equalized in the second extra time period as Kubo did not miss on his next opportunity against Callender in the 114th minute.

Tied after 120 minutes of play, the game went to penalty kicks where Messi and company prevailed 5-4 to advance to the US Open Cup Final on September 27. Messi converted Miami’s first of five successful attempts. FC Cincinnati’s Nick Hagglund had his PK saved by Callender in the fifth round, which allowed another Argentine to be the hero. 18-year-old Benjamin Cremaschi, a Miami native, scored the winning penalty to send Inter Miami to the championship game.

With the shootout win, Inter Miami becomes just the second Miami club, and the fourth Florida-based club, to reach the Open Cup Final in the history of the tournament.

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