“He’s [Lopez] provided plenty of big moments for this club,” said Republic President and GM Todd Dunivant, who won the 2005 Open Cup in his playing days with LA Galaxy (who just so happen to be Sacramento’s opponent in the Quarterfinal). “It’s exciting for our players to be able to showcase themselves. It’s great for our club and, sure, we’ll be heavy underdogs out there, but we enjoy that role.”
The Galaxy used a variety of youth and veteran players in the early-round wins over Landon Donovan’s San Diego Loyal and Cal United Strikers, but they pulled out the big guns for the 3-1 derby win in the last round against bitter rivals LAFC.
“Any time you have a chance to play for a trophy, and win a trophy, you have to give it everything you can,” said Sacha Kljestan, the 36-year-old veteran creator who was crucial in the early stages of the Galaxy’s run.
“We’ve got a good opportunity here,” Added Kljestan, a 2008 Olympian who knows the pain of losing an Open Cup Final from his time with the Red Bulls [in 2017].
A Derby and a Debutant
The New York Red Bulls have a chance to put right that Final loss five years ago as they’re still alive and kicking in the 2022 edition of the Open Cup. After a 3-1 home win in the last round against new boys Charlotte FC, they face a tricky Hudson River Derby against familiar foes New York City FC – Major League Soccer’s reigning champions.
“When you come up against our rival New York City, there's always a little more feeling,” said the long-serving goalkeeper Ryan Meara ahead of the mid-week home tie at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey. “There's a little more on the line because not only do you want to win and advance but it would hurt even more to get knocked out and for the team you hate the most to win and advance.”
