“We need to stay on the same page and pull in the same direction,” said Legion midfield general Enzo Martinez, who was sensational against Charlotte FC. “All the [Inter] players will be hungry and eager to send their coach a message and we’ll have to be ready for a very difficult game.”
The curtain goes down on the Quarterfinals with another potential cracker in Utah, where LA Galaxy – tied for last place in MLS’ west and desperate for some silverware – will throw everything they have against the hometown Real Salt Lake.
The two only just met in MLS league play on the last day of May. And if that 3-2 result from America First Stadium (in favor of LA) is anything to go by, we could be in for some fireworks in the Cup.
Former FC Barcelona starlet Riqui Puig was in imperious form for the Galaxy in the Round-of-16 win over city rivals LAFC – and RSL’s young Andres Gomez scored one of the goals of the tournament in the Round of 32 in Portland.
“For some clubs it's their one chance to win a trophy so they put their heart and soil into this,” said LA Galaxy’s Memo Rodriguez, who lifted the Open Cup with Houston Dynamo back in 2018. “MLS teams have to play well because you never know what can happen in this Cup.”
Neither club has lifted a trophy since 2009 (RSL, MLS Cup) and 2014 (Galaxy, MLS Cup) respectively – thus making this year’s Open Cup a distinct priority for both.
You can WATCH all four Quarterfinal games LIVE on the Bleacher Report App or B/R Football YouTube (two games) and the CBS Sports Golazo Network (two games).
CLICK HERE to see which games are where.
Fontela is editor-in-chief of usopencup.com. Follow him at @jonahfontela on Twitter.
