The Republic beat three MLS teams in total in that famous 2022, before losing out on the road to Orlando City in the Final. And they’re off to the races with a major upset already in this year's tournament. A 4-3 win over the San Jose Earthquakes set the table for potentially another glorious year in Cup play.
“You dream about playing in a Final and winning it [all]. The Open Cup’s just got that little extra bit of pressure and excitement.” said Kieran Phillips, who scored twice in the NorCal thriller with the Quakes in the last round. “You’re willing to push a little more and give a little more to make sure you win. Cup competitions are ruthless really…you have to just go for it 100 percent.”
LAFC Looking for a First
The final contest in the MLS-vs-USL trio of games pits LAFC against New Mexico United.
While the 2022 MLS Cup Champions will be the home side, playing at their BMO Stadium near Downtown LA, New Mexico United have chartered several planes so the club’s fans can bring the #SomosUnidos love from back home in Albuquerque.
It’s bound to be a pulsating encounter, with the two clubs in first place in their respective league’s western conferences and both sets of fans hungry to lift the Open Cup for a first time.
“The lower-division team always has to come in with more desire,” said midfielder Daniel Bruce, the only remaining player from New Mexico United’s inaugural year (2019) Open Cup run to the Quarterfinals. “MLS sides are always heavy favorites. The underdog is a title we’ll take. Mistakes are more magnified and the anxiety is higher.
“It’s win or go home,” added Bruce.
Aaron Long – the LAFC defender who won silver in the 2017 Open Cup with the New York Red Bulls – is eager to push it one step farther this year. “This is where things start ramping up – the Quarters and the Semis and there’s that Final up ahead,” said the 31-year-old former lynchpin of the USMNT rearguard.
“This is what we’re in this business for,” Long added. “To try to win trophies and we’re taking this very seriously.”
All-MLS Affair in Kansas
The early game on July 10th is the only one of the Quarterfinal Round between two teams from the same division – as Sporting Kansas City open Children’s Mercy Park to old foes FC Dallas (who they meet there two days earlier in MLS league play). FC Dallas won the Open Cup in 1997 (as the Dallas Burn) and 2016 while SKC – like the Seattle Sounders – are vying to become the first side in the MLS Era to win a fifth Open Cup crown.
“This is a trophy that is close to our hearts here in Dallas,” said Maarten Paes, recently named one of three MLS All-Stars for the goalkeeping position for 2024. “If we win this, we’ll get to host the Semi and it’s a chance for the club to write history.
“We’re embracing the challenge and we have a great opportunity before us,” the net-minder added.
On the other side is SKC boss Peter Vermes – a man looking to claim his fourth Open Cup at the helm of the club. “Any time you have a chance to win a trophy, that's a huge opportunity,” said the former USMNT star who, in the KC job since 2009, is the longest-serving coach in Major League Soccer. “It would be incredibly welcomed by everybody. It's a great, great opportunity for the club.”
Dallas currently sit fourth from bottom in the MLS western standings while SKC are mired second from bottom. So both are looking at the Open Cup as likely their most realistic method of salvaging the season.
So, with the promise of excitement, thrills and spills, we invite you to join us in enjoying all the knockout action. Be sure to watch EVERY GAME of the Quarterfinal Round LIVE and FREE of CHARGE on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Fontela is editor-in-chief of usopencup.com. Follow him at @jonahfontela on X/Twitter.
