Republic beat a total of three MLS teams in that famous 2022 season before losing to Orlando City in the final, and they're already in the race for a major upset in this year's tournament, with a 4-3 win over the San Jose Earthquakes boosting their chances of another stellar year in the cup competition.
“I dream of going to the finals and winning. [all]”The Open Cup adds a little bit more pressure and excitement,” said Kieran Phillips, who scored two goals in a Nor-Cal thriller with the Quakes in the final round. “You have to work a little harder and put in a little more effort to win. Cup competition is really ruthless … you have to give it 100 percent.”
LAFC looking for first win
The final game of the three MLS vs. USL matches will be between LAFC and New Mexico United.
While the 2022 MLS Cup champions will play as the home team at BMO Stadium near downtown Los Angeles, New Mexico United has chartered several planes to allow the club's fans to deliver some #SomosUnidos love from their hometown of Albuquerque.
With both clubs currently sitting at the top of their respective leagues' Western Conferences and fans of both teams eager to win their first Open Cup title, this match is sure to be full of excitement.
“Lower league teams always have to come in with more enthusiasm,” said midfielder Daniel Bruce, the lone remaining player from New Mexico United's first year in the Open Cup, when the team reached the quarterfinals in 2019. “MLS teams are always the overwhelming favorites. We want to take the underdog and win the title. The mistakes are bigger, the anxiety is bigger.”
“Win or go home,” Bruce added.
Los Angeles Football Club defender Aaron Long, who won a silver medal with the New York Red Bulls in the 2017 Open Cup, is eager to take another step forward this year. “Quarterfinals, semifinals and finals, that's where it all starts,” said the 31-year-old former U.S. men's national team defensive mainstay.
“This is why we're in this business,” Long added, “to win trophies and we take that very seriously.”
All MLS Events in Kansas
The early morning match on July 10 will be the only matchup between two teams from the same division in the quarterfinal round, as Sporting Kansas City takes on old rival FC Dallas (who played in an MLS league match two days earlier) at Children's Mercy Park. FC Dallas won the Open Cup in 1997 (as the Dallas Burn) and 2016, while SKC, along with the Seattle Sounders, are looking to win their fifth Open Cup title of the MLS era.
“In Dallas, this is a trophy that's important to us,” said Maarten Paez, who was recently named one of three MLS All-Stars at the goalkeeper position for 2024. “If we win this, we'll host the semifinals and it'll be a chance to make history for our club.”
“We accept the challenge and we have great opportunities ahead of us,” the goalkeeper added.
Meanwhile, SKC manager Peter Vermes is at the helm of the club, looking to win its fourth Open Cup. “Any chance we have to win a trophy is a huge chance,” said the former USMNT star, who has been KC's manager since 2009 and is Major League Soccer's longest-tenured manager. “Everybody would be very happy about it. It's a great, great opportunity for the club.”
Dallas currently sits fourth from the bottom in the MLS West standings and SKC is second from the bottom, which has both teams looking at the Open Cup as the most viable way to salvage their seasons.
Come join us for this knockout action that promises excitement, thrills and thrills. All Games Quarterfinal Round live and free upon MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Fonterra is editor-in-chief of usopencup.com. Jonah Fontella X/Twitter.
