By SEAN RUBIO
Four MLS and four USL teams will combine for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals, with two USL-2 sides looking to go glory hunting into the semifinals.
In the only all-MLS tie, Kansas City Wizards are travelling to the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, WA to take on Seattle Sounders FC. It will be the Wizards' 5th game in two weeks, including a 4-3 penalty shootout win against Minnesota Thunder in the Third Round of the Open Cup last week. Meanwhile, the Sounders have had a week to prepare, with their last match being the 2-1 win over Portland Timbers in the previous round of the cup.
After surviving a late scare with Ocean City Barons, DC United will play host to Harrisburg City Islanders, a USL-2 side that up-ended New England Revolution 2-1 in extra time in the previous round.
Western Conference leaders Houston Dynamo will travel east to Charleston Battery's Blackbaud Stadium. Charleston beat Chivas USA 3-1 in the Third Round thanks to two goals from New Jersey-born Randi Patterson. This is the third year in a row that Charleston have reached the quarterfinals.
In the only all-USL draw of the round, Rochester Rhinos play host to Wilmington Hammerheads in the recently renamed Marina Auto Stadium. Both teams defeated an MLS side to get to the quarterfinals, with Rochester beating Columbus Crew on penalties, and Wilmington Hammerheads topping Chicago Fire 1-0 on a goal from Kenny Bundy. Bundy also scored the game-tying goal in the final minute of extra time in Wilmington's second round defeat of Carolina RailHawks. In their defeat of Chicago, it was the first time since 2003 that Wilmington had beaten an MLS side.
Think MLS sides need to be more wary of their USL opponents this round? Hoping to see Randi Patterson continue to do well? Still looking for a reason to care about the US Open Cup?
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