By DAN KARELL
With the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals less than one week away, U.S. Soccer held the draw for the semifinal round on August 7, and could see lower division sides Orlando City SC and the Carolina RailHawks potentially host.
Six Major League Soccer teams remain in the tournament celebrating it’s Centennial this year, but only Real Salt Lake and the Chicago Fire will play at home if they advance from the quarterfinal round. The winner of the match between RSL and the RailHawks will host either FC Dallas or the Portland Timbers, while the winner of the Chicago Fire and Orlando City match will host either D.C. United or the New England Revolution.
Here’s a closer look at the U.S. Open Cup semifinal draw:
Semifinal Round – Possible Pairings
New England Revolution (MLS)/D.C. United (MLS) winner at Chicago Fire (MLS)
Toyota Park; Bridgeview, Ill.
Wednesday, August 7 at 7:30 p.m. CT
OR
New England Revolution (MLS)/D.C. United (MLS) winner at Orlando City SC (USL PRO)
Florida Citrus Bowl; Orlando, Fla.
Wednesday, August 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Portland Timbers (MLS)/FC Dallas (MLS) winner at Real Salt Lake (MLS)
Rio Tinto Stadium; Sandy, Utah
Wednesday, August 7 at 7:30 p.m. MT
OR
Portland Timbers (MLS)/FC Dallas (MLS) winner at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)
WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, N.C.
Wednesday, August 7 at 7:15 p.m. ET
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What do you make of this draw? Which of these match-ups are you looking forward to most?
Share your thoughts below.