By RYAN TOLMICH

Despite being down a man and a goal against the best team in the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia Union live to fight another day in the U.S. Open Cup.

The Union overcame a 24th minute C.J. Sapong red card to score two second half goals, topping D.C. United, 2-1, Wednesday at PPL Park.

Shortly after seeing Sapong sent off for catching defender Kofi Opare with a leaping elbow, Jaio Arietta opened the scoring for D.C. United. However, goals from Eric Ayuk and Fabinho in the 55th and 79th minute led the Union to a comeback win over their rivals in a rain-soaked contest.

With the win, the Union earn a matchup with the winner of Wednesday night’s derby match between the New York Red Bulls and New York Cosmos. D.C. United return to MLS play against the Seattle Sounders on Friday, while the Union are off until a July 11 clash with the Portland Timbers.

Here is a closer look at all of Tuesday night’s U.S. Open Cup action:

KAKA LEADS FULL-STRENGTH ORLANDO CITY TO WIN OVER CREW

If Tuesday night’s lineup was any indication, Orlando City has every intention of winning the U.S. Open Cup.

Led by a full-strength lineup that included Kaka, Orlando City sealed a spot in the quarterfinals by knocking off the Columbus Crew, 2-0, Wednesday night at the Citrus Bowl.

Starting nearly all of the team’s regulars, Orlando City opened the scoring in the 21st minute through Kaka, who was on the receiving end of a Darwin Ceren pass following some sloppy defending from the Crew. Carlos Rivas doubled the Orlando City advantage 13 minutes later, burying a long-distance shot to lock up the Lions’ spot in the next round.

Orlando City’s victory books the team a spot in the quarterfinals against the Chicago Fire on July 21 or 22. In MLS play, Orlando City takes the field Saturday away to Real Salt Lake, while the Crew return with a home match against the Red Bulls that same day.

MANOTAS THE DIFFERENCE MAKER AS DYNAMO TOP RAPIDS

Houston Dynamo forward Mauro Manotas made sure that his first start with the club would go down as a memorable one.

Following a nearly three hour rain delay, 19-year-old scored the lone goal Wednesday, leading the Dynamo to a 1-0 victory over the visiting Colorado Rapids.

Manotas’ finish came via a headed effort in the 43rd minute, as the forward connected on a ball in from Nathan Sturgis to provide the lone finish necessary for the Dynamo to claim victory. In addition to leading his team to the win, Manotas’ goal, his first with the club, earns the 19-year-old distinction as the youngest player to score for the Dynamo.

The victory books the Dynamo a quarterfinal matchup against the winner of Wednesday’s clash between FC Dallas and Sporting KC. The Dynamo return to MLS play on Friday night against the Fire, while the Rapids host the Vancouver Whitecaps one day later.

MAGEE LEADS FIRE PAST INDEPENDENCE

Mike Magee may be just returning from a long-term injury, but it appears that that Chicago Fire forward is already finding his stride.

Magee provided a brace Wednesday night, leading the Fire to a comfortable 3-1 victory over the Charlotte Independence, the final USL side in the competition, in the Round of 16 match at Toyota Park.

Despite conceding a goal to the Independence’s Tomasz Zahorski in just the fifth minute, the Fire took control following Magee’s first finish in the 37th minute. A Lovel Palmer missle followed five minutes into the second half before Magee finished off the proceedings with his second in the 82nd minute.

The Fire can now look forward to a quarterfinal matchup with Orlando City, as well as a short turnaround for an MLS meeting with the Dynamo on Friday. The Independence, meanwhile, return to action Saturday in a home game against St. Louis FC.

Here’s a look at Wednesday night’s U.S. Open Cup matchups that will determine the rest of the quarterfinal picture:

7:30 p.m. – New York Red Bulls vs. New York Cosmos

8:30 p.m. – Sporting KC vs. FC Dallas

10 p.m. – Real Salt Lake vs. Portland Timbers

10:30 p.m. – San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy