Four teams booked their spots in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal on Wednesday night, and now each knows the path they will need to take en route to the tournament’s finale.
The U.S. Open Cup semifinal draw was held on Thursday, pairing FC Dallas with the LA Galaxy, while the Chicago Fire will take on the New England Revolution. The Revs will play host to the Fire on August 9, while FC Dallas will visit the Galaxy for their clash one day later.
The Fire hold the highest priority to host the tournament’s finale, meaning a victory would ensure the final is held at Toyota Park regardless of opponent. The Galaxy have the second highest priority, followed by FC Dallas and the Revs, the latter of whom cannot host the tournament final.
All four teams emerged victorious on Thursday night in their respective quarterfinal clashes. The Revs were the lone side to need penalty kicks to seal advancement, toppling the Philadelphia Union, 4-2, on spot kicks following 120 minutes of 1-1 soccer. The Fire, meanwhile, were the only side that didn’t defeat MLS opposition, as David Accam led his team to a 3-0 win over the NASL’s Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
FC Dallas’ victory came just moments before penalty kicks, as Fabian Castillo scored a stoppage time winner to defeat the Houston Dynamo, 1-0. Finally, the Galaxy utilized a second half surge from Giovani dos Santos and Sebastian Lletget to top the Seattle Sounders, 4-2.
Which semifinal match are you looking forward to the most? Which teams enters as favorites? Who do you see winning the U.S. Open Cup?
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