The Pittsburgh Riverhounds went into Gillette Stadium on Tuesday night and walked out with an upset victory over one of MLS’ best performers in 2023.
Daniel Griffin’s first-half goal was all the USL side needed to claim a 1-0 road victory over the New England Revolution, advancing into the Round of 16. Revs coach Bruce Arena rotated most of his team from MLS play and it unfortunately ended with the hosts suffering elimination.
Pittsburgh was on the front foot early in Foxborough, as Tola Showunmi’s close-range header was denied by Earl Edwards Jr. However, Daniel Griffin’s low drive in the 44th minute boosted the Riverhounds in front and put the Revolution in a hole heading into halftime.
Giacomo Vrioni delivered the only shot on goal for the Revs in the second half, but the hosts’ frustration continued until the final whistle.
A frantic stoppage time period led to several key blocks by Riverhounds defenders, sealing the deal on an upset road win.
New England will now turn its attention back to MLS play this weekend.
Here is a closer look at this week’s U.S. Open Cup results:
Monterey Bay FC 2, LAFC 2 (LAFC advanced 5-4 on penalties)
Los Angeles FC was pushed to the brink against USL hosts Monterey Bay FC on Tuesday, but Steve Cherundolo’s youthful squad dug down deep to avoid a cup upset.
Matheus Maia’s 105th minute equalizer helped force a penalty shootout before LAFC advanced 5-4 on spot kicks.
LAFC struck first through Christian Torres’ goal in the 25th minute after Christopher Jaime connected with his fellow attacker in the final third. Torres’ drilled his effort down the middle of the Monterey Bay FC net, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage.
Monterey Bay FC fought until the final whistle to get back into the tie and eventually received a 90th minute equalizer from Simon Dawkins to make it 1-1.
After setting up the tying goal, Christian Volesky helped propel Monterey Bay FC in front just four minutes into extra time. Jesse Maldonado’s low shot nestled into the bottom-left corner, giving Monterey Bay FC a late 2-1 advantage.
However, LAFC would tie things up in the 105th minute as Maia’s first senior goal led to the two clubs heading to a shootout.
Mobi Fehr was denied by veteran shot-stopper Eldin Jakupovic in the fifth round, handing LAFC a shootout win and a spot into the Round of 16.
Minnesota United 3, Philadelphia Union 3 (MNUFC advances 7-6 on penalties)
An All-MLS affair from Allianz Field witnessed Minnesota United outlasting the Philadelphia Union 7-6 on penalty kicks.
Kai Wagner scored two dramatic equalizing goals for Jim Curtin’s side, but it wasn’t enough for the Union after a 3-3 result over 120 minutes. Chris Donovan also scored his first goal for the club.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane broke the deadlock in the 68th minute for Minnesota United after his flicked header landed inside of Andre Blake’s net for a 1-0 lead.
Hlongwane set up Joseph Rosales for a 2-0 Loons lead just six minutes later, but the Union would fight their way back to tie things up.
Chris Donovan’s right-footed finish paired with Kai Wagner’s blistering effort in the 94th minute forced extra time.
Hlongwane propelled the Loons ahead 3-2 with his second goal of the match, but Wagner’s dangerous free kick in the 120th minute helped the Union peg the Loons back once again.
Wagner could not deliver once again though in the penalty shootout, watching as his shot was saved by veteran goalkeeper Clint Irwin in the seventh round.
Here is a closer look at this week’s scores:
Tuesday
Charlotte FC 1, Orlando City 0
Inter Miami 1, Charleston Battery 0
New York Red Bulls 1, DC United 0
New England Revolution 0, Pittsburgh Riverhounds 1
Chicago Fire 2, St. Louis CITY SC 1
Minnesota United 3, Philadelphia Union 3 (Minnesota United wins 7-6 on penalties)
Monterey Bay FC 2, LAFC 2 (LAFC wins 5-4 on penalties)
Sacramento Republic 2, Colorado Rapids 4