The 2023 U.S. Open Cup Final is set with Inter Miami and the Houston Dynamo set to square off after advancing out of Wednesday’s semifinal round.
Inter Miami overcame a 2-0 deficit to eventually eliminate FC Cincinnati 5-4 on penalty kicks after a 3-3 extra time scoreline. Leonardo Campana scored twice, Lionel Messi registered two assists, and Josef Martinez and Benjamin Cremaschi had impactful performances off the bench.
FC Cincinnati raced out to a two-goal lead and looked destined to book its spot in the tournament final. Luciano Acosta delivered the opening goal for Pat Noonan’s side in the 18th minute after racing into the box and slotting home a headed pass from Aaron Boupendza for a 1-0 advantage.
Brandon Vazquez doubled FC Cincy’s advantage in the 53rd minute by stroking home a long-range shot into the bottom-left corner. Santiago Arias played a pass to a wide open Vazquez before the U.S. men’s national team striker delivered his 12th goal of the season across all competitions.
However, Inter Miami would battle back and tie things up with the final kick of regulation.
Lionel Messi’s free kick was headed home by Leonardo Campana in the 68th minute to cut the Miami deficit to 2-1. Messi’s service allowed Campana to sneak in front of the FC Cincy backline before scoring past Roman Celentano.
With the Herons seeking a dramatic equalizer, the Inter Miami duo struck again with Campana powering Messi’s cross past Celentano for a 2-2 equalizer.
Josef Martinez propelled Inter Miami in front 3-2 in the 93rd minute after coming off the bench and delivering his third goal across his last four appearances. Martinez’s right-footed shot nestled into the bottom-right corner to complete a heroic turnaround by Tata Martino’s men.
FC Cincinnati did not lie down though, using a 114th minute tying goal from Yuya Kubo to force the penalty shootout.
Both teams were perfect from the spot through four rounds until Drake Callender denied Nick Hagglund’s effort to start the fifth stage. Cremaschi, who assisted Martinez’s goal earlier in the match, stepped up and delivered the winning penalty kick to advance the Herons to their second tournament final this summer.
Both teams continue MLS play with Inter Miami visiting the New York Red Bulls on Aug. 26 and FC Cincinnati hosting NYCFC.
Houston Dynamo 3, Real Salt Lake 1 (After Extra Time)
The Houston Dynamo used two extra time goals to book its spot in September’s final after defeating Real Salt Lake by a 3-1 scoreline.
Aldaberto Carrasquilla and Luis Caicedo both scored to help the Dynamo outlast visiting RSL and reach their first U.S. Open Cup Final since 2018.
Ben Olsen’s side struck first before halftime as Hector Herrera slotted home Amine Bassi’s pass for a 1-0 Dynamo lead. Herrera right-footed shot nestled into the bottom-right corner to put RSL under added pressure going into the halftime interval.
However, the visitors would answer back in the 64th minute as Anderson Julio’s header snuck into the back of the net for a 1-1 scoreline.
With extra time needed in the second match of the night, the Dynamo claimed a 2-1 lead before adding their insurance tally before the final whistle. Aldaberto Carrasquilla played the hero for the Texas-based club in the 105th minute, finishing off Bassi’s second assist of the night.
After Brayan Vera was sent off for RSL after a second yellow card, Luis Caicedo sealed the victory for Houston with a top-shelf finish. Bassi finished the night with three assists to his name.
The two teams coincidentally square off on Saturday in MLS play for a quick turnaround.