The 2023 U.S. Open Cup field is down to eight teams with six MLS clubs and two USL Championship sides all having aspirations of lifting the tournament’s trophy come September.
Real Salt Lake hosts the LA Galaxy in one of two All-MLS quarterfinal showdowns with both teams aiming to advance to the final four. RSL rebounded on Saturday by defeating Austin FC in MLS play, keeping them in the current playoff picture in the Western Conference.
The Galaxy are in last place in the West despite defeating RSL 3-2 in league play back on May 31. Greg Vanney’s squad have lost three of their last five matches overall though, a major reason for club president Chris Klein’s departure.
The Houston Dynamo make the trip to the Chicago Fire as well this week with both teams sitting outside of the playoff places. Chicago has only won one of its last six matches across all competitions, which was a 2-0 Round of 16 triumph over Austin FC.
Ben Olsen’s Dynamo suffered back-to-back defeats to Vancouver and St. Louis respectively over the past week.
Elsewhere, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds visit Eastern Conference-leading FC Cincinnati while Birmingham Legion hosts struggling Inter Miami.
Here is a closer look at this week’s U.S. Open Cup schedule:
Real Salt Lake vs. Galaxy
Wednesday – 9:30 p.m. ET
For the second time in the past week, the LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake will meet in multiple competitions.
Real Salt Lake fell 3-2 to the Galaxy in MLS play last week, conceding two goals in quick succession to Memo Rodriguez and Tyler Boyd. RSL rebounded over the weekend though, defeating Austin FC 2-1 thanks to Rubio Rubin’s brace at Q2 Stadium. The brace marked Rubin’s first goals of 2023, a positive sign heading into Wednesday’s home showdown.
Things might not be going the Galaxy’s way in MLS play this season, but a potential U.S. Open Cup triumph could help spark a positive second half. The Galax defeated a youthful LAFC squad 2-0 in the Round of 16, using goals from Boyd and Riqui Puig to shutout the defending MLS Cup winners. Puig has remained a key facilitator in midfield and will be relied on to run the show at Rio Tinto Stadium.
FC Cincinnati vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Tuesday – 7 p.m. ET
FC Cincinnati and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds will meet for the second-consecutive U.S. Open Cup with a semifinal berth at stake.
FC Cincinnati is riding an 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions, which has not only advanced them this far in the tournament but helped them sit top of the Eastern Conference. Luciano Acosta has scored four goals in his last five appearances, including the winner in Saturday’s 1-0 league triumph over the Chicago Fire. Yuya Kubo, Brandon Vazquez, and Arquimides Ordonez have all scored in Open Cup play this spring.
Pittsburgh is riding a nine-match unbeaten streak of its own in all competitions, which has included Open Cup victories over the New England Revolution and Columbus Crew in consecutive rounds. Bob Lilley’s squad have won six-straight matches overall coming into Tuesday’s trip to TQL Stadium. Albert Dikwa leads the team with 10 goals in all competitions and scored the winner against the Crew in the Round of 16.
Chicago Fire vs. Houston Dynamo
Tuesday – 8:30 p.m., ET
The second of two All-MLS ties comes from SeatGeek Stadium as the Chicago Fire hosts the Houston Dynamo.
The Fire have only won one of their last six matches in all competitions, which is a major reason why they are sitting second-from-bottom in the Eastern Conference. Frank Klopas continues to serve as interim head coach following Ezra Hendrickson’s firing earlier this season. Kacper Przybylko has scored twice in Open Cup play this year while Fabian Herbers and Maren Haile-Selassie are also capable of finding the back of the net.
Ben Olsen’s Dynamo looked to have found some form in May, but back-to-back defeats at the hands of Vancouver and St. Louis have dropped Houston to 10th in the Western Conference. Amine Bassi has been a positive acquisition for the Dynamo so far in 2023, with the French forward contributing six goals so far. Corey Baird could be the go-to attacker against the Fire after scoring a hat trick against Minnesota United in the Round of 16.
Birmingham Legion FC vs. Inter Miami CF
Wednesday – 8 p.m. ET
Birmingham Legion FC have struggled in league play over recent weeks, but it hasn’t stopped them from advancing in the Open Cup.
Tom Soehn’s squad have lost five-consecutive league matches, which has dropped them to sixth place in the Eastern Conference of the USL Championship. However, shutout Open Cup victories against Memphis 901 FC and Charlotte FC have propelled the Legion into a winnable quarterfinal showdown with Inter Miami. Juan Agudelo and Tyler Pasher have previous MLS experience and will be relied on to get after the Miami defenders.
Inter Miami’s firing of Phil Neville last week didn’t lead to victory on Saturday as the Herons fell 2-1 to DC United on home soil. The Herons have lost three-straight league matches and five of their last six overall in all competitions. Inter Miami has more than enough talent to get the job done on Wednesday night, but a leaky backline will need to be dominant on the road.
Inter Miami’s firing of Phil Neville last week didn’t lead to victory on Saturday as the Herons fell 2-1 to DC United on home soil. The Herons have lost three-straight league matches and five of their last six overall in all competitions. Inter Miami has more than enough talent to get the job done on Wednesday night, but a leaky backline will need to be dominant on the road. DeAndre Yedlin and Serhiy Kryvtsov are veteran leaders in the back for the Herons.