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US Open Cup Quarterfinals: MLS Teams Vie for Semifinal Spots

22 days agoUS
US Open Cup Quarterfinals: MLS Teams Vie for Semifinal SpotsSource: usatoday.com
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is down to the quarterfinals, with all remaining teams hailing from Major League Soccer (MLS). The matches promise intense competition as teams battle for a spot in the semifinals. This tournament stands as the oldest annual team sports competition in the United States, rich with history and prestige.

Key Insights

Orlando City and St. Louis City have already advanced to the semifinals after defeating Atlanta United and Houston Dynamo, respectively.

Columbus Crew will face New York City FC, while Colorado Rapids will host San Jose Earthquakes.

Of the remaining teams, only the Columbus Crew have previously won the U.S. Open Cup (2002).

The Crew lost to NYCFC 3-0 in their regular-season meeting earlier in May 2026.

Laurent Courtois will face his first test as interim coach for the Columbus Crew.

Why this matters: The U.S. Open Cup provides a platform for MLS teams to compete for a national title and a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup. For teams like the Colorado Rapids, New York City SC, San Jose Earthquakes, and St. Louis City, this is an opportunity to become first-time winners, adding to the tournament's legacy.

In-Depth Analysis

The U.S. Open Cup, modeled after England's FA Cup, began in 1913 and has been played every year since, except for 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is open to both amateur and professional U.S.-based clubs, offering a unique opportunity for lower-division teams to compete against MLS powerhouses.

MLS teams have largely dominated the competition since 1996, with only the Rochester Rhinos breaking the streak in 1999. Teams like Indy Eleven, Sacramento Republic FC, and FC Cincinnati have made notable runs in recent years, showcasing the tournament's potential for upsets and compelling storylines.

Historically, Bethlehem Steel and Maccabi Los Angeles hold the record for the most U.S. Open Cup titles, with five each. However, MLS teams like Chicago Fire, Sporting Kansas City, and Seattle Sounders are closing in, reflecting the league's growing dominance in the competition.

Key Quarterfinal Matchups:

Columbus Crew vs. New York City FC:: The Crew, under interim coach Laurent Courtois, seek redemption after a 3-0 defeat to NYCFC earlier in the season. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET and will be streamed on Paramount+ &ref=yanuki.com and CBS Sports Golazo Network&ref=yanuki.com.

Colorado Rapids vs. San Jose Earthquakes:: The Rapids aim to capitalize on home advantage against the Earthquakes. The game is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET and will be streamed on Paramount+ &ref=yanuki.com and CBS Sports Network&ref=yanuki.com.

FAQs

Q: How can I watch the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal games?

All games will stream on Paramount+. Select games will also air on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network.

Q: When are the semifinal games?

The Semifinals are scheduled for Sept. 15-16.

Q: When is the final game?

The Final is scheduled for Oct. 21.

Key Takeaways

The U.S. Open Cup is a historic tournament that showcases the depth of American soccer. Key takeaways include:

MLS teams continue to dominate the competition, but lower-division teams can still make deep runs.

The tournament offers a chance for teams to win a national title and qualify for the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Games are available for streaming on Paramount+, making it easy to follow the action.

Discussion

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