U.S. Open Cup Semifinals Matchday

Posted on August 7, 2013 by Scott D. Ludwig — Leave a comment

A tournament that started in May with 68 clubs is down to the final four: Chicago Fire, D.C. United, Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake will compete to find out who will win the 100th U.S. Open Cup. The semifinals are set for Wednesday night in D.C. (vs Chicago) and Salt Lake City (vs Portland) hosting.

Last in the MLS table, D.C. United (3-4-15) will travel to face Chicago. D.C. has knocked out Richmond Kickers (USL PRO), Philadelphia Union and New England Revolution in the tournament.

Chicago Fire are also struggling in MLS play, compiling a league record of 8-4-9. Chicago has victories over Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO), Columbus Crew and Orlando City SC (USL PRO) to advance in the tourney. This match will be an opportunity for one of the sides to advance and play for a trophy (and prize money).

In the second semifinal will feature the top two teams in the MLS Western Conference. Real Salt Lake (11-5-7) sit atop the West standings, but Portland Timbers (8-11-3) are just three points behind and have only lost three matches all season.

RSL have defeated Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL), Charleston Battery (USL PRO) and Carolina RailHawks (NASL) to reach the semifinals. Portland advanced with wins against Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO), Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) and FC Dallas.

The U.S. Open Cup winner will receive prize money of $250,000 this year. The runner-up takes home $60,000. The club from the lower divisions that advanced the farthest (Carolina RailHawks, Orlando City SC) received $15,000.

Semifinals schedule

Chicago Fire vs D.C. United, 7:30 PM – Watch: http://www.ussoccer.com/live/chicago-fire-vs-dc-united-aug-7-2013.aspx
Real Salt Lake vs Portland Timbers, 8:30 PM – Watch: http://www.ussoccer.com

2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Clubs

16 – MLS (NOTE: MLS teams enter the competition in the 3rd Round)
6 – NASL (NOTE: NASL teams enter the competition in the 2nd Round)
12 – USL PRO
16 – USL PDL
8 – NPSL (Brooklyn Italians, Chattanooga FC, FC Hasental, FC LVU Sonic, Georgia Revolution, Madison 56ers, NY Red Bulls U-23, Sacramento Gold)
8 – USASA (Dearborn Stars, Doxa Italia, Icon FC, Mass Premier, NTX Rayados, PSA Elite, Red Force FC, RWB Adria)
1 – U.S. Club Soccer (Fresno Fuego Future)
1 – USSSA (Colorado Rovers)