The U.S. Open Cup enters its fourth round of play this week, starting Tuesday night with the Colorado Rapids vs. OKC Energy FC from the USL. With MLS teams now entering the playing field, the tournament has developed a new feel and competitiveness. All fourth-round matches will stream live on U.S. Soccer’s YouTube channel.
The Winning Touch
Another game to headline Tuesday’s showcase is D.C. United vs. Christos FC of the USASA. Christos FC is coming fresh off of a 1-0 win against Chicago FC United, thanks to Levi Houapeu’s first-minute goal. The win secured a spot in the next round, as well as a $15,000 bonus for the club. The cash bonus proved to be much needed, as the club had to create a GoFundMe page in order to have the money to transport the team to Chicago for its previous match.
Although the club has yet to play a home game in the tournament, it’s next match against D.C. United is a mere hour away from the Christos FC’s hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. D.C. United currently sits at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with a 4-7-3 record. With Christos FC’s heavy momentum and D.C. United’s struggles, the match is a must-watch. Kickoff starts at 6:30 p.m. CT.
West Coast War
While teams like Christos FC insert themselves as underdog threats, there are also heavyweight matches this round, including another chapter in the storied Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders FC rivalry. In a series that has featured almost 100 meetings, the West Coast squads are due for another crucial matchup in its 42-year-old rivalry.
Seattle came out on top in the previous meeting between the two sides on May 27 in Seattle. A fourth-minute header by Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan ended up being the lone goal of the match despite the numerous chances by both sides. Of the last 10 meetings, Seattle has come out victorious six times. Despite the near even split, the away team has only won two matches. Kickoff is at 9:30 p.m. CT tonight at Starfire Stadium in Seattle.
New York State of Mind
Following Tuesday’s competitive action, day two of the U.S. Open Cup fourth round action has no shortage of headlines either. One match to keep an eye on is the rivalry of New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls.
NYCFC currently resides at third in the East with a 7-5-3 record, while the Red Bulls trail them by only four points. The meeting is the first of the season for the two sides, and features a powerful NYCFC offense which has the second most goals forced in MLS with 27. The matchup will be featured at Red Bull Arena and is set for a 7 p.m. CT kickoff.
Home Field Advantage
Shortly after the New York game kicks off, Sporting Kansas City is set to take on Minnesota United F.C. The match marks the first U.S. Open Cup home match for Kansas City since 2015, and comes in the midst of a 17-match home unbeaten streak for Sporting KC in the regular season. The sides have split the season series so far, both shutting out the opposing team at home. The third meeting kicks off at 7:30 p.m. CT at Children’s Mercy Park.
