Fansided

3 must-watch matches from the fourth round of U.S. Open Cup play

By Harrison Hamm

Jun 3, 2017; Commerce City, CO, USA; Columbus Crew midfielder Justin Meram (9) attempts a shot on the net of the Colorado Rapids in the second half of the match at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 3, 2017; Commerce City, CO, USA; Columbus Crew midfielder Justin Meram (9) attempts a shot on the net of the Colorado Rapids in the second half of the match at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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There are established rivalries, budding feuds, amateur teams and many more intriguing storylines heading into U.S. Open Cup play.

The oldest soccer tournament in the United States is just about ready to get good. The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup enters its fourth round on Tuesday and Wednesday, featuring MLS clubs for the first time this year after lower-league teams competed to qualify up to this point. Amateur and semi-pro outfits started in the first round, the second round saw those teams meet second division USL and NASL sides and the third round matched up the remains. Now the lower-league clubs get their opportunity to face MLS sides.

While many of the top-division teams will likely play something close to a B-team, there are plenty of storylines to overcome the lack of star-power. Two matches will feature big-time MLS rivalries, others will pit USL or NASL sides against their closest MLS rival to help determine regional superiority, and one even features an adult league team facing D.C. United. It will be fun.

There are many worth watching, for many reasons, but these three are the most compelling, from both soccer and narrative standpoint. (If you leave near any of these matches, go take in some midweek local soccer action. Read the full schedule here.)

3. D.C. United vs. Christos FC (Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. ET)

Who doesn’t want to watch a struggling MLS team that can’t score take on a start-up local team comprised of former college players and brief pros?

Played at Maryland SoccerPlex, Christos FC have a shot to do something that has only rarely been done by n amateur team: beat an MLS club. They are sponsored by a liquor store and every player has a full-time job. Listen to their story told by their founder, Shawn Smith, on MLS’s Extra Time Radio.

Christos are the final amateur side remaining in the competition. They’ve already beaten USL club Richmond Kickers, and now they get to face D.C., who have scored a grand total of one goal in their last six games. CFC haven’t allowed a goal yet in USOC play. Who knows what could happen?

2. Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers (Tuesday, 10:30 p.m. ET)

The biggest rivalry in U.S. Soccer adds another chapter on Tuesday night, as Seattle and Portland play for the second time in 2017. Their first matchup this year was won by the Sounders at Century Link Field on May 27, 1-0.

This one should look different. Portland, at least, will heavily rotate their squad, as reported by the Oregonian’s Jamie Goldberg. A number of reserve team players will play for the Timbers, and the same can likely be said for the Sounders, although that has yet to be confirmed.

That shouldn’t discourage you from tuning in, though, because this rivalry is intense, and no matter who’s on the field, they’ll go hard to get those bragging rights. And, lest we forget, a 2015 USOC game between Seattle and Portland was the setting for the infamous Clint Dempsey-ripping-up-the-ref’s-notebook incident. Crazy things could happen.

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1. Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati (Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. ET)

FC Cincinnati are pushing hard to become an MLS team, and they have a pretty solid case considering they’re drawing over 19,000 fans per game. This would infringe on the territory of the Crew, who had control over the Ohio soccer landscape since 1996. Now, with Cincy drawing considerably better attendance than their local MLS counterparts, Columbus would love to show who’s boss on the field.

This has a chance to be a bitter, organic soccer rivalry in MLS in the future, and this is the first time we get to see it in action. The Cincy fans will be in full force on Wednesday, and it will be beautiful to see them come out and support their underdog team against the MLS side they hope to be competing against multiple times a year.

Honorable mentions:

  • Saint Louis FC vs. Chicago Fire (Wednesday, 8:00 et): St. Louis, unfortunately, are off the path for an MLS team. But their USL club get a chance to take on Chicago at home.
  • New York Red Bulls vs. NYCFC (Wednesday, 8:00 et): The Hudson River Derby is back for USOC play. These two are massive MLS rivals.
  • San Jose Earthquakes vs. San Francisco Deltas (Wednesday, 10:30 et): The NASL’s newest addition, the Deltas, get their first opportunity to face their Bay Area counterparts.
  • LA Galaxy vs. Orange County SC (Wednesday, 10:30 et): Who doesn’t love inter-LA rivalries? Just wait until LAFC join the mix next season.
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