2022 U.S. Open Cup Photo Gallery (Quarterfinals)
The Open Cup’s third edition of the Hudson River Derby was bogged down with bad blood. New York City FC’s Thiago was red-carded for a head-butt and the New York Red Bulls respond angrily.
NYCFC are the reigning MLS Cup champions but have yet to find the key to unlock Open Cup success. The 3-0 Quarterfinal loss to close rivals NYRB caused its share of frustration.
Joy in the Jersey air. New York Red Bull players salute the home crowd after booking passage to the 2022 Open Cup Semifinals – and a step closer to a first trophy for the club founded in 1996 (then as the MetroStars).
A big crowd of just under 20,000 turned up at Children’s Mercy Park to see the home side – and four-time Open Cup champions – Sporting Kansas City take on underdog darlings Union Omaha of USL League One (the country’s third-division).
Union Omaha captured the hearts of soccer fans all over the country with their amazing run to the Quarterfinals – beating two MLS sides (Chicago Fire and Minnesota United) along the way…
… But there was to be no more Cinderella magic for Union Omaha in the last eight. The Nebraskans went down 6-0 to the 2017 champions Sporting Kansas City – with Daniel Salloi (pictured in the distance) scoring twice to become the MLS side’s all-time top scorer in Open Cup play.
The Quarterfinal between hosts Orlando City and Nashville SC was a tense one from the start. The visitors took a 0-1 lead and were able to hold it deep into stoppage time…
…But Rodrigo Schlegel pounced on an opportunistic equalizer in the 94th minute and forced Nashville SC into extra-time and eventually penalties – which Orlando City won to reach their second Open Cup Semifinal.
Pedro Gallese – Peru’s national team goalkeeper – was the hero for Orlando City in the shootout and he led the celebrations with the fans after the home team booked a place in the Semis against the New York Red Bulls.
The biggest shock of the Quarterfinal round came in Carson, California – where second-division hopefuls Sacramento Republic battled and fought their way to a 2-1 win over twice Open Cup champions LA Galaxy (the Sacramento side’s second win over an MLS opponent in this edition).
A place in the last four on the line. Sacramento Republic scored early through their talisman and captain Rodrigo ‘RoRo’ Lopez and Luis Felipe scored his third match-winner of the tournament to see off the Galaxy men.
Joy and pain. Chicharito tries to keep his LA Galaxy mates from losing their dignity at the final whistle of the Semifinal loss to USL Championship side Sacramento Republic — who take on Sporting Kansas City in the final four.