US Open Cup Semi-Finals nearly set; will ESPN revisit?
Three of the four US Open Cup semifinalists are set, with the fourth participant delayed until August due to weather. Will we see another ESPN airing?
Hidden beneath the CONCACAF Gold Cup action and summer transfer news, the US Open Cup quarterfinals took place this week. Well, most of them anyway. The Cup typically feels overshadowed by MLS action and midweek fixtures, but this round received even worse treatment.
With the eyes of most US soccer fans on the regional tournament, and a number of key players absent, six MLS sides and two second-division clubs set their sights on the final four.
Three MLS Duels
The LA Galaxy took an early lead in the Monday night matchup, but eventually fell to the San Jose Earthquakes 3-2 at Avaya Stadium. On Tuesday evening, the defending Cup holders FC Dallas battled Sporting Kansas City to a nil-nil draw in regulation. Both sides played their best lineups possible (given the Gold Cup departures), with SKC prevailing with three extra time goals.
Thursday, the New York Red Bulls traveled up to Jordan Field in Boston to take on the New England Revolution, which was decided by an 87th-minute winner courtesy of Bradley Wright-Phillips.
Next: Former Manchester United GK linked to Minnesota United
USL vs. NASL Showdown
Arguably the most intriguing of the quarterfinals featured the NASL Spring champions Miami FC hosting the leading Cinderella story FC Cincinnati. Both clubs entered the night having knocked off two MLS sides a piece (Orlando and Atlanta for Miami and Columbus and Chicago for Cincinnati).
Unfortunately, Mother Nature got in the way, rain delaying the match until August 2nd.
Your #USOC2017 Semifinal line-up (almost complete). 🇺🇸⚽️🏆🎉🍾 pic.twitter.com/6O5NcfroQB
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) July 14, 2017
Path to the Final Set
US Soccer confirmed on Friday that Sporting Kansas City will host the San Jose Earthquakes in the western half of the bracket. While the Miami/Cincy winner gets to host the Red Bulls for the other spot in the final. Both matches will be scheduled for August 9th.
The chance to host the final was also drawn on Friday. The order is set as Sporting Kansas City, New York Red Bulls, Miami/Cincy winner and San Jose Earthquakes. So for those dreaming of FC Cincinnati hosting the final on ESPN need to pull for the Quakes.
Will we see ESPN return to the action?
Following their upset of the Columbus Crew, matching up against the Chicago Fire, and sporting massive home crowds, ESPN swooped in to air the Fire/Cincy game at the last minute. Despite the late switch and relative off-the-radar status of the Cup, initial ratings appeared to be as strong as (300k range) regular season MLS broadcasts from their Soccer Sunday lineup.
Given the positive results and a favorable path from here to the final ESPN needs to invest in airing the rest of the Cup. The D2 quarterfinal is intriguing, and either SKC or Cincy hosting a final would make for quality television. All of the clubs remaining rolled out their best starting XI possible and will be doing the same with a CONCACAF Champions League spot in the sights.
Next: Exclusive interview with Tony Meola
Now if we can only get the matches on the weekend or a league break for the teams still involved.