MLS: 12 U.S. Open Cup upsets fresh in the memory

MLS — Saint Louis FC midfielder Austin Martz, front, and Lewis Hilton (8) celebrate Martz’ goal in the first half during a U.S. Open Cup game against the Chicago Fire at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo., on Tuesday, June 11, 2019. St. Louis won, 2-1, to advance to the next round. (David Carson/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/TNS via Getty Images)

The U.S. Open Cup knows how to throw in an upset. After a week full of them, here are 12 that still live fresh in the memory.

The U.S. Open Cup is the oldest soccer competition in the United States of America, and each year, as clubs come and go and as the fans continue to blossom, this historic and unprecedented competition still throws up the odd upset here and there.

This week, Major League Soccer teams joined the fight in the fourth round of the U.S Open Cup. And, this time around, the competition exploded into action with Saint Louis FC of the USL Championship beating four-time winners Chicago Fire, whilst New Mexico United of the USL Championship defeated the Colorado Rapids on penalties thanks to a dramatic late goal from Kevaughn Frater in the 94th minute. Giant killings, ‘ey — it is why we are fans of the beautiful game, especially knockout cup competitions.

So, let’s take a look at 10 U.S. Open Cup upsets still fresh in the mind.

CHARLESTON, SC – FEBRUARY 20: Jose Cuevas #10 applauds as he comes off the field for a substitution during the second half of a game against the Chicago Fire at Blackbaud Stadium on February 20, 2013 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Photo by Rainier Ehrhardt/Getty Images

10. 2013 Open Cup: Charleston Battery 1-0 San Jose Earthquakes

2013 was a year of many upsets in the U.S. Open Cup. USL Pro side Orlando City SC defeated Colorado Rapids 3-1, just three years into their existence, whilst NASL side, the Tampa Bay Rowdies, were victorious 1-0 over the Seattle Sounders.

However, considering Orlando City SC finished as champions in their division that year, the most notable and shocking upset in 2013 was the Charleston Battery’s 1-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes.

In a tight and tense game, Colin Falvey’s 73rd-minute header from a Jose Cuevas free kick gave the Battery the lead, and as a result, the Holy City would hold on to record their ninth-ever victory over an MLS side.