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

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) /

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Los Angeles Galaxy goalie Bill Gaudette bobbled a ball kicked by Carolina RailHawks’ Brian Shriver for the game-winning goal during the second half on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina. Carolina RailHawks won 2-1. (Travis Long/Raleigh News & Observer/MCT via Getty Images) /

4. Open Cup 2012: Carolina RailHawks 2-1 Los Angeles Galaxy

Another one that is glistening with magic for numerous reasons.

By 2012, the LA Galaxy were world-renowned and the kings of U.S. soccer. They were the defending champions of MLS, having won back-to-back titles, and despite losing several players to national duty for this game, America’s best were still expected to brush aside the Carolina RailHawks of the NASL.

Furthermore, not just were the Galaxy on top of the country by this point, but the RailHawks were the complete opposite and in a pit of misery. Whilst Robbie Keane and co. were dominating MLS, the men from Carolina couldn’t buy a win in the NASL, making it almost a no-brainer that the Galaxy would win.

However, in true cup-magic style, two late goals would send the underdogs through to the next round, leaving the entire country stunned and the reigning MLS champions embarrassed.

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