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US Open Cup: Semifinals Promise Excitement and Challenges

By Arthur Fernandes

SANDY, UT- JUNE 7 : Damir Kreilach #8 of Real Salt Lake reacts after scoring against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the first half of the quarterfinals of the 2023 U.S. Open Cup at America First Field June 7, 2023 in Sandy, Utah.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SANDY, UT- JUNE 7 : Damir Kreilach #8 of Real Salt Lake reacts after scoring against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the first half of the quarterfinals of the 2023 U.S. Open Cup at America First Field June 7, 2023 in Sandy, Utah.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /
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The 108th edition of the US Open Cup is in its most thrilling phase, with the semifinals set to shake up the American soccer scene. This competition, with deep-rooted origins dating back to 1913, continues to shine as one of the United States’ oldest and most exciting club tournaments.

This year, the semifinal matchups promise to provide unique excitement and challenges for fans. The first game pits Major League Soccer leader, FC Cincinnati, against Inter Miami CF, a team that saw its star, Lionel Messi, steal the spotlight in the recent League’s Cup victory. FC Cincinnati is determined to stop Messi and his team, while Inter Miami, with its Messi-inspired form, aims to continue its season turnaround.

SANDY, UT- JUNE 7 : Riqui Puig #6 of the Los Angeles Galaxy pushes the ball away from Pablo Ruiz #7 of Real Salt Lake during the first half of the quarterfinals of the 2023 U.S. Open Cup at America First Field June 7, 2023 in Sandy, Utah.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SANDY, UT- JUNE 7 : Riqui Puig #6 of the Los Angeles Galaxy pushes the ball away from Pablo Ruiz #7 of Real Salt Lake during the first half of the quarterfinals of the 2023 U.S. Open Cup at America First Field June 7, 2023 in Sandy, Utah.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /

The second game brings Houston Dynamo FC against Real Salt Lake. Houston seeks its second US Open Cup title in just six years, while RSL aims to return to the tournament final for the first time since 2013. With talented players and a healthy rivalry in the Western Conference, this match promises to be an intense battle.

In addition to the glory of victory and the cash prize, the winner of the 2023 US Open Cup will have the opportunity to compete in the 2024 Concacaf Champions League, a crucial stepping stone for teams eyeing a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup. Miami has already secured its place in the 2024 CCC following its League’s Cup victory, but for Houston, RSL, and Cincinnati, this is an unprecedented chance to chase that dream.

The US Open Cup is not just a competition; it is a celebration of soccer at its core, with both professional and amateur teams facing off in a unique competition. It ranks alongside other famous competitions worldwide, like the FA Cup in England, Copa del Rey in Spain, and DFB-Pokal in Germany, in providing thrilling and unforgettable moments every year.

As the teams prepare for the semifinals this Wednesday, soccer fans in the United States and around the world have every reason to be excited. The quest for the 2023 US Open Cup title is filled with fascinating stories, intense rivalries, and the promise that soccer, even in the United States, can create moments of great passion and excitement.

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