Sporting Kansas City beat FC Dallas in US Open Cup

At Children's Mercy Park, Sporting Kansas City booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2024 US Open Cup with a dramatic 2-1 win over FC Dallas after extra time. The match was marked by intense emotions, from a goalless first half to a 108-minute delay due to bad weather. And, of course, a breathtaking finish with Dany Rosero standing tall as a hero by scoring the decisive goal.

The first half was a typical game of chess, with both teams studying each other and few clear chances. However, everything changed when the weather decided to intervene, forcing a stoppage that left everyone present anxious. But, as the saying goes, "after the storm comes the calm", and that's exactly what happened. The delay allowed the teams to return with more vigor and enthusiasm, ready to give their all in search of victory.

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When the ball got rolling again, in-form strikers Willy Agada and Petar Musa exchanged goals at the end of regulation time, taking the match into extra time. Agada opened the scoring in the 77th minute, powering home a first-time shot after a perfect cross from Johnny Russell, but the joy was short-lived. Dallas responded quickly, with Asier Illarramendi finding Musa to tie the game.

Extra time was a test of endurance and nerves for both teams. But it was Dany Rosero who sealed the fate of the match in the 111th minute. From a corner taken by Russell, Rosero rose above everyone and headed the ball into the back of the net, securing the win and keeping Kansas City's dream of winning their fifth Open Cup title alive.

With the win, Sporting Kansas City now prepare to face Indy Eleven, from the USL Championship, in the semi-finals. The match will take place on August 27 or 28, again at Children's Mercy Park. As well as the prestige of reaching the final, the 2024 Open Cup champion will receive US$300,000 in prize money and a place in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Less than 72 hours after a thrilling win over Dallas in the MLS, coach Peter Vermes made six changes to his starting line-up. Tim Melia, a true wall in goal, held his ground and made crucial saves throughout the match, including a spectacular last-ditch save.

FC Dallas also deserve praise for their combative performance. Musa and Illarramendi were standouts, creating constant problems for the Kansas City defense. However, in soccer, small details make all the difference, and it was Rosero's precise header that defined the final result.

This victory is further proof of the growth and quality of the MLS. The league has gone from strength to strength year after year, attracting international talent and providing top-level matches. The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is a showcase of this progress, showing that soccer in the United States is on the rise and can compete on equal terms with other leagues around the world.

In the end, the stoppage didn't stop the ball from rolling, and Sporting Kansas City showed that they are ready for any challenge. With a combination of talent, strategy and fighting spirit, the team remains firmly in the hunt for another historic title