The U.S. Open Cup Odyssey That Could Save Sporting KC's Season

When you think of soccer in the U.S., the first thing that probably comes to mind is the MLS. It dominates the spotlight, no doubt. But don't sleep on the magic of the U.S. Open Cup. This competition is full of surprises, twists, and heart-pounding moments that can flip everything upside down. And, boy, do we have a blockbuster coming up: Sporting Kansas City is about to clash with Indy Eleven from the USL in the semifinals. Feels like one of those movie moments where the underdog shocks the world, or maybe the giant just needs a reminder of what it means to be great.

But hold up—let's rewind a bit and look at why this match is more than just a semifinal. It’s a tightrope walk between redemption and oblivion for Sporting Kansas City.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

Sporting KC's MLS season hasn’t exactly been a walk in the park. They’re sitting in 12th place in the Western Conference, and playoff hopes? Yeah, they’re more of a “maybe, if everything goes right” rather than a sure thing. But hey, a bad season in the league doesn’t mean the story's over. The U.S. Open Cup could be the light at the end of a very long tunnel. It’s their shot at lifting some silverware, saving the year, and giving their fans—who, let’s be honest, deserve to see this team back at the top—something to smile about.

And, man, if you don’t know what the U.S. Open Cup is by now, it’s time to pay attention. This is the oldest tournament in the country, with over a century of history. Here, it doesn’t matter if you’re from the MLS, the USL Championship, or some smaller league. Everyone gets a shot, as long as they’re willing to walk through the fire. It’s like America’s version of a fairytale—anyone can be the hero, even that small-town team you’ve never heard of. But this time, Sporting KC isn’t looking to be the villain that falls to the underdog.

On the other side of the field, there’s Indy Eleven. Sure, they’re a second-division team, but don’t think for a second they’re gonna be shaking in their boots just because they’re facing an MLS squad. Indy Eleven has already taken down some big dogs, including Atlanta United. These guys are living their own Cinderella story, and if Sporting KC isn’t careful, they could end up as the bad guy in this tale.

Now, one of the coolest things about Sporting Kansas City is just how much they care about the U.S. Open Cup. This isn’t just another tournament to them. With four titles under their belt, they’ve proven they know how to win—and win big. Since 2012, they’ve basically owned this competition, racking up 28 victories. They’re like that grizzled veteran who, even when it seems like they’re down and out, somehow always finds a way to win.

Head coach Peter Vermes knows this better than anyone. He’s one of the most respected figures in American soccer, with three Open Cup titles to his name. And don’t doubt for a second that he’s got his eyes set on a fourth. This game isn’t just about salvaging the season; it’s about continuing to build the legacy of the club—and Vermes himself.

On the field, Sporting KC’s got some serious firepower. Johnny Russell is a beast. He’s racked up 66 goals for the club and won’t stop until he’s got an Open Cup title to call his own. He’s just one goal away from becoming Sporting KC’s second all-time leading scorer. Think he’s gonna let this chance slip by? No way.

Then there’s Daniel Salloi, the Hungarian forward who’s hit the 100-goal contribution mark for Kansas City (60 goals and 40 assists). He’s another guy who knows how to show up when it counts. With him and Russell leading the charge, Sporting’s attack is locked and loaded, ready to cause some serious damage.

And let’s not forget Jake Davis. This kid’s on fire after coming back from the Olympics. In his last game, he scored a beauty and set up another, proving he’s more than ready to carry this team on his shoulders if need be.

But make no mistake, Indy Eleven is hungry. They know they’re walking into enemy territory, but they didn’t get here by accident. They’ve got players who can cause problems, like Jack Blake and Augustine Williams, who’ve been banging in crucial goals during this Open Cup run. Knocking out Atlanta United shows they’re not just here for the ride. They’re here to compete, and they’re not going down easy.

This matchup has all the ingredients for an unforgettable night. It’s the kind of game where legends are made—where a struggling team like Sporting KC can flip the script on a tough season, or where an underdog like Indy Eleven can write their own piece of history. Either way, soccer fans are in for a treat.