The U.S. Open Cup returns, with round of 16 matches featuring two of MLS’s most intense rivalries and the possibility of more upsets adding intrigue.
Plenty of headlines will be generated by the latest edition of El Tráfico, with Los Angeles FC hosting the LA Galaxy on Tuesday night. For a desperate Galaxy team, the Open Cup may be their one real chance at salvaging a season that has spiraled out of control, while their city rival is looking to use 2023 to underline their “we’re here to win everything” ambitions.
Wednesday will see the Rocky Mountain Cup add another chapter, with the Colorado Rapids hosting Real Salt Lake. It’s a regional rivalry that nearly always delivers a spicy game, and it won’t be the only game with the possibility of high drama. Both of the remaining lower-division teams left in the tournament will host MLS opposition, with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds welcoming the Columbus Crew and Birmingham Legion facing Charlotte FC.
Here are all of the round of 16 match-ups (home teams listed first, winners listed in bold as the tournament unfolds):
Tuesday, May 23
- Inter Miami 2-1 Nashville SC
- New York Red Bulls 1-1 (AET) FC Cincinnati (FC Cincinnati advances 5-3 on penalties)
- Houston Dynamo 4-0 Minnesota United
- Los Angeles FC 0-2 LA Galaxy
Wednesday, May 24
- Pittsburgh Riverhounds 1-0 Columbus Crew
- Birmingham Legion FC 1-0 Charlotte FC
- Austin FC 0-2 Chicago Fire
- Colorado Rapids 0-1 Real Salt Lake
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