The 2022 U.S. Open Cup semifinals are now completely set, as Orlando City emerged from a penalty kick shootout to eliminate 10-man Nashville SC Wednesday night.
With the winner of the game holding the top hosting priority for the Open Cup final after last week’s draw, both sides fielded close to their best eleven. Nashville made just two changes to the team that beat D.C. United 3-1 on the road on Saturday, while Orlando had rotated against FC Cincinnati in order to field starters like Mauricio Pereyra and Robin Jansson in the cup.
A sneaky finish from Nashville star Hany Mukhtar gave the Tennessean side a win at Orlando. The German DP seemed to have no angle on Alex Muyl’s cross, but threw a foot around his marker to gently guide a shot past a wrong-footed Pedro Gallese.
It's that man again 🤩
Hany Mukhtar grabs his second goal of the 2022 Open Cup to put @NashvilleSC in front of @OrlandoCitySC.
0-1 | #USOC2022 pic.twitter.com/3Hv2PY0Cw8
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) June 30, 2022
However, four minutes into stoppage time, and with Gallese sent forward for a last-ditch free kick, the Lions drew level. Benji Michel almost appeared lost in midair while winning the header on Alexandre Pato’s initial service, but he ended up knocking the ball down perfectly for Rodrigo Schlegel to fire home a dramatic equalizer.
Equalizer laaaaate in stoppage time 🥳
Rodrigo Schlegel draws @OrlandoCitySC level with @NashvilleSC in the 94th minute and we're headed for extra-time.
1-1 | #USOC2022 pic.twitter.com/DJWzKzYGK5
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) June 30, 2022
Nashville substitute Sean Davis picked up a second yellow card just 50 seconds into extra time, opening the door for Orlando to complete their comeback.
Orlando pushed for a winner, but Nashville’s 10 men held on, carrying the match to penalties. Alex Muyl missed the visitors’ opening attempt in the tiebreaker, but Elliott Panicco’s save on Andres Perea kept Orlando from putting the game to bed.
Finally, in the seventh round, Gallese dove to his right to deny Eric Miller, propelling Orlando through to a semifinal they’ll get to play in front of their own fans.
Florida hero, @pedrogallese 😤@OrlandoCitySC | #usoc2022 pic.twitter.com/J3m2ftNdcH
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) June 30, 2022
2022 Open Cup semifinal venue/time
July 27: Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls
Exploria Stadium (Orlando, FL) – 7:30pm Eastern
July 27: Sacramento Republic FC vs. Sporting Kansas City
Heart Heath Park (Sacramento, CA) – 10:30pm Eastern
Both games will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN+.
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