U.S. Soccer conducted the final draw for the 2022 U.S. Open Cup, revealing who would host July’s two semifinal games, as well as determining the hosting priority for the final in September.
Neutrals got one outcome they wanted, with USL Championship club Sacramento Republic FC ending up the host of the western side of the bracket’s semifinal. Sacramento will host Sporting Kansas City at Heart Health Park, a venue in which they’ve tasted defeat just once in 16 Open Cup games over the years.
Sacramento produced a stunning upset Tuesday night to earn their place in the semifinals, defeating the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Over in the east, the winner of the Orlando City vs. Nashville SC quarterfinal (which will take place in Florida on June 29) will host the other semifinal, with the New York Red Bulls heading to either Exploria Stadium or Geodis Park.
Both semifinals do not have announced dates or times, though U.S. Soccer has scheduled both to be played on either July 26 or July 27.
The good news for Sacramento turned sour in the draw for hosting priority in the final. The Republic were drawn into the lowest priority, meaning that no matter who wins in the east, Sacramento will have to head on the road. The Orlando/Nashville winner got top priority, with Sporting KC second and the Red Bulls in third.
The date and time of the final is not settled, with U.S. Soccer stating that the game could be played on September 6-7 or September 13-14.
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