For the first time in a decade, the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals were contested without a lower-league team in the mix. Even without Cup-sets on the cards, the MLS clubs involved put on a show – when Mother Nature allowed it (sorry New York Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union, whose matchup was postponed to August 13th).
How did Minnesota United, Austin FC, and Nashville SC book their trips to the semifinals? Let’s dig in.
Minnesota United (3) - Chicago Fire (1)
It’s been a feast-or-famine stretch in the Windy City. Since the start of May, the Chicago Fire have won seven matches and scored 3.7(!) goals per game in those wins. They’ve also lost three of their last four in the regular season. Unfortunately for Gregg Berhalter, the Fire’s defeat at the hands of Minnesota United in the U.S. Open Cup fell firmly into the latter bucket.
