Teams play in semifinal of the US Open Cup.
Chicago Fire play host to D.C. United on Wednesday night for the US Open Cup semifinal, the winner of which will play either Portland Timbers or Real Salt Lake in the final.
The Fire advanced to the semifinals of the tournament with a 5-1 victory over the Orlando City SC June 26 at Toyota Park. A Chris Rolfe brace and goals from Patrick Nyarko, Mike Magee and Joel Lindpere led the Men in Red to their 33rd all-time victory in the 100-year old tournament.
D.C. United advanced after a 3-1 victory over the New England Revolution at the SoccerPlex with captain Dwayne de Rosario, Chris Pontius and Lionard Pajoy all getting on the scoresheet.
D.C. United haven’t won a game on the road this season and lost to Chicago 4-1 two weeks ago, but will be buoyed by Saturday’s 3-1 win over Montreal Impact, which Chicago midfielder Joel Lindpere acknowledges makes them dangerous.
“Their result at home to beat Montreal 3-1 says everything,” Lindpere told MLSsoccer.com. “For them, I think the season is over, so they can enjoy, that’s also their last game with a chance of winning something this year.”
D.C. United’s coach Ben Olsen said as a player he was never in a situation where an Open Cup meant so much to a club. Coming off D.C.’s biggest league win of the season, the team have a prime opportunity to find some success in a season that’s had its fair share of disappointments.
“We look at the Open Cup as an opportunity to get some W’s and to get some happiness back in our lives,” Willis said. “And this team has played unbelievably well in the Open Cup.”
Said Olsen: “To us right now, this is our one chance to get that trophy.”
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