The Fourth Round of the 2015 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup continues Wednesday, and seven more MLS teams will make their debuts in this year's edition of the country's oldest club competition. Among the highlights are an all-New York clash as the NASL's New York Cosmos host New York City FC. Columbus, D.C. and Orlando will also hit the road, while the LA Galaxy host the last amateur team remaining in the tournament. Get the lowdown on all seven of Wednesday's matches right here:
Richmond Kickers vs. Columbus Crew SC
Wednesday, June 17, 7 pm ET
Richmond City Stadium, Richmond, Va.
Broadcast:
U.S. Soccer YouTube
Gregg Berhalter has talked about Columbus Crew SC's depth all season, and the Open Cup may be a chance for him to put it on display.
Young players like Romain Gall and Sergio Campbell have looked less than comfortable in their limited minutes this season, but they may get another shot in the fourth round on Wednesday at Richmond, though Berhalter says to expect a strong team.
"The strategy is to go to the next round, and we'll put a team on the field that's ready to compete," Berhalter said. "In terms of the exact lineup, we're still working on that to see who's healthy, see who's ready to go, but we expect to put a good team on the field."
-- ANDREW KING
Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs. D.C. United
Wednesday, June 17, 7 pm ET
Highmark Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Broadcast:
U.S. Soccer YouTube
D.C. United enter their US Open Cup encounter with the USL’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds on a bit of a slide. After tough losses against Toronto and Orlando City, D.C. will rely on their depth for Wednesday’s USOC showdown.
"It’s a chance for guys to prove themselves, to get some of the rust off and get real minutes. We look at it as a game we need to go win,” United head coach Ben Olsen said on Sunday.
The Riverhounds booked their date with D.C. via a last-gasp winner against the NASL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies; this will be just their third appearance in the fourth round of the Open Cup.
-- PABLO MAURER
Charleston Battery vs. Orlando City SC
Wednesday, June 17, 7:30 pm ET
Blackbaud Stadium, Charleston, S.C.
Broadcast:
U.S. Soccer YouTube
Adrian Heath’s preseason targets included a US Open Cup win. However, he is mindful of protecting his team’s five-game unbeaten league run and, with two more games in the next week, Orlando’s coach must now balance his ambitions against old USL rivals Charleston.
“First and foremost, we want to win,” Heath insisted. “I’m taking the cup really seriously, but we also have to look at how everybody is [after Sunday’s win over D.C. United]. Anyone carrying any kind of knock will not play.”
That still leaves the Lions with options, including Honduran Designated Player Bryan Róchez up front, experienced midfielder Amobi Okugo, US U-23 defender Tyler Turner and center back Seb Hines against a team they lost to just once in 14 USL games.
-- SIMON VENESS
New England Revolution vs. Charlotte Independence
Wednesday, June 17, 7:30 pm ET
Soldiers Field Soccer Stadium, Boston
Broadcast:
U.S. Soccer YouTube
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The colonies will be rocking as the New England Revolution battle the Charlotte Independence for the first time, with the winner earning the freedom to carry on to the Round of 16.
New England coach Jay Heaps will be looking at this match as an opportunity to provide reserves with some well-deserved minutes, including the club’s recent homegrown signing, 19-year-old Zach Herivaux.
“You’re definitely going to see some roster changes and some players coming in,” said Heaps. “You’re going to see Zach Herivaux at some point in that game; whether he starts or comes off the bench, we want him to get minutes in that match.”
-- CRAIG FORDE
New York Cosmos vs. New York City FC
Wednesday, June 17, 7:30 pm ET
James M. Shuart Stadium, Hempstead, N.Y.
Broadcast:
ONE World Sports,
U.S. Soccer YouTube,
oneworldsports.com
CLICK HERE FOR A DETAILED LOOKAHEAD TO COSMOS VS. NYCFC
Houston Dynamo vs. Austin Aztex
Wednesday, June 17, 8:30 pm ET
BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston
Broadcast:
U.S. Soccer YouTube,
Ever since the offseason, the Houston Dynamo have touted their deep roster, and on Wednesday they’ll get a chance to put it on display just in the nick of time.
With six starters on preliminary rosters for July’s Gold Cup, Houston’s depth will be called upon to carry the load for several weeks. Against USL side Austin Aztex, players like Corey Ashe and Rob Lovejoy should get a much-needed stretch.
One player fans will look forward to seeing is forward Mauro Manotas. The Colombian sealed a move on deadline day and could be the most talented teenager the club have ever signed.
LA Galaxy vs. PSA Elite
Wednesday, June 17, 10:30 pm ET
StubHub Center, Carson, Calif.
Broadcast:
U.S. Soccer YouTube
The LA Galaxy are happy to be home for their US Open Cup opener Wednesday night, and they're thrilled not to be facing the Carolina RailHawks. Both feel a little like new experiences.
The Galaxy haven't played a home game in the competition since 2010, when they beat now-defunct AC St. Louis in the third round at StubHub Center. They're 2-5 since then in the Open Cup and were eliminated each of the past three years by the RailHawks in Cary, North Carolina.
“It's nice not to have to travel across country again ...” head coach Bruce Arena said following Tuesday's training session at StubHub. “I have no idea [how we received a home assignment]. They must have made a mistake in their blind draw.”
PSA Elite, from nearby Irvine, is something of a So Cal college all-star team with a few pros mixed in, and they've beaten three USL-affiliated clubs – including pros Orange County Blues in the second round – en route to their second successive trip to the fourth round.
“I really don't know a whole lot [about PSA Elite],” said Arena, who plans to field a mix of first-choice and reserve players. “I think the most important thing is our team is ready to play. [We're expected to] win the game, and that's what I expect.”
-- SCOTT FRENCH
