US Open Cup 2016 Fourth Round preview: 5 MLS clubs enter tournament Tuesday

MLSsoccer staff

The 2016 edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup has progressed to the Fourth Round, and that means MLS enters the fray. With 16 games taking place in a two-day span, here's a look at the opening slate.

Tuesday Match Previews

Colorado Rapids

Colorado Springs Switchbacks

Tuesday, June 14 - 9 PM ET (LIVE AUDIO STREAM)

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – For the second year in a row, the Colorado Rapids will host USL side Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in the 4th Round of the U.S. Open Cup.

In last season’s matchup, a 4-1 victory by the Rapids, Colorado’s young guns put on a display, with goals from rookies Dominique Badji and Joe Greenspan and a brace from homegrown midfielder Dillon Serna.

“This year, we have the mentality where we’re in a place to win trophies,” Serna said last week, referencing the Rapids’ place atop the MLS table. “I think this is a great opportunity for us to make a good run in this tournament.”

Tuesday night’s game could also mark the return of Marco Pappa, who looks to make an appearance for the first time since suffering an MCL sprain in April against the New York Red Bulls.

-- MARCO CUMMINGS | More on ColoradoRapids.com

Real Salt Lake

Wilmington Hammerheads

Tuesday, June 14 - 10 PM ET (LIVE STREAM)

SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake will have a brand new field at their feet for Tuesday's game against Wilmington, and possibly some new faces along the back line.

Last year's Open Cup first-round center backs Justen Glad and Aaron Maund have been RSL's starters for most of the past two months. Other options include Jamison Olave, who hasn’t been in the RSL starting unit for the past three games. Phanuel Kavita didn’t play in Saturday's Real Monarchs game after starting on Wednesday, while fellow Monarch Boyd Okwuonu started in last year's first-round Open Cup game.

-- KEVIN NIELSON | More on RSL.com

Portland Timbers

San Jose Earthquakes

Tuesday, June 14 - 10:30 PM ET (LIVE STREAM)

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers have been a team in flux since the start of the MLS season, and there is no reason to think that will change as the side start their US Open Cup run. While the Timbers could call up members of their USL side, Timbers 2, the team will also see contributions from players returning from injury, such as first-choice right back Alvas Powell and winger/striker Darren Mattocks, as well as those who simply have not been able to crack the starting XI in recent weeks, like Chris Klute and Jack Barmby.

The San Jose Earthquakes' last visit to Portland did not go well for the Quakes, as they fell 1-0 to a 10-man Timbers side in league play. Now, just two weeks later, the Quakes will seek revenge as they face off against the Timbers in the Open Cup. Youngsters like forwards Adam Jahn and former Timbers U-23s player Mark Sherrod should get their chance to make an impact in this one, as the Quakes continue to deal with the absence of Chris Wondolowski, Anibal Godoy and Alberto Quintero to the ongoing Copa America.

LA Galaxy

La Maquina FC

Tuesday, June 14 - 10:30 PM ET (LIVE STREAM)

CARSON, Calif. – As the LA Galaxy enter the US Open Cup on Tuesday, facing amateur side La Maquina FC at StubHub Center, head coach Bruce Arena has several players on international duty or using the schedule break to rest or recover from injury.

Given the opposition, LA are much more likely to field a starting lineup of fringe or spot starters like Mike Magee, Emmanuel Boateng, Jeff Larentowicz and Leonardo, combined with younger players. Homegrown players like Oscar Sorto, Jose Villareal and Bradford Jamieson will likely also see time.

-- JAKE SCHWARTZ | More on LAGalaxy.com.

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