NEW YORK — More than a few intriguing matchups could be on tap for the third round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the first stage that will feature the eight MLS clubs that have earned qualification.
Depending on the results of the second round, which will be played on June 21, potential fixtures that could prove among the most attractive, include three derbies: FC New York vs. New York Red Bulls, LA Blues vs. LA Galaxy and Kitsap Pumas vs. the defending champion Seattle Sounders.
While the Chicago Fire were the opposition for Sporting Kansas City in the first-ever match played at newly opened LIVESTRONG Sporting Park back on June 9, the Chicago Fire PDL side could serve as first-ever US Open Cup foe in the brief history of the new stadium. Chicago Fire PDL first need to get by the Madison 56ers in the second round.
The US Soccer Federation on Wednesday released the following scenarios for the third round, which will be played on Tuesday, June 28, with a match or two potentially moving to Wednesday, June 29. It is worth noting that if the Harrisburg City Islanders beat the Rochester Rhinos on June 21, MLS clubs would host every match.
The quarterfinals will be played July 12, followed by the semifinals on Tuesday, Aug. 30, and the 2011 US Open Cup final on Tuesday, Oct. 4.
US Open Cup Round of 16 Matches -- Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Pro) OR Richmond Kickers (USL Pro) at Columbus Crew – 7:30 p.m. ET, Columbus Crew Stadium
FC New York (USL Pro) OR NY Pancyprian Freedoms (USASA) at New York Red Bulls – 8 p.m. ET, Red Bull Arena
Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro) at Chicago Fire – 8:30 p.m. ET, Toyota Park ORChicago Fire at Rochester Rhinos (USL Pro) – 7:35 p.m. ET, Sahlen’s Stadium
Chicago Fire PDL (PDL) OR Madison 56ers (NPSL) at Sporting Kansas City – 8:30 p.m. ET, LIVESTRONG Sporting Park
Orlando City Soccer Club (USL Pro) OR Charleston Battery (USL Pro) at FC Dallas – 9 p.m. ET, Pizza Hut Park
Charlotte Eagles (USL Pro) OR Wilmington Hammerheads (USL Pro) at Real Salt Lake – 9 p.m. ET, Rio Tinto Stadium
Los Angeles Blues (USL Pro) OR Ventura County Fusion (PDL) at LA Galaxy – 10:30 p.m. ET, Titan Stadium
US Open Cup Round of 16 Match -- Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Real Colorado Foxes (PDL) OR Kitsap Pumas (PDL) at Seattle Sounders – 10 p.m. ET, Starfire Sports Stadium
