The business end of the US Open Cup is underway, as the eighth finals begin this week. Only two USL Championship teams remain with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and Birmingham Legion. Both play MLS sides at home, giving them a chance to progress to the last eight. The New York red bulls and Chicago Firework will also participate in the Round of 16 without a tenure as head coach, but the main game will be El Trafico, taking place for the second time this season as FC Los Angeles will host the LA universe at the BMO Stadium.
Four of the games for this round will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Golazo Network, with 14 of the remaining 16 sides being Major League Soccer clubs.
Matches will now be split into a bracket format as the winner of the Central region will play against the winner of the West region for a spot in the finals, while the same goes for the Northeast and Southeast regions.
Open Cup bracket and schedule
All times Eastern
Central
Austin F.C vs. Chicago Fire FC, Wednesday at 9 p.m
Houston Dynamo against Minnesota United FCTuesday at 8:30 p.m
Northeast
New York Red Bulls vs. F.C. CincinnatiTuesday at 7:30 p.m
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. Columbus crewWednesday at 8 p.m. (CBS Sports Golazo Network)
West
Colorado rapids in return for Real salt lakeWednesday at 10 p.m. (CBS Sports Golazo Network)
Los Angeles Football Club vs. LA Galaxy, Tuesdays at 10:30 p.m. (CBS Sports Golazo Network)
Southeast
Birmingham Legion FC vs. Charlotte F.CWednesday at 8 p.m
InterMiami CF in return for Nashville SCTuesday at 7:30 p.m. (CBS Sports Golazo Network)
El Trafico is central
The Galaxy finds new ways to wrestle, but rivalry matches see form go out the window. The last time these two met, five goals were scored and LAFC won in the end and there’s no reason not to expect the same fireworks this time around. At opposite ends of the Western Conference, these squads couldn’t be led in more opposing directions, but the Galaxy is also too talented to be as bad as they are. Chicharito Hernandez and Carlo Vela likely to appear alongside the best striker in MLS right now, Dennis Bouanga. The LAFC striker has scored 10 goals so far this season, along with one assist.
Can the Riverhounds keep running?
Undefeated in their last five games, the Riverhounds will have a chance to make it to the final eight. Head coach Bob Lilley is one of the best coaches in USL and will have his team well prepared to take on the Crew. wilfried from Nancy roster is performing well this season which will be challenging especially if top players like it Luke Zelarayan is risked in the match.
What about the teams without coaches?
After parting ways with Ezra Hendrickson, The Fire have appointed Frank Klopas as interim head coach. They have fought under him, but a win over Austin FC could certainly boost his candidacy for the long-running appearance. Above all, the Fire needs stability in order to grow and continue to build talented youth perspectives. A club in a similar boat are the New York Red Bulls, although they are now built to win. The Red Bulls have a long-term vision with Troy Lesesne taking charge until the end of the season, but faltering in Open Cup play as the team struggles to score goals could lead to a scenario where things change faster as they are currently being below the playoff line.