Wednesday, August 05, 2015

If Sporting Advance the US Open Cup Final is on the Road

Today US Soccer held the draw for the US Open Cup final. The draw, involving an envelope with each team's logo on a sheet of paper was drawn in order for hosting priority. Unfortunately for Kansas City they were drawn fourth, meaning that no matter what, KC would travel for the US Open Cup final if they defeat Real Salt Lake next week.
The final, which will take place on September 30th, will be hosted by the Chicago Fire, who were drawn in the one spot, if they beat the Philadelphia Union. Salt Lake was drawn second and will host the final if they defeat KC and the Philadelphia Union defeat the Fire at PPL Park. The Union only host if both KC and Philadelphia win.
This would be KC's first road game in the tournament since the 2012 season when they defeated the Union 2-0 in the semifinals on their way to the championship. It'd also be only their second since the team became Sporting KC (they also played a US Open Cup qualifier on the road in Houston in 2011).
KC fans are already rooting for KC to win and Fire to pull out the road win to set up a rematch of the 2004 US Open Cup final, this time in Chicago. It'd certainly be an easier trip for more fans to make than a trip to Philadelphia for a midweek game. First they obviously have to take care of business next Wednesday against Salt Lake.

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