Overview of the U.S Open
The 107th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup that started March 22nd 2022 is coming to a close yet again. Semi-finals phase of the competition will take place on July 27th. The first match will be in Orlando, Florida as Orlando City SC take on New York Red Bulls. Then the second match will take place in Sacramento, California as Sacramento Republic take on Sporting Kansas City. All four teams will be hoping to take the trophy from defending champions Atlanta United. Rodrigo Lopez currently leads the golden boot race with four goals. Luiz Felipe another Sacramento Republic player has three goals.
Favorites Sporting K.C
So far Sporting Kansas City go into the semi finals in the best form as they scored eight and conceded one. They last won the competition in 2012, 2015 and 2017 which is three times in ten years. Kansas City also won it another time in 2004 so this is a competition that favors them. Kansas City will be hoping to do so again this year after missing out the last two occasions. They are are probably the favorites as nobody else in the semis has won the trophy before.
New York Red Bulls
Before New York City FC were the favorites to beat Red Bulls but then collapsed to a 3-0 defeat. In terms of other teams New York Red Bulls also go into this semi final in great form after their 3-0 win against competition favorites NYCF. They have never won the competition in their history and will want to lift the famous trophy for the first time.
Underdogs Sacramento Republic
Sacramento Republic reached the semifinals but did not put in performances like NY Red Bulls or Sporting Kansas. They coasted to a comfortable 2-0 victory against San Jose Earthquakes. Sacramento Republic stunned L.A Galaxy to reach the semifinals for the first time in their history. Sacramento Republic will be looking to make the most of being in the semi finals and cause another upset against Kansas City. The last U.S Open Cup Sacramento Republic crashed out at the fourth round.
Orlando S.C
Orlando City made the semis by the skin of their teeth as they beat both Inter Miami and Nashville SC on penalties. They drew 1-1 in both games and do not go into the semi finals in very convincing form. They will be hoping to light up the tournament and put in a convincing display.
Prediction
Sacramento Republic, Orlando City and NY Red Bulls have all never won the U.S Open Cup and will want to get their hands on the trophy for the first time. Whereas Sporting Kansas on the other hand have won it four times so luck is very much on their side.
