The Union kick off their US Open Cup campaign against USLPDL side Ocean City Nor’easters. The Nor’easters advanced to the third round of US Open Cup play after beating the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The game will take place next Tuesday, the 28th at PPL Park. The Union are looking to recreate the success from last year’s semi-final run in the cup. The Union are heavy favorites to advance to the next round and expected to win be a sizable margin.
Expect the Union to start some subs who have not been getting a lot of minutes. Lots of pressure is put on players like Keon Daniel, Michael Farfan and Hoppenot. I expect those players to start and the pressure is on them to create. Farfan and Daniel have been a disappointment this season. This is the perfect opportunity for them to play against a smaller opponent. This also is an opportunity for other players to take their spots. If Farfan under-performs against Ocean City and a player like Roger Torres has a solid game then we could see shifts in playing time. This is what makes the US Open fun, MLS sides giving other players a chance.
The Union will be honoring Bethlehem Steel FC for the duration of the Open Cup run by wearing the black third jersey. The Bethlehem Steel won five Open Cup titles in the early goings of the tournament. The five titles still stands as one of the most successful runs in Open Cup history. The Union are hoping that the with a little bit luck from Bethlehem Steel the Union will be lifting the Cup at the end of the summer. If the Union were able to win the cup, the Union would capture its first major title and birth in champions league.
This is the 100th year of the Open Cup and their is a good feeling about the Union. Centennial year and the Union are honoring the Bethlehem Steel wearing their colors. The Union are looking good as it is and had a strong performance last year. Not to believe in the hype their is an undertone of confidence. The Open Cup is one of the most underrated and most enjoyable tournaments in the world. It often goes overlooked but this is definitely an event worth paying attention too.
In other USLPDL news, the Union affiliate club Reading United upset the Union’s USL affiliate team Harrisburg City Islanders. The Union beat the City Islanders 5-2 last year in the fourth round of Open Cup play. Reading United pulled off the upset against Harrisburg and now face MLS side New York Red Bulls. The game will take place in NY Wednesday the 29th in Harrison, New Jersey. It will be interesting to see if the Union affiliate club can take down the Union’s rival. If Reading United are able to pull the upset it will be considered one of the biggest upsets in the Open Cup’s 100 years.
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