Sporting Kansas City will host the New York Red Bulls in the Final of the 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, U.S. Soccer’s National Championship.
New York ended FC Cincinnati’s fairytale run with a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory in Tuesday’s semifinal. The USL underdogs took a two-goal lead through Corben Bone and Austin Berry before the Red Bulls roared back, receiving goals from Gonzalo Veron and Bradley Wright-Phillips to draw level in regulation. Wright-Phillips then struck the game-winner in the 101st minute to silence a sellout crowd at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.
U.S. Soccer announced earlier Tuesday that the U.S. Open Cup Final will kick off at 8 p.m. CT on Sept. 20, with ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes broadcasting the match nationally from world-class Children’s Mercy Park. For supporters wishing to purchase tickets to the Open Cup Final, all remaining holds will go on sale to the general public Thursday at 10 a.m. CT via SeatGeek.com.
Sporting Kansas City is a three-time Open Cup champion — having lifted the trophy in 2004, 2012 and 2015 — while the Red Bulls have never won the competition and will be making their first final appearance since 2003. Next month’s championship match will serve as the first Open Cup meeting between the MLS charter members.
Led by Manager Peter Vermes, Sporting Kansas City has defeated Minnesota United FC, Houston Dynamo, FC Dallas and San Jose Earthquakes en route to the 2017 final. The club boasts a perfect 3-0 record in Open Cup finals, including shootout wins against Seattle Sounders FC in 2012 and the Philadelphia Union in 2015.
New York has ousted New York City FC, Philadelphia, New England Revolution and FC Cincinnati to punch a ticket to the 2017 final. Under the guidance of head coach Jesse Marsch, New York most recently visited Children’s Mercy Park on May 3 when Sporting Kansas City cruised to a 2-0 triumph in the MLS regular season.
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States and the world's third-longest-running open soccer tournament. The 2017 champion will receive $250,000 in prize money and a berth in the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League.
