The U.S. Open Cup Final is set, and two MLS teams will square off for a chance at a trophy in 2009. It’s little surprise that D.C. United had a successful return to the final, seeing that they have faced no MLS competition during cup play, although that changes if you count their two play-in games against Dallas and New York.
Their opponent, Seattle Sounders FC, come as a bit of a shock given the dramatics of their semifinal against Houston. Down 1-0 with a few minutes to spare, the Sounders did their best impression of the come back kids, as Nate Jaqua grabbed a dramatic equalizer to set up the game winner in overtime.
So why are these details important? Prior to the game, U.S. Soccer revealed that D.C. United would host the bid if they won their semifinal against USL opponents Rochester Rhinos. With the Sounders advancing to the final, it has everyone scratching their heads, comparing a potential 32,000+ crowd at Qwest Field against what would be a comparatively weak audience of less than 10,000.
What most proponents of Seattle ignore is the 1:00 PM kickoff time that is created due to the Mariners that day which raises all sorts of questions: Would Seattle draw the same crowd as a league match, seeing that season ticket holders did not have a ticket for this game? Who is going to watch the game (which is FSC has the rights to) at that time? Is MLS missing a chance to boost the stature of the Open Cup?
None of those questions seem to have an answer. But with the final over a month away, it’s just something for another day. There’s plenty of action this weekend to take our minds off of it — but also no glamor friendlies either.
Friday, July 24
F.C. Dallas at Real Salt Lake — 9:00 PM (Direct Kick)
This week’s matchup at Rio Tinto features two sides fighting for their playoff lives. Both need points to keep pace in the competitive West, as LA begins to distance themselves from the lower-level playoff teams. Kenny Cooper and Kyle Beckerman will be missing pieces on both sides, but the return of Will Johnson is a shot in the arm for the home team. Javier Morales and Clint Mathis are the two to watch for RSL, as newly-acquired Atiba Harris could make his first appearance in the hoops. A win for the home team looks likely in this one.
Saturday, July 25
Chicago at Seattle — 3:00 PM (ESPN)
It didn’t take long for ESPN to catch on to the Seattle phenomenon. They’ve done a tremendous job out there and yet another televised match at Qwest is the reward — though surely these decisions were made at the beginning of the season. Nevertheless, it’s an important matchup if Seattle wants to back up its claims as an MLS cup contender. The Fire will surely be tested on the road, and again all eyes will be on Cuautemoc Blanco to spur the McBride-less attack on. This one could end up a draw.
Toronto FC at Columbus Crew — 7:30 PM (Direct Kick)
The epic rivalry will be much diminished this time around. Thanks to some gigantic missteps by fans and police officers alike, there was no mass trip down to Columbus for this one. And while that is a shame, it’s a vital game for both sides. Toronto has a playoff spot in their sights this year, not to mention a shot at first place, seeing that they are only two points back. Fresh acquisitions, including Ali Gerba look to boost their strike force, which has been dangerously inconsistent. The big story for the Crew will be the health of Guillermo Barros Schelotto, and whether or not Columbus can replicate their play from the previous week if the Argentine is unavailable once again. TFC would prove a lot with a win on the road, but a draw is most likely in this one.
New England at Houston — 8:30 PM (Direct Kick)
Who are the Revolution and what are they going to do this year? They’ve only played 15 games thanks to a staggered schedule, and they’ve been savaged so badly by injuries that Steve Ralston has played in defense. Because of their schedule, they have a gap behind the league leaders, but if they can turn some of those games into wins they are right back in it in the East. If any club is beatable this weekend, it’s the Dynamo, who once again go in shorthanded without Stuart Holden and Brian Ching. However, home field for Houston will be a huge help in preserving at least a point at home.
Los Angeles at Kansas City — 9:00 PM (ESPN2)
Here we go. This Beckham nonsense is going on once again. After his less-than noble at the HDC, he is now making news for all the wrong reasons. Here’s a memo to Beckham: Shut up and play. The only way he can garner support from his home crowd is to win game, to push the Galaxy towards the playoffs, something they are poised to do now for the first time in three years. Their road match, out in KC, comes against an opponent that has struggled to score and to win of late. Once again, they’ll be missing one of their most dangerous attackers in Davy Arnaud, and their best defender and captain Jimmy Conrad. The possibility of LA extending their win streak is very strong indeed.
New York at Colorado — 9:30 PM (Direct Kick)
The walking dead that is the New York Red Bull continue their march to futility. They’ll travel up a mile high, to a Colorado team desperate for a win. Conor Casey has looked a bit drained since his foray into Africa, though hardly his fault due to team generally looking hopeless on the road. Returning to DSG will be as much of a lift as their opponents will be — a pathetic Red Bull squad with no realistic chance at the playoffs. From here on out, it’s a matter of fighting for a place on next season’s roster, a shuddering thought when you consider it is only July. How Juan Carlos Osorio, or anyone in the front office, hasn’t last their job is beyond me.
D.C. United at San Jose — 10:30 PM (FSC)
A trip out West for D.C. starts another brutal stretch of league matches for the Black-and-Red. Their next home game in MLS won’t be until August 22, or just over a month. While their matchup in San Jose is hardly the most daunting task, it certainly won’t be a walk in the park if the Earthquakes play like they did against Chicago a week ago. Darren Huckerby is on the mend, though if you’re Frank Yallop you’d have to want more from overpriced midfielder Bobby Convey. It’s sad to see such a promising young player end up as a bust in his return to the league, but so far, that’s all he’s proved to be. If the Quakes can’t turn it around this weekend, they’re done.
Make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed and follow us on Twitter to get the latest breaking news and analysis!
