Union, Red Bulls Renew Rivalry in U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinal Showdown
- Jonathan Turner
- Aug 13
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
Philadelphia, Pa. — The Philadelphia Union will look to extend their dominance over the New York Red Bulls when the two rivals meet Wednesday night in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals at Subaru Park. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network.
The Union enter the match in top form, sitting atop the MLS standings and boasting one of the league’s stingiest defenses. Interim head coach Bradley Carnell is determined to keep his team focused on the task at hand as they pursue the club’s first-ever Open Cup title.
“We can’t look past this game,” Carnell said. “Every minute matters in a knockout tournament, and our goal is simple — survive and advance.”
Philadelphia will be without All-Star defender Jakob Glesnes, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Still, the Union bring an imposing record against New York, unbeaten in their last 15 meetings in all competitions, with 11 wins and four draws. They have outscored the Red Bulls 25-8 in that span.
For New York, the stakes are equally high. Head coach Sandro Schwarz has turned to veteran leaders Emil Forsberg and Choupo-Moting to spearhead the attack, while 20-year-old forward Mohammed Sofo has emerged as a consistent threat, scoring in each of his four career Open Cup appearances. Goalkeeper AJ Marcucci, fresh off a penalty shootout heroics against FC Dallas, is expected to start again in Cup play.
“This is about building emotions and momentum,” Schwarz said. “We know the history, but every match is its own story. We’re here to write a new one.”
Both clubs had to wait for this clash — the match was originally scheduled for early July but was postponed due to severe weather. The winner will advance to the semifinals, joining Austin FC, Minnesota United FC and Nashville SC in the final four.
Philadelphia’s strong defensive structure will be tested by a Red Bulls side that thrives on high pressing and quick transitions. With both teams eyeing silverware, history suggests a tense, hard-fought contest — two of their four previous Open Cup meetings have gone to extra time.
Prediction models favor the Union, but the knockout format leaves little margin for error. In a rivalry steeped in familiarity, one moment of brilliance or one defensive lapse could decide who moves one step closer to lifting the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
NSN PREDICTIONS
Ryan Glinski
Union 3 New York 1
Jonathan Turner
Union 2 New York 3
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