The Round of 32 of the US Open Cup kick-started on Tuesday night with a handful of intriguing ties as MLS, MLS Next Pro, and USL sides locked horns across the country.
Headlined by an in-state meeting between North Carolina FC and Charlotte FC, here’s what we made of all the action ahead of the second installment to come on Wednesday night.
What happened? 📝
Tuesday evening kicked off with a pair of unexpected extra-time clashes as the D.C. United and Charlotte FC locked horns with USL Championship pair Charleston Battery and North Carolina FC.
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After being held at nil-nil scorelines, both DCU and Charlotte came alive in extra time before ultimately pulling out 2-0 and 4-1 wins respectively, with familiar faces Jacob Murrell and Patrick Agyemang adding their names to the scoresheet across both games.
Nashville had an easier time of it against the visiting USL League One club Chattanooga Red Wolves, highlighted by a long-range strike from right-back Josh Bauer in the first half before going on to book a very comfortable 1-0 home win.
New York Red Bulls found themselves on a long road outing when they paid a visit to USL Championship outfit Colorado Springs Switchbacks, coming away with a 4-1 win thanks to a first-half brace from Mohammed Sofo, a thunderbolt effort from Norwegian youngster Dennis Gjengaar, and further insurance thanks to Sean Nealis.
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To close out the night, the Portland Timbers had a much closer travel itinerary when they took their duties on the road at MLS Next Pro side Tacoma Defiance.
In what was so nearly the biggest upset of the competition, Portland’s blushes would ultimately be spared, with Kevin Kelsy bagging a match-winner from the penalty spot in the third minute of added time to complete a 3-2 comeback win.
Player of the day 🔥
After Dean Smith fielded an expected second-string side in the weekend match, the former Aston Villa manager turned to senior figures to get the result over the line, and key striker Patrick Agyemang delivered.
Making an appearance off the bench in the second half, the United States international bagged the match-winner and added an assist to his name to lead the Crown to a richly deserved win on the night.
Stat of the Day 📊
Though not a direct match stat, tonight’s fixture against Chattanooga offered a memorable milestone for Nashville as they can now boast their first-ever start from a homegrown academy talent, and in front of home support at Geodis Park no less.
With just eight years of existence on the books in MLS, center-back Chris Applewhite getting the call from BJ Callaghan could be a sign of things to come from the Boys in Gold.
What this means 🤔
D.C. United and Charlotte will clash in the Round of 16 of the competition given the permutations from the previous knockout stage draw on April 17th.
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Nashville awaits the winner of Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Orlando City, NY Red Bulls can look forward to one of FC Dallas and AV Alta FC, and Portland awaiting one of San Jose Earthquakes and Sacramento FC.
What’s next? 👀
A bevy of cup fixtures is set for tomorrow evening, with the remaining 22 clubs vying for a pathway into the Round of 16.
📸 Editorial Photo Credit: © Hannah Foslien | 2025 May 6-Imagn Images
