Bad day for MLS in US Open Cup

US Open CupSeveral MLS teams took place in the 3rd round of the US Open Cup today.  A few of those teams will play again in the 4th round – several will not.

Defending MLS Champions Columbus Crew went to OT and then to PKs against the always dangerous Rochester Rhinos.  The Rhinos came out on top in PKs at 5-3 to move on.

The Chicago Fire have been hot in MLS play – but they couldn’t keep it up against Wilmington Hammerheads.   The only goal of the game went to the Hammerheads in the first half.  Four time US Open Cup champions Chicago Fire can now focus on the MLS regular season.

Chivas USA was the third MLS side to fall to a lower division opponent.  They ran into the Charleston Battery and went home 3-1 losers.

Some MLS teams did advance out of this round.  DC United beat the Ocean City Barons 2-0 and The Kansas City Wizards snuck out of Minnesota with after winning 4-2 on PKs after a 3-3 draw.

A couple teams will still be in action on July 1st.  The Houston Dynamo will be playing at the Austin Aztecs while Seattle Sounders FC will be playing at their old USL rivals Portland Timbers.

Who is the man?

These guys are on fire right now. Sorry if you think I’m excluding someone more deserving.

Josh Wolff

Josh Wolff

This 32 year old striker for the Kansas City Wizards struck Real Salt Lake for 2 goals today. This has Wolff right up near the top of the season scoring leaders.

Zach Thornton

Zach Thornton

Thornton started out as a backup keeper for Chivas USA. Just earlier tonight he beat Brad Guzan’s Chivas USA record for most consecutive shutout minutes – and he is still adding to it.

Both of these guys left Major League Soccer and eventually came back. Neither were too successful in Europe but they both seem to have a bright future in MLS.