NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION vs. PHILADELPHIA UNION
JORDAN FIELD, Cambridge, Mass.
July 20, 2016 (U.S. Open Cup)
7:30 pm ET (YouTube)
A couple of silverware-hungry clubs can get one step closer to 2016's first available prize when the New England Revolution host the Philadelphia Union in Wednesday night's quarterfinal at Harvard University's Jordan Field. The Union, who started play in 2010 as an MLS expansion side, have reached the last two Open Cup finals only to come up short. New England, one of the league's original clubs, have only the 2007 Open Cup trophy in their case.
First MLS foes for Revs
It had to happen sometime; Wednesday's quarterfinal will mark New England's first Open Cup match this year against top-flight competition, and their first time playing at home this year. The Revs got here with a pair of road victories over NASL sides, opening Cup play with a 1-0 extra time victory over the Carolina RailHawks and then outlasting the New York Cosmos 3-2 in the Round of 16.
90 minutes fit
Philadelphia are one of the few remaining clubs who haven't had to take a match beyond regulation to reach the quarters. The Union haven't run away with either of their victories, though. They got past USL side Harrisburg City Islanders 3-2 in their opener, then beat the New York Red Bulls in the Round of 16. Wednesday's match will be their first away from home in Open Cup action this season.
A quarterfinal rarity
Of Wednesday's four quarterfinal matches, three of them all-MLS affairs, this will be the only one played at a college stadium – and the only one contested between two clubs who are both above MLS's red line. The Union sit second in the Eastern Conference, just three points behind New York City FC and with a game in hand, while New England are on 23 points and hold the sixth and final playoff spot in the East.
