U.S. Soccer on Wednesday released the potential quarterfinal pairings for the 2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, throwing up some intriguing possible matchups between MLS sides, who make up 12 of the 16 teams currently remaining in the tournament.
The quarterfinal times and locations will be set in stone once the fourth round is completed next week, on June 12 (see schedule here), and one of the most mouthwatering possible pairings is a clash between Western Conference surprise packages FC Dallas and the Portland Timbers, should each win home games next week.
Also notable is the fact that defending champs Sporting Kansas City are guaranteed to hit the road in their title defense, should they overcome USL PRO affiliate Orlando City, with a trip to either Chicago or Columbus in the cards.
READ: Dom Dwyer, other Sporting KC loanees, won't face parent club in USOC
The only quarterfinal matchup that is guaranteed to feature two MLS teams is the clash between the D.C.-Philadelphia winner and the New England-New York winner, meaning a possible Atlantic Cup showdown could be in the works.
All four quarterfinal matches will be played on Wednesday, June 26.
Here is the complete list of possible quarterfinal pairings, with the home teams listed first.
- D.C. United-Philadelphia Union winner vs. New England Revolution-New York Red Bulls winner
- Chicago Fire-Columbus Crew winner vs. Sporting Kansas City-Orlando City SC (USL PRO) winner
- Real Salt Lake-Charleston Battery (USL PRO) winner vs. Carolina RailHawks (NASL)-Chivas USA winner
- FC Dallas-Houston Dynamo winner vs. Portland Timbers-Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) winner
For a complete list of possible venues and game times, check out U.S. Soccer's Open Cup schedule.
