US Open Cup Round of 32 wrap-up: USL’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds shock New England Revolution as cup holder Orlando falls to Charlotte
The first ‘cup set’ of the night took place in New England as the Revolution fell to USL Championship side Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 1-0 in the round of 32 in the US Open Cup at their Foxborough home ground.
After a tough challenge in the previous round – where the Revs were just chasing a victory over Hartford Athletic – MLS’ top team was unable to stay in the Cup as Daniel Griffin scored the only goal Pittsburgh needed to stay in the tournament .
There will be a new cup holder at the end of this tournament as the reigning champion Orlando City SC was beaten 1-0 by Charlotte FC.
A toe poke under the keeper by Charlotte’s Kamil Jozwiak in the 70′ gave ‘The Crown’ what they needed to advance to the Round of 16.
Elsewhere, a late Saint Paul thriller saw Minnesota United beat the Philadelphia Union by advancing on penalties.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC upset the MLS-leading New England Revolution on the road
Elsewhere, Charlotte FC’s lone goal knocked out cup-holding Orlando City SC
Minnesota United goalkeeper Clint Irwin’s exploits saw them beat Philadelphia on penalties
In a back-and-forth game, Minnesota went 2–0 up in the 73′, but conceded an equalizing goal against defenseman Kai Wagner in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Minnesota’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane took the lead in the 103′, but it was Wagner in the 120′ who sent the team to the kicks.
In the end, it was Wagner’s kick saved in the eighth penalty round by Minnesota’s Clint Irwin that sent ‘The Loons’ further.
The Chicago Fire were able to hold off a late attack from St. Louis City SC and prevent the new kids in the MLS block from advancing to the Cup by winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Maren Haile- Selassie and Fabian Herbers.
Inter Miami didn’t put the ball in the back of the net against Charleston Battery, but an own goal from the USL side was all it took for David Beckham’s ‘Herons’ to advance.