MLS Clubs Learn US Open Cup Fate

The second round of the 2013 US Open Cup was played at sites around the country Tuesday night, which means that with those results in tow, the US based Major League Soccer clubs know who their third round opponents will be and where they will play.  It's a little different this year, as clubs won't be allowed to purchase the home game from their opponents.  That didn't work too well for RSL last year, as NASL side Minnesota sold their home game to the Claret and Cobalt, then proceed to stomp them at Rio Tinto stadium.  Here's a look at the MLS sides and their opponents with games to be played May 28 and May 29.  Home team listed first.

May 28, 2013:

• May 28: Richmond Kickers (USL PRO) vs. D.C. United (MLS), 7 pm ET
• May 28: Philadelphia Union (MLS) vs. Ocean City Nor'easters (PDL), 7:30 pm ET
• May 28: Orlando City SC (USL PRO) vs. Colorado Rapids (MLS), 7: 30 pm ET
• May 28: Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL) vs. FC Dallas (MLS), 7:30 pm ET
• May 28: Charleston Battery (USL PRO) vs. San Jose Earthquakes (MLS), 7:30 pm ET
• May 28: Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO) vs. New England Revolution (MLS), 7:35 pm ET
• May 28: Sporting Kansas City (MLS) vs. Des Moines Menace (PDL), 8:30 pm ET
• May 28: Real Salt Lake (MLS) vs. Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL), 9:30 pm ET
• May 28: LA Blues (USL PRO) vs. Chivas USA (MLS), 10:30 pm ET

May 29, 2013:

• May 29: Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) vs. Chicago Fire (MLS), 7 pm ET
• May 29: Carolina RailHawks (NASL) vs. LA Galaxy (MLS), 7:15 pm ET
• May 29: Columbus Crew (MLS) vs. Dayton Dutch Lions (USL PRO), 7:30 pm ET
• May 29: New York Red Bulls (MLS) vs. Reading United AC (PDL), 7:30 pm ET
• May 29: Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) vs. Seattle Sounders (MLS), 7:30 pm ET
• May 29: Houston Dynamo (MLS) vs. FC Tucson (PDL), 8:30 pm ET
• May 29: Portland Timbers (MLS) vs. Wilmington Hammerheads (USL PRO), 10:30 pm ET

 Anybody spot any trendy upset picks?  It can be hard to come by good coverage of lower division soccer in the US, but don't count NASL sides out especially.  USL PRO sides and PDL sides have been known to pull an upset or two as well.  RSL vs the Atlanta Silverbacks will be a trendy pick I think, given RSL's stumbles in the tourney and Eric Wynalda's involvement with the Silverbacks.  I also suspect the Chicago Fire might have a tough time with the Charlotte Eagles, being at Charlotte.  The Richmond Kickers host DC United, and they usually do well in this tournament.  Pair that with DC's recent struggles and there is a recipe for a giant killing.

Check out the matches next week at your home stadium.  Most MLS sides try to make a streaming option available, but please go out and support your club in this historic tournament.  After all, a CCL place is on the line for the winner.