More than 50 goals scored, three lower-league teams pulling off Cup-sets, unbelievable comebacks, and an exceptional shootout. The U.S. Open Cup’s Round of 32 had it all.
Amidst a 16-game slate full of intrigue and excitement, what stood out above the rest? We’ve got superlatives to recap the most indelible moments from this round of the Open Cup.
Best Match
In last year’s USL Championship Playoffs, Birmingham smacked Tampa Bay in the first round in an unexpected upset. For about 80 minutes on Wednesday night, it seemed like it was the Rowdies’ revenge. Cal Jennings bagged a hat trick, the Legion struggled to defend and communicate, and the hosts were rolling to the tune of a 4-0 lead.
This game is going to extra time. #USOC2024 https://t.co/VlCr2KspgO
— Jason Anderson (@JasonDCsoccer) May 9, 2024
Then, Birmingham’s Enzo Martinez made a run right down the middle for what seemed to be a consolation goal, wryly shushing the crowd just for the sake of it. Nothing to sweat, right?
In the 89th minute, Kobe Hernandez-Foster curled in a shot from the edge of the box, and Tampa Bay started to feel hot under the collar. When Tyler Pasher scored off an identical run to Martinez’s from just 10 minutes earlier, panic set in. The Rowdies bizarrely refused to abandon a high-ish back line, and that decision along with the nerves beget by three quick concessions led to a disastrous penalty concession in the 93rd minute.
