On May 6, 2025, Major League Soccer's teams kicked off their campaigns in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and what a night it was! All five MLS representatives—Charlotte FC, D.C. United, Nashville SC, New York Red Bulls, and Portland Timbers—secured their spots in the Round of 16, showcasing their dominance over lower-tier teams.
The night began with a thrilling all-Carolina matchup between Charlotte FC and North Carolina FC at First Horizon Stadium. After a tense 90 minutes that ended scoreless, the game erupted in extra time. Charlotte's Liel Abada broke the deadlock in the 97th minute, but the joy was short-lived as Rafael Mentzingen equalized for North Carolina just moments later. However, Charlotte FC's Patrick Agyemang, Nikola Petkovic, and Kerwin Vargas made sure to seal the deal, resulting in a 4-1 victory for the MLS side. Agyemang's header in the 104th minute proved crucial, as he continued to build on his breakout 2025 season.
Meanwhile, D.C. United faced Charleston Battery in a gripping encounter that also required extra time. After a goalless first half, Jacob Murrell and Jared Stroud struck six minutes apart in the first extra-time period to propel D.C. to a 2-0 win. Murrell's stunning 25-yard shot in the 96th minute was a standout moment, showcasing his talent as he continues to make headlines.
Nashville SC's battle against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC was less dramatic but no less significant. Josh Bauer's solitary goal in the 18th minute secured a 1-0 win, allowing Nashville to advance comfortably. Notably, defender Chris Applewhite made history as the first homegrown player to start for the franchise in the Open Cup.
In a high-scoring affair, the New York Red Bulls triumphed over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC with a convincing 4-1 scoreline. Mohammed Sofo was the star of the night, netting a brace in the first half. His first goal came in the 16th minute, courtesy of a long ball from Alexander Hack, while his second was set up by Noah Eile just before halftime. Dennis Gjengaar and Sean Nealis added to the tally, ensuring a comfortable victory for the Red Bulls. Coach Sandro Schwarz praised Sofo's development, noting his aggressive play and ability to contribute to the team's success.
Lastly, the Portland Timbers faced Tacoma Defiance in a nail-biting contest that ended 3-2. After initially leading, the Timbers found themselves trailing after two quick goals from Tacoma. However, Gage Guerra's equalizer in the 80th minute shifted momentum, and Kevin Kelsy's stoppage-time penalty kick clinched the win, showcasing the Timbers' resilience.
As all five MLS teams celebrated their victories, the stage is set for an exciting Round of 16. D.C. United will face Charlotte FC in a highly anticipated matchup, while the New York Red Bulls await the winner of the FC Dallas and AV Alta FC clash. With the tournament heating up, fans can expect more thrilling moments as the road to the U.S. Open Cup continues.
For those looking to catch the upcoming matches, the next round will be streamed live on Paramount+, with select games available on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network. The excitement of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is just beginning, and it promises to deliver more unforgettable moments as the tournament progresses.
