Philadelphia Union welcomed Indy Eleven to Subaru Park on Wednesday night for a Round of 32 showdown in the U.S. Open Cup, with the hosts riding a wave of momentum from their strong MLS form. Fresh off a gritty 2-1 away win over CF Montreal, the Union are brimming with confidence. Indiana Vassilev set the tone early with a stunning strike just 90 seconds in, while Mikael Uhre played the hero role off the bench, bagging the late winner with six minutes to go. That result marked a third straight MLS victory for Philadelphia, who now sit second in the Eastern Conference with 22 points, perfect timing as they pivot toward cup competition.
Though it's a quick turnaround from their league duties, the Union are flying high and will be eyeing a smooth transition into Open Cup play, where they'll aim to make a deep run. The U.S. Open Cup is the national championship tournament for American soccer, and with only four wins separating both teams from the Championship game, the stakes are high.
Head Coach Bradley Carnell emphasized the significance of the cup, stating, "As a player, I’ve been on the winning end of big cup competitions, so I know what it means; trophies, silverware. Especially the way the format is set up this year – I think it’s four games to a final – and that’s our full focus for tomorrow. We’re going to come out flying." His excitement is palpable as the Union prepare to face a formidable opponent in Indy Eleven.
Indy Eleven, a USL Championship club, is no stranger to the Open Cup. They made a deep run last season, famously knocking out Atlanta United to reach the Semi-Finals, and they are looking to replicate that success this year. Their recent form includes a 4-0 rout of Forward Madison in the previous round, showcasing their potential to upset higher-ranked teams.
Despite a shaky start to their USL Championship campaign, where they currently sit in eighth place with just six points, the Eleven have shown resilience. They managed to tie Detroit City FC 2-2 while playing with ten men just last weekend, demonstrating their fighting spirit. Head Coach Carnell noted, "We know Indy is a dangerous team with set pieces; they have some physicality, they have some speed and strength, we’re going to have to be on high alert."
For the Union, the match represents a chance to break their streak of early exits in the Open Cup. Historically, the Union have reached the finals three times (2014, 2015, 2018) but have yet to lift the trophy. This year marks their return to the competition after opting out in 2024 due to the Leagues Cup. They are determined to make a statement in front of their home fans.
The lineup for the Union featured several rotation players, with Carnell opting to rest some of his key starters. Cavan Sullivan, a 15-year-old phenom, earned his first start for the team, marking a significant milestone in his young career. Sullivan, who had made six substitute appearances since turning pro, was eager to make an impact on the big stage.
Andrew Rick started in goal, while the defense included Olivier Mbaizo and David Vazquez. In midfield, Alejandro Bedoya, Jesús Bueno, and Jeremy Rafanello took charge. The Union's usual starters were on the bench, including Nathan Harriel and Frankie Westfield, which reflects Carnell's strategy of managing player fatigue during a busy May schedule.
On the other side, Indy Eleven featured two players with ties to the Union: Benjamin Ofeimu, an academy product, and Aodhan Quinn, who was drafted by Philadelphia in 2014 but never signed. Ofeimu's experience with the Union's academy could provide valuable insights as the Eleven look to topple their higher-tier opponents.
As the match kicked off at 7:30 PM ET, the atmosphere at Subaru Park was electric. Fans were eager to see if the Union could maintain their momentum and avoid another early exit from the Cup. The Union have historically performed well in this competition, often fielding strong lineups even in early rounds. However, with a busy schedule ahead, how Carnell manages his squad could be pivotal.
In terms of statistics, the Union have been impressive, scoring 21 goals this season, ranking them third in the MLS. Their expected goals per match stands at 1.68, while they have conceded just 10 goals, placing them third in defensive performance. On the other hand, Indy Eleven has scored 11 goals and has an expected goals per match of 1.64, placing them second in their league.
Elvis Amoh, Indy Eleven's top scorer with five goals, has been in fine form and will be a player to watch as he looks to capitalize on any defensive lapses from the Union. His recent performances have earned him a spot on the USL-C Team of the Week, and he will be eager to add to his tally against a formidable Union defense.
The matchup between the Union's attack and the Eleven's defense promises to be a key factor in determining the outcome. Typically, the gap between MLS and USL teams is noticeable; however, the magic of the cup can level the playing field. Carnell's side must remain vigilant and not underestimate their opponents.
As the players took their positions, the fans were on the edge of their seats, ready for what could be a thrilling encounter. With both teams eager to advance, the stage was set for an exciting night of soccer in Chester, PA. The Philadelphia Union aimed to continue their winning streak and make a statement in the Open Cup, while Indy Eleven sought to pull off another upset and keep their cup dreams alive.
The anticipation built as the whistle blew, marking the start of the match. Would the Union's momentum carry them through, or would Indy Eleven prove once again that they are a force to be reckoned with in the U.S. Open Cup?
