UPDATE: Live video for tonight’s Open Cup games is embedded down this page.

The first couple days of the Fourth Round of the 2014 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup appeared as though it was going to be a big round for underdogs as Major League Soccer teams were eliminated in three of the first five games. The remaining two games were decided by a single goal. However, the country’s top division rebounded by winning 10 of the next 11 games.

There has never been a Fifth Round prior to the Quarterfinals in the 101-year history of the tournament, but with the federation increasing the field to 80 teams, an extra round was required. Round 5 will feature 12 MLS clubs, 3 teams from the NASL and the Rochester Rhinos are the lone USL PRO representative and therefore, will receive the tournament’s $15,000 prize money as the Third Division team to advance the furthest in the competition.

Also, after the dust settled on Round 4, the last three amateur teams were all eliminated and based on the Open Cup’s tiebreaker procedure, the Laredo Heat will find themselves $15,000 richer on the strength of being the only one of the trio to defeat a team two divisions above them (Ft. Lauderdale Strikers)

This year has been a strong year for the team that hosts. In fact, in Round 4, there was nearly a home team sweep for the first time since 1998 (minimum 8 games). Instead, 14 of the 16 games saw the home team advance. In Round 5, MLS teams are hosting seven of the eight games. Will MLS continue to restore order, or will one of the lower division teams continue their Cinderella run? Six of the eight Fifth Round games will be played on Tuesday, June 24, while the final two will take place the day after.

As always, use and follow the #USOC2014 hashtag on Twitter for all the latest updates from all six games. You can also follow TheCup.us at @USOpenCup.

Here is a look at the six games that will take place tonight:

New York Cosmos (NASL) at Philadelphia Union (MLS)

PPL Park; Chester, PA – 7 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: Online video (Embedded below)

Winner of this game will host Rochester / New England winner on July 8

New York Cosmos Open Cup records

Overall: 2-0-0 | Away: 0-0-0 | vs. MLS: 1-0-0

Last entry: N/A

Best finish: First entry

How they got here:

Round 3: 2-0 home win vs. Brooklyn Italians (NPSL)

Round 4: 3-0 home win vs. New York Red Bulls (MLS)

Philadelphia Union Open Cup records

Overall: 5-2-0 | Home: 4-1-0 | vs. Div. 2: N/A

Last entry: 2013 (Lost 3-1 at DC United of MLS in Round 4)

Best finish: 2012 Semifinals (Lost 2-0 vs. Sporting KC of MLS)

How they got here:

Round 4: 3-1 (OT) home win vs. Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PRO)

LIVE VIDEO: NEW YORK COSMOS AT PHILADELPHIA UNION



By Michael Berton

The New York Cosmos are reigning NASL Soccer Bowl Champions, but the most impressive victory in their short history since the Cosmos name reentered professional soccer just over a year ago happened last week in the 2014 US Open Cup.

The Cosmos beat the New York Red Bulls 3-0, outshooting the MLS side 21-3 in front of a crowd of 9,364 at Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University. Mads Stokkelien scored in the 8th and 73rd minutes, and Alessandro Noselli put the game away with a goal in the 78th. It was a one-sided affair in a game that fans had been clamoring for ever since the team launched.

New York’s reward for victory is a Fifth Round match with another MLS side. This time, the Cosmos will travel to Philadelphia to take on the Union.

The Union needed a dramatic 89th-minute goal from Maurice Edu to send their Fourth Round game against the Harrisburg City Islanders into extra time, where Andrew Wenger put two in the back of the net to give the MLS side a 3-1 victory.

Philadelphia is competing in just its third Open Cup, making the Semifinals in 2012 before bowing out early to DC United in 2013. The Union have an impressive record at home, with their only loss coming in that 2012 Semifinal match against eventual champion Sporting Kansas City.

Both teams are on a break from league play. The Cosmos finished the NASL Spring season in second place, last playing on June 8. The Union last played an MLS match on June 7 due to the World Cup break.

The New York Cosmos are looking for a second-straight MLS upset in their inaugural cup run, but a Philadelphia Union side seeking to salvage its season stands in the way.

Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)

WakeMed Soccer Park; Cary, NC – 7 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: Video embedded below >> Online video (English | Spanish)

If Los Angeles wins … they will host FC Dallas/Houston winner on July 8

If Carolina wins … they will host FC Dallas/Houston winner on July 9

Los Angeles Galaxy Open Cup records

Overall: 23-11-1 (1-0 PKs) | Away: 7-9-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. Div. 2: 8-3-0

Last entry: 2013 (Lost 2-0 at Carolina RailHawks of NASL in Round 3)

Best finish: 2001, 2005 US Open Cup champions

How They Got There:

Round 4: 2-1 road win at Arizona United SC (USL PRO)

Carolina RailHawks Open Cup records

Overall: 14-5-2 (1-1 PKs) | Home: 14-2-2 (1-1 PKs) | vs. MLS: 4-4-1 (1-0 PKs)

Last entry: 2013 (Lost 3-0 at Real Salt Lake of MLS in Quarterfinals)

Best finish: 2007 Semifinals (Lost 2-1 in OT at New England Revolution of MLS)

How they got here:

Round 3: 2-0 home win vs. Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO)

Round 4: 1-1 home draw, 3-2 PK win vs. Chivas USA (MLS)

LIVE VIDEO: LA GALAXY AT CAROLINA RAILHAWKS



By Josh Hakala

For the third year in a row, the Los Angeles Galaxy are making the cross-country trip to take on the Carolina RailHawks of the NASL. After being eliminated in their first two meetings, the Galaxy seem to be poised to end their losing streak to the RailHawks and to win back-to-back tournament games for the first time since 2006. According to Adam Serrano of LA Galaxy Insider, Landon Dononvan and the Galaxy are ‘sick of losing to Carolina‘ and are planning to bring their full squad to WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC.

Since falling in the 2006 Final to the Chicago Fire, the Galaxy have largely put reserve squads and their results reflect that with a 2-5-0 record entering this year, including three losses to lower division opponents. With Donovan, Robbie Keane and manager Bruce Arena making the trip this year, and a road win over Arizona United already under their belt, maybe their fortunes will change. If they win, they will host an Open Cup game at the StubHub Center for the first time since 2010 against the winner of FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo.

On the other side of the ball, the RailHawks are hoping to get the same home field advantage with fewer fans in the stands. The main field at the WakeMed Soccer Park is being re-sodded, so the game has been moved to one of the secondary fields which will feature far fewer seats. The last two games where they have hosted the Galaxy have drawn about 8,000 fans, but the front office, according to IndyWeek.com, is expecting to have a capacity between 2,000 and 3,000. Carolina’s home field advantage has been a key to their success since they first entered the competition in 2007. In their 21 tournament games, they are 14-5-2 (1-1 in PKs), with 18 of those games being played in front of their home fans (14-2-2, 1-1 in PKs)

The first two games in the competition this year were played at WakeMed and the RailHawks kept their home record entact with a 2-0 win over USL PRO’s Charlotte Eagles and eliminating Chivas USA for the second year in a row, this time on penalty kicks. A win tonight will put the RailHawks into the Quarterfinals for the third time and give them their sixth MLS upset since 2007.

Portland Timbers (MLS) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

Sporting Park; Kansas City, KS – 8:30 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: Online video | Radio (KC) | Radio (POR)

If Portland wins … they will play at Seattle / San Jose winner

If Sporting KC wins … they will play at Seattle / San Jose winner

Portland Timbers Open Cup records

Overall: 11-8-1 (0-1 PKs) | Away: 6-3-0 | vs. MLS: 1-4-1 (0-1 PKs)

As MLS: 4-2-0 | Away: 1-1-0 | vs. MLS: 1-1-0

Last entry: 2013 (Lost 2-1 at Real Salt Lake of MLS in Semifinals)

Best finish: 2013 Semifinals (Lost 2-1 at Real Salt Lake of MLS)

How they got here:

Round 4: 3-0 home win vs. Orlando City U23s (PDL)

Sporting Kansas City Open Cup records

Overall: 17-11-4 (2-2 PKs) | Home: 12-6-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. MLS: 5-6-1 (1-0 PKs)

Last entry: 2013 (Lost 1-0 vs. Orlando City SC of USL PRO in Round 4)

Best finish: 2004, 2012 US Open Cup champions

How they got here:

Round 4: 2-0 home win vs. Minnesota United FC (NASL)

LIVE VIDEO: PORTLAND TIMBERS AT SPORTING KANSAS CITY



By Anders Aarhus

Sporting Kansas City vs. Portland Timbers was one of the best games of the MLS regular season last year, a thrilling 3-2 victory for the Timbers at Sporting Park. Unlike last year, both teams won’t be at full strength as injuries and international call-ups have left Sporting down multiple starters. Portland, however, should have its full compliment of attacking options. You can never count out the two-time champions at home, but it’s certainly not an easy task facing Peter Vermes’ men. Here’s a look at the biggest questions going into Tuesday night.

What Will Sporting’s Backline Look Like?

SKC has been bit hard by the injury bug this year, nowhere more so than at the back. Chance Myers and Ike Opara are both done for the year. Aurelien Collin is listed as questionable and Vermes will probably be wary of starting him after the way Collin reinjured his hamstring by coming back too quickly against DC United. Igor Juliao is also questionable to make the game day roster. Throw in Matt Besler on national team duty and Sporting was forced to start a backline last game of Seth Sinovic, 17-year-old Erik Palmer-Brown, natural fullback Kevin Ellis at center back and winger Jacob Peterson at right back. SKC also dressed only 17 players Wednesday with no natural defenders on the bench. That worked fine against a Minnesota United team content to sit deep after going down to 10 men. Against the likes of Diego Valeri, Darlington Nagbe and Portland’s aggressive style that may not work so well. Collin returning to fitness would help, but he seems unlikely to be risked.

Does Portland Have the Vertical Threats to Take Advantage?

So Sporting will have a patchwork defense. But that doesn’t automatically mean goals for Portland. The Timbers were able to get in behind Sporting’s high line repeatedly in last year’s game. This year, however, the vertical threats that made that possible simply aren’t there for Caleb Porter. Ryan Johnson, who scored and assisted on goals against SKC last year, was let go in favor of more technical (and slower) forwards. Rodney Wallace, another of last year’s goalscorers against the champions, played his first game of the season in last round’s win over Orlando City U23s after recovering from a torn ACL. The best vertical threat in Portland’s lineup is Steve Zakuani who’s has had a nice season, but hasn’t quite found his form after suffering multiple serious injuries. Sporting is a disciplined defensive team even with the key absences. If Portland can’t transition quickly enough, SKC will have no problem getting men behind the ball and keeping the Timbers off the scoreboard. Portland’s best chance will be lining up Nagbe against whomever Sporting starts at right back. Both Peterson and Juliao like to get forward, leaving plenty of space to race into on the counter and Nagbe one on one against either of those defenders is a matchup Portland will take every time.

What is Sporting’s Best Lineup Right Now?

Vermes attributed part of his team’s struggles to break down Minnesota on Wednesday to a lack of chemistry. With so many players missing and guys playing out of position, the normal fluidity and understanding from SKC was noticeably absent. They were much better after Alex Martinez, who has seen significant time with the first team, was brought on for first-time starter Victor Munoz. We probably won’t see a repeat of the Claudio Bieler-in-midfield experiment. Uri Rosell is gone and Benny Feilhaber is hurt, but Paulo Nagamura, Martinez and Lawrence Olum (the most likely starting trio) is a solid midfield capable of at least slowing down Portland’s three-headed monster of Valeri, Will Johnson and Diego Chara. Dom Dwyer is having his best season as a pro and should be able to take advantage of Portland’s shaky defense. Soony Saad is on a goalscoring tear and Antonio Dovale brings Graham Zusi-esque qualities to the wide forward spot. There’s enough here with the front six to win.

This is going to be an interesting game no matter how it plays out. Questionable defenses on both sides mean we could see plenty of scoring. Both teams like to control the game, but most visiting teams end up having to play on the counter at Sporting Park. Portland has the playmakers to create chances on the break, but not the speed to finish them off. With two coaches that take the Open Cup seriously and two teams that play some of the best soccer in the league, it could be one of the highlights of Round 5.

Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) at Colorado Rapids (MLS)

Dick’s Sporting Goods Park; Commerce City, CO – 9 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: Online video

If Atlanta wins … they will host the Chicago/Columbus winner (Date TBA)

If Colorado wins … they will host the Chicago/Columbus winner (Date TBA)

Atlanta Silverbacks Open Cup records

Overall: 9-9-2 (1-1 PKs) | Away: 4-6-2 (1-1 PKs) | vs. MLS: 1-4-1 (0-1 PKs)

Last entry: 2013 (Lost 3-2 in OT at Real Salt Lake of MLS)

Best finish: 2004 Fourth Round (Lost 4-1 vs. Kansas City Wizards of MLS)

How they got here:

Round 3: 5-0 road win at Chattanooga FC (NPSL)

Round 4: 2-1 home win vs. Real Salt Lake (MLS)

Colorado Rapids Open Cup records

Overall: 10-13-0 | Home: 4-0-0 | vs. Div. 2: 5-6-0

Last entry: 2013 (Lost 3-1 at Orlando City SC of USL PRO in Round 4)

Best finish: 1999 Runner-up (Lost 2-0 vs. Rochester Rhinos of A-League)

How they got here:

Round 4: 5-2 home win vs. Orlando City SC (USL PRO)

By Robert Wilson

Tuesday night in Commerce City, Colo., the Colorado Rapids (MLS) and Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) will face off in a US Open Cup Fifth Round match. Atlanta was one of the three NASL teams to knock off MLS opponents in the Fourth Round and will look to continue their successful mid-summer league break in Colorado. The Rapids enter the game riding good form after their 5-2 victory over Orlando City SC last Tuesday and hope to continue their perfect home record in US Open Cup play (4-0-0).

As the Rapids prepare for this matchup two players, Chris Klute and Joe Nasco, have been the center of the conversation. Fullback Chris Klute and reserve goalkeeper Joe Nasco both were given opportunities to revive their professional soccer careers by Atlanta prior to joining Colorado. The two former Silverbacks have been offering plenty of comments regarding their appreciation for the club as well as their scouting report on Eric Wynalda’s team. When asked about the match up Nasco replied that Atlanta was the “first team that gave me the opportunity to be a professional soccer player, I have a lot of love for them as a team and as an organization but this coming Tuesday, that’s gotta go out the door.”

Atlanta has reached this point in the tournament with impressive 5-0 road win over Chattanooga FC (NPSL) and held on for a 2-1 upset victory over Real Salt Lake (MLS) in Georgia last weekend. After winning the 2013 NASL spring season and finishing runner-up in last year’s NASL final, the Silverbacks have not rebounded well this year in league play; finishing the year’s spring season in 8th place struggling to finish off opponents late in games.

On Tuesday night, Atlanta will have stiff test in Colorado who is well-rested, fully healthy and intent on continuing their good form into all competitions this summer. Both teams are anxious for a deep run in the tournament. The 1999 US Open Cup, where the Rapids finished runner-up, was the only tournament where the team had won multiple games. A win over the Silverbacks would give them their second win of 2014. On the other side, Atlanta needs a victory tonight to equal their franchise record for wins in a tournament.

Follow in-game updates @RLW2020 on Twitter and #USOC2014.

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FC Dallas (MLS) at Houston Dynamo (MLS)

Toyota Stadium; Frisco, TX – 9 p.m. ET

Broadcast: Online video

The winner will play at Carolina / LA Galaxy winner

FC Dallas Open Cup records

Overall: 24-15-4 (4-0 PKs) | Away: 9-8-2 (2-0 PKs) | vs. MLS: 7-10-2 (2-0 PKs)

Last entry: 2013 (Lost 3-2 vs. Portland Timbers of MLS in Quarterfinals)

Best finish: 1997 US Open Cup champions

How they got here:

Round 4: 2-0 home win vs. San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)

Houston Dynamo Open Cup records

Overall: 7-6-1 (0-1 PKs) | Home: 5-1-0 | vs. MLS: 1-4-0

Last entry: 2013 (Lost 3-0 at FC Dallas of MLS in Round 4)

Best finish: Semifinals (2006, 2009)

How they got here:

Round 4: 1-0 home win vs. Laredo Heat (PDL)

LIVE VIDEO: FC DALLAS AT HOUSTON DYNAMO



By Josh Hakala

For the third time, the two Texas-based MLS teams, FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo will square off in Open Cup play tonight. FC Dallas won the first meeting back in 2006, 3-0, with the Dynamo returning the favor by the same scoreline last year. The home team has been victorious in each meeting, and this time, the game will take place in Houston at BBVA Compass Stadium with a spot in the Quarterfinals on the line.

FC Dallas is one of Major League Soccer’s most consistent Open Cup teams since the league joined the competition in 1996. While Dallas last won an Open Cup title in 1997, they have been one of the most consistent since then, despite not winning another title. They have the most Quarterfinal appearances (13), and the second-most Semifinal appearances (7) among all MLS clubs.

Houston have made two Semifinal appearances (2006, 2009) since joining the league in 2006, but aside from their 3-0 win over FC Dallas in their inaugural season, they have had trouble with their fellow MLS clubs. The Dynamo are 1-4-0 against MLS teams in their history and haven’t defeated a professional team in the competition since Miami FC (now Ft. Lauderdale Strikers) in 2010.

Both teams entered the World Cup break with similar records. Dallas at 6-7-4 and Houston at 5-9-2 are still within range of a playoff spot, despite their sub-.500 records. FC Dallas have a full squad to choose from while the Dynamo are missing two key players in Brad Davis (USA) and Boniek Garcia (Honduras) who are representing their country in Brazil.

Both teams were also challenged by lower division, Texas-based opponents in their opening match with the Dynamo getting a goal from Alexander Lopez to edge the Laredo Heat 1-0 and Dallas beating the San Antonio Scorpions 2-0.

It remains to be seen which team will emerge as the lone Texas representative in the Quarterfinals.

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San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) at Seattle Sounders FC(MLS)

Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, WA – 10 p.m. ET

BROADCAST: Online video

If Seattle wins … they will host Portland/Sporting KC winner on July 9

If San Jose wins … they will host Portland/Sporting KC winner at Date TBA

San Jose Earthquakes Open Cup records

Overall: 11-8-4 (2-2 PKs) | Away: 7-4-2 (2-0 PKs) | vs. MLS: 0-5-2

Last entry: 2013 (Lost 1-0 at Charleston Battery of USL PRO – Round 3)

Best finish: 2004 Semifinals (Lost 1-0 at Kansas City Wizards of MLS)

How they got here:

Round 4: 2-1 home win vs. Sacramento Republic (USL PRO)

Seattle Sounders Open Cup records

Overall: 31-12-4 (2-2 PKs) | Home: 24-2-1 (1-0 PKs) | vs. MLS: 15-7-2 (1-1 PKs)

As MLS: 16-1-2 (1-1 PKs) | Home: 13-0-0 | vs. MLS: 11-0-1 (0-1 PKs)

at Starfire (overall): 16-0-0 | (as MLS): 11-0-0

Last entry: 2013 (Lost 1-0 at Tampa Bay Rowdies of NASL – Round 3)

Best finish: 2009, 2010, 2011 US Open Cup champions

How they got here:

Round 4: 5-0 home win vs. PSA Elite (USASA)

LIVE VIDEO: SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES AT SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC



By Josh Hakala

Last year, the Seattle Sounders’ tournament record 22-game unbeaten streak came to an end when they were upset 1-0 by the NASL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies. They’re back in 2014, and after cruising past the USASA’s PSA Elite in Round 4, they find themselves head-to-head with an MLS opponent, the San Jose Earthquakes. The Sounders overall unbeaten streak may be gone, but two important streaks are still alive heading into tonight’s meeting with the Earthquakes. They have a perfect record at Starfire Sports Complex (16-0-0), and are unbeaten against MLS opponents (11-0-1, 0-1 in PKs) since joining the league in 2009. One of those opponents was San Jose back in 2012 when Seattle defeated them at Kezar Stadium (San Francisco) 1-0. Prior to joining MLS, the Sounders also had success as an A-League team against the Quakes, eliminating them 1-0 in 2003, and taking them to sudden death in 2002 before an Ariel Graziani golden goal spoiled the upset bid.

Seattle, a three-time Open Cup champion, carries a great Open Cup resume into their meeting with San Jose, but they also bring the league’s best regular season record. At 10-3-2, they are seven points clear of second place Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference standings. The Earthquakes have struggled in the early part of the regular season, but are still within range of a playoff spot. At 4-5-4, they are still within five points of the last playoff spot. Goalscoring could be a challenge as 7 of their 15 goals are playing in Brazil right now, they will have to find offense in other places.

While both teams are missing a pair of key players (Clint Dempsey and Andre Yedlin for Seattle; Chris Wondolowski and Victor Bernardez for San Jose), with almost two weeks since their last competitive match, both teams are expected to field strong lineups in an effort to get back into a rhythm before the MLS schedule gets rolling again next weekend.

2014 US Open Cup Fifth Round Pairings

New York Cosmos (NASL) at Philadelphia Union (MLS)

PPL Park; Chester, PA – June 24, 7 p.m. ET

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LA Galaxy (MLS) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)

WakeMed Soccer Park Field 2; Cary, NC – June 24, 7:30 p.m. ET

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Portland Timbers (MLS) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

Sporting Park; Kansas City, KS – June 24, 8:30 p.m. ET

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FC Dallas (MLS) at Houston Dynamo (MLS)

BBVA Compass Stadium; Houston, TX – June 24, 8:30 p.m. ET

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Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) at Colorado Rapids (MLS)

Dick’s Sporting Goods Park; Commerce City, CO – June 24, 9 p.m. ET

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San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) at Seattle Sounders (MLS)

Starfire Sports Complex; Tukwila, WA – June 24, 10 p.m. ET

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Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO) at New England Revolution (MLS)

Stevenson Field (Brown Univ.); Providence, RI – June 25, 7:30 p.m. ET

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Columbus Crew (MLS) at Chicago Fire (MLS)

Toyota Park; Bridgeview, IL – June 25, 8:30 p.m. ET



Potential Pairings – 2014 US Open Cup Quarterfinals

Rochester Rhinos / New England Revolution winner @

– Philadelphia Union: July 8, 7:00 ET – PPL Park

– New York Cosmos: July 8, 7:00 ET – Belson Stadium (St John’s Univ)

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FC Dallas / Houston Dynamo winner @

– Los Angeles Galaxy: July 8, 10:30 ET – StubHub Center

– Carolina RailHawks: July 9, 7:30 ET – WakeMed Soccer Park

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Columbus Crew / Chicago Fire winner @

– Colorado Rapids: Date TBD – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

– Atlanta Silverbacks: Date TBD – Atlanta Silverbacks Park

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Portland Timbers / Sporting KC winner @

– Seattle Sounders: July 9, 10:30 ET – Starfire Sports Complex

– POR @ San Jose Earthquakes: July 8 – Buck Shaw Stadium

– KC @ San Jose Earthquakes: Date TBD – Buck Shaw Stadium

#USOC2014