Chester, Pennsylvania – E be like say rain no wan gree make dem play, but na just 36 days after dem don delay, Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls go still try their Quarterfinal match for 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The winner go face Nashville SC for the Semifinals wey go happen on September 16. If Philadelphia win, dem go travel go Nashville, but if Red Bulls win, na dem go host the game. Na serious rivalry wey dey between Philly and New York/jersey teams, and this one go just add another chapter for their long history of face-off.
The weather report self na wah! As of Wednesday afternoon, dem report cloudy sky with temperature wey go dey 82 degrees for kickoff. But my people, thunderstorm dey shake ground as dem predict heavy rain around 6 p.m. before kickoff. Make we dey hope say Jupiter Pluvius no go spoil everything for dem o! (E be like say rain dey try turn dis match to wetin dem dey call ‘swimming competition’).
This year make am 30 years since Modern Era of US Open Cup dey run, as e start for 1995. So, as everybody dey prepare, TheCup.us don dey check back dey look how dis tournament don dey go over the years – we go just dey sip palm wine and reminisce.
As for Philly Union and Red Bulls, both teams don see Open Cup Final five times combined, but dem never touch that trophy before. Di last time wey dem reach Final na shortly after each other, and dem dey excited to add special memories to their rivalry. Philadelphia dey ride on 13-game home unbeaten streak, and dem get 16-2-3 record for home Open Cup play while dem dey japa around with memories of their glorious wins.
But Red Bulls no be push over o! Dem record no too sweet for Open Cup road play, but dem sabi how to turn di tables when e matter most. The last time these two teams clash na when Philadelphia take dem down for 2-0, so na dem might really wan take revenge.
Both teams don enter from Fourth Round, and di journey no be beans. Philly face tiresome battle against Indy Eleven, despite dem lead 1-0, dem no fit score again after 120 minutes but still take dem win by converting all five penalties. Red Bulls self start their Open Cup journey with some drama when dem face Colorado Springs, showcasing their firepower. Dem rise from di ashes of elimination for League Cup wey dey shine light on how well dem fit perform under pressure.
As they gear up for this intense matchup, one thing sure be say if rain come, e go make dem game spicy and interesting. Rivalry no fit fail us, as always! Make we sit down enjoy di game, whether wetin or dry!
