The final 2023 US Open Cup semifinal tickets were punched Wednesday evening, with Inter Miami CF overcoming USL Championship side Birmingham Legion FC and Real Salt Lake defeating LA Galaxy.
Here are the upcoming Aug. 23 matchups after FC Cincinnati and Houston Dynamo FC won on Tuesday night:
- FC Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami CF
- Houston Dynamo FC vs. Real Salt Lake
All rounds build towards a Sept. 27 final, while a 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup berth, prize money and silverware are up for grabs.
Birmingham Legion FC 0, Inter Miami CF 1
On the same day they made waves around the world with Lionel Messi expressing his intention to join the club, Inter Miami CF also advanced to the USOC semifinals via a 1-0 victory over USL Championship side Birmingham Legion FC at Protective Stadium.
Nicolás Stefanelli broke the scoreless deadlock in the 56th minute for the Herons, bouncing a first-time volley from inside the area into the back of the net off an assist from Corentin Jean. Inter Miami's defense saw out the clean sheet from there, allowing the Herons to advance by a narrow margin.
Miami will now meet FC Cincinnati in the semifinals.
Goals
- 56' - MIA - Nicolás Stefanelli | WATCH
Real Salt Lake 3, LA Galaxy 2
Real Salt Lake held on for a 3-2 win over the LA Galaxy at America First Field, ensuring the final USOC semifinal ticket is theirs.
The hosts raced out to a 2-0 lead at halftime behind Damir Kreilach's brace, then got a 51st-minute game-winner from Jefferson Savarino – ensuring their stars stepped up on this stage.
LA made things hairy with a late push after Gaston Brugman (82') netted from the PK spot and Douglas Costa (84') scored a golazo, but RSL ultimately held on.
From a Galaxy point of view, the main concern is superstar striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez exited in the first half with a non-contact knee injury. He was stretchered off while looking to be in considerable pain.
Goals
