When: May 25th, 8:00 PM ET | How to Watch: Only available on ESPN+ (U.S. Open Cup matches will not be blacked out in our market on ESPN+ and available to all in NC and SC)
Charlotte FC has made it to the Round of 16 in their U.S. Open Cup debut. They’ve beaten two USL League One sides to get to this point but up next will be MLS competition – the New York Red Bulls.
New York Red Bulls
The Red Bulls entered the tournament at the same time CLTFC did in the 3rd round. Their first opponent was Hartford Athletic who play in the USL Championship. Hartford gave them a difficult match but the Red Bulls were able to get through with a 2 – 1 win.
Up next for them in the Round of 32 was D.C. United who the Red Bulls made quick work of with a comfortable 3 – 0 win. In their long history in the U.S. Open Cup, the Red Bulls have yet to win the tournament but have all the ability to do so this year.
They’ve seen success in the regular season, currently sitting 5th in the East, and have looked to take the Open Cup seriously in their player selection. Red Bull’s biggest strength lies in their defense and young midfield core which they use to relentlessly press teams.
"They are a team with a lot of legs and youth that doesn't stop running and pressing. They play man to man all over the pitch, chasing you everywhere. They take a lot of risks when pushing forward," CLTFC head coach Miguel Ramírez describes the Red Bulls's playing style. . "They change their system according to their opponents but their behaviors don't change.
"What's so, so important in this game are the second balls. they are super important in this game. They live from second balls. After they lose the ball they counter press and recover super soon. We need to be super, super awake on these kinds of actions."
Because of the high stakes of this match, both sides will have the difficult task of managing their squads after having just played three days earlier with an additional game on the weekend.
Tune In
If Charlotte FC beat the Red Bulls they will head to the quarterfinals and play the winner of New York City FC and the New England Revolution. But the team is striving for more than just a quarterfinal appearance, they view the Open Cup as a chance to win a trophy in their inaugural season.
“Collectively, we see it as a winnable tournament for us,” said midfielder Brandt Bronico.
Charlotte has the opportunity to host their first-ever U.S. Open Cup match with a win against the Red Bulls. Stakes are high as advancing to the quarterfinals and a chance to play in front of fans are on the line in Montclair, New Jersey.
How to Watch: ESPN+
When: May 25th, 8:00 PM ET
Where: MSU Soccer Park, Montclair, NJ
