9 – The Amazing Akindele
Tesho Akindele was one of the first acquisitions of Orlando City’s offseason, and he’s proving why. The striker set a new career-high with his eighth MLS goal of the season in Saturday night’s 2-0 win against FC Dallas. Including his extra-time winner in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 against New England, Akindele has nine goals on the 2019 campaign, leading all Orlando City players.
0 – Semifinal appearances
Both Orlando City and Atlanta United are making their first-ever appearances in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. Orlando had reached the quarterfinals three times before this year, falling in that round in 2013, 2015, and 2018. Atlanta had not even gone that far before 2019, going down in the Round of 16 in each of their first two years of existence.
29-7 – Host record in semifinal
Orlando City stand a strong chance in tonight’s semifinal, if history is to be believed. Home teams are 29-7 in the semifinal round of the U.S. Open Cup since the 2001 season. The last time both away teams won in the semifinal round was in the 2000 tournament, when the eventual champions Chicago Fire beat the LA Galaxy in California and the now-defunct Miami Fusion toppled the New York Red Bulls, then the MetroStars, in New York. Both hosts won last year’s semifinals, with Philadelphia defeating Chicago 3-0 and Houston toppling LAFC on penalties after a wild 3-3 draw.
15 – Ticket prices
The U.S. Open Cup ticket price returns for the semifinal round, with tickets going for just $15. The Open Cup Power Menu is back as well, with $3 soda and water, $4 hot dogs, and $5 beers. Help fill the bowl and get your tickets here.
1.5 - FAIRWINDS Credit Union
Score up to 1.5% cash back and LionNation points when you use your FAIRWINDS Orlando City Visa® or Orlando Pride Visa® on game day purchases and everyday essentials. Apply today and get purple carded.
