Editorial: Looking ahead to the Open Cup Semi-Finals

photo by Matt Kremkau

What I'm about to do is a cardinal sin.

But within a little more than two weeks, the most important match that's coming up will be back in the land of magic and imagination. This big event will be at the Purple Palace on Church Street, as the New York Red Bulls will be facing Orlando City in the US Open Cup Semi-Finals.

This is a huge moment for Gerhard Struber and his young attacking side currently in a share of the top of the East with the Philadelphia Union as the club still has two big matches in league play to concentrate on at the time. The next weekend at home to NYCFC, then the following weekend a trip to Texas and face Austin FC for the very first time.

Struber knows very well that all points need to be grabbed here in these next two league games before they get to the Open Cup Semi-Finals, but that doesn't mean we can't dream about it. The excitement that all of us are feeling has been the dynamic duo of Lewis Morgan & Luquinhas doing the damage and giving us a show.

The last time the Red Bulls were down at Orlando City was three goals to nil victory on Sunday, April 24th, both men factored in on the victory and continue that hot road winning streak to start the season. But since then this is a different Orlando City team that has buttoned down defensively and has made their own big run into the Open Cup.

Now I understand the club can't get ahead of themselves, but honestly, I can't keep my excitement down about where and when this match is going to be played within a little more than two weeks' time. Of course, we can't look past the Hudson River Darby, nor can we look past the road trip to Austin, before the club heads to Central Florida, but the excitement of this match means one thing only. That's returning to the final.

While winning three Supporter Shields was just as important within that six-year span, it would be a lot sweeter, if the Red Bulls earn their first cup of the club if they get to September to the Open Cup final. That is the day of reckoning for what Struber has done so far.

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