For the 10th time since MLS’s launch in 1996 the U.S. Open Cup will be an all-MLS affair. In the semifinals on Tuesday, FC Dallas defeated the Seattle Sounders (USL-1), 2-1, on overtime goals by Carlos Ruiz and Abe Thompson. The New England Revolution also needed overtime, beating USL-1 club Carolina RailHawks 2-1 with a winner from Pat Noonan.
Carolina had taken 6th minute lead through Anthony Maher and New England equalized in first-half stoppage time on a Jeff Larentowicz diving header.
Adam Cristman assisted on both Rev goals.
New England’s Shalrie Joseph and Carolina’s Connolly Edozien and David Stokes received red cards in the game.
Lower division teams have reached the title game twice since 1996 and both times it was the A-League’s Rochester, which lost to D.C. United in 1996 and beat Colorado in 1999.
Dallas won the 1999 Open Cup. The Revs finished runner-up in 2001.