Cosmos, Silverbacks Advance To U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round
The New York Cosmos and the Atlanta Silverbacks both advanced to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round with victories last night.
The Cosmos defeated Jersey Express, 3-0, setting up another derby for the Cosmos in the fourth round of Open Cup play. After a matchup with the New York Red Bulls in 2014, which the Cosmos won by the score of 3-0, New York City FC awaits the NASL side.
It will be the first meeting between the teams as well as it being NYCFC’s first ever foray into the Open Cup. The Cosmos will host the MLS side at Shuart Stadium on June 17.
Sitting atop the Spring Season standings, the Cosmos have yet to lose a match in 2015. Goals from Leo Fernandes, Sebastián Guenzatti, and Mads Stokkelien booked the Cosmos’ place into the next round of the Open Cup. United States youth international Haji Wright also made his Cosmos debut in the win, drawing the penalty to set up Stokkelien’s tally.
The Cosmos could wrap up a Spring Season title this weekend and will look to carry their momentum and form into the clash with NYCFC, in the yet-to-be-named derby.
The Silverbacks will also play their next Open Cup match against a New York opponent. By way of their 2-1 win against Chattanooga FC, a matchup with the Red Bulls, at Red Bull Arena, will be the Silverbacks’ next test.
Shaka Bangura scored in the 89th minute and Jamie Chavez tallied in the 109th to move Atlanta into the next round of the competition.
In last year’s Open Cup, the Silverbacks were one of two NASL sides to reach the quarterfinals, defeating MLS sides, Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids, in the process. The Silverbacks kick off in Harrison, N.J., on June 16.
