U.S. Open Cup – Round of 32, May 7 Preview | OneFootball

My colleague the Qooligan made a real hash of yesterday’s preview article, so they asked me to step in for this one. Given that yesterday’s ties saw all the MLS clubs prevail, we’re hoping for some shocking upsets this evening.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C) vs. New York City FC (MLS)

7:00pm ET @ Highmark Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Streaming on Paramount+ The Riverhounds are mid-table but only because so many others in the East are worse. Their only two wins have come at home, that’s a positive. But with only six goals scored this season, they’ve been relying on defense to keep them in it. NYCFC have three wins in their last five and are trending up. Momentum and talent favor the visitors in this one.

Louisville City FC (USL-C) vs. Minnesota United FC (MLS)

7:30pm ET @ Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville, Kentucky Streaming on Paramount+ Oh this is a juicy fixture. Two teams both operating at peak performance coming into a clash between leagues. Ties like this are what make the Open Cup so special. I can’t even make a prediction, that’s how close I think the two are.

Philadelphia Union (MLS) vs. Indy Eleven (USL-C)

7:30pm ET @ Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania Streaming on Paramount+ No disrespect to Indy, but even if Philly starts most of their reserves, it should be enough to win this tie.

Rhode Island FC (USL-C) vs. New England Revolution (MLS)

7:30pm ET @ Centreville Bank Stadium, Pawtucket, Rhode Island Streaming on Paramount+ This is another case of my underdog love overruling my logical brain. New England have transformed from zero to hero by winning their last four games. Rhode Island have the emotional high of a brand new stadium, and the fuel that comes from dueling with a local rival. Will that be enough to overcome their injury woes and scoring issues? Three of their five goals THIS SEASON came in a single game at Oakland. They need to do better.

Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C) vs. Orlando City SC (MLS)

7:30pm ET @ Al Lang Stadium, St. Petersburg, Florida Streaming on Paramount+ The Rowdies are simply lucky to be alive at this point. They barely eked their way past FC Naples in Round 3 and are languishing in 23rd overall in the league. Orlando City should roll over them with impunity.

Chicago Fire FC (MLS) vs. Detroit City FC (USL-C)

8:00pm ET @ SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, Illinois Streaming on Paramount+ In my opinion, Fire coach Greg Berhalter really wants to win this. It makes sense. With many of the MLS powerhouses sitting out, what better way to kick off his first year in charge than a shiny trophy? They’ll find stiff competition in Detroit City, however, who have only lost a single game in 2025.

FC Dallas (MLS) vs. AV Alta FC (USL-1)

8:00pm ET @ Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas Streaming on Paramount+ With only eight matches under their belt, AV Alta is a difficult team to predict. Given the significant gap between the two leagues, wage bill, and their home stadium advantage, you have to give FC Dallas a strong advantage in this one. But

St. Louis CITY SC (MLS) vs. Union Omaha (USL-1)

8:00pm ET @ Energizer Park, St. Louis, Missouri Streaming on Paramount+ Union Omaha’s reputation for punching above their weight in Cup ties should worry St. Louis. The Owls have notched wins over Chicago Fire and Minnestoa United in the past and have won the USL League 1 title two years in a row. This is not a side that should be underestimated, and I believe this match has the greatest likelihood of an upset.

Austin FC (MLS) vs. El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C)

8:30pm ET @ Energizer Park, St. Louis, Missouri Streaming on Paramount+ This might become a Texas-sized battle if El Paso get a quick start. Los Locos are capable of some explosive play, and will need to be on the front foot. Austin have a real problem scoring goals at the moment; El Paso’s defense will want to ensure that misery continues.

Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C) vs. Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)

10:00pm ET @ Phoenix Rising Stadium at 38th St/Washington, Phoenix, Arizona Streaming on Paramount+ This is the fixture flip-side of the LouCity vs. Loons. You’ve got two teams sliding towards the bottom of their respective tables, with very little daylight in that tunnel. So this match represents a chance to arrest that descent and perhaps start turn things around.

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) vs. Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)

10:30pm ET @ PayPal Park, San Jose, CaliforniaStreaming on Paramount+ It kills me to miss this game at the PayPal Park. I’m no fan of either team, but will be rooting for the Republic in full voice watching on my phone. In any other year, I’d give Sac the edge; this year they just haven’t been very good up front. And San Jose are a different beast since Arena took over, still questionable defensively but with some dangerous firepower that will test the Republic back line.