The New York Red Bulls face off against the Philadelphia Union for the third consecutive year in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, June 28 at 8 p.m. ET (WATCH: NewYorkRedBulls.com, RADIO:New York Red Bulls Radio on TuneIn).
Here are seven reasons to attend Wednesday night’s clash at Red Bull Arena.
Open Cup Revenge
Philadelphia has knocked the Red Bulls out of Open Cup in each of their two previous meetings in the competition.
New York hopes to end their Open Cup woes against Philly, who they defeated in their previous MLS matchup, 2-0.
Bounce-Back Opportunity
After a defeat to NYCFC, an Open Cup win against the Union could be just what the doctor ordered.
Philly has had the Red Bulls’ number in past Open Cup campaigns, knocking them out in 2015 and 2016. Defeating the Union could prove to be a big boost for the team heading into a bye weekend.
Four Wins Clinch The Title
After entering Open Cup in the Fourth Round and knocking out NYCFC, the Red Bulls can win the tournament with four consecutive wins.
New York is 23-19-2 all-time in Open Cup, and has never won the tournament.
Summer Night at the Arena
Weather reports for Wednesday’s game call for a high of 82 degrees and a low of 63 in Harrison.
With kickoff set for 8 p.m., fans should be in for a beautiful summer evening of soccer at Red Bull Arena.
BWP Effective Against Philly
Bradley Wright-Phillips scored two goals against the Union in their previous MLS matchup.
BWP has scored seven goals in 10 MLS games against Philly, and will look to pick up where he left off on Wednesday.
Win Or Go Home
There are no ties in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, so everything will be on the line Wednesday night.
If the teams are tied after 90 minutes, the game will head into extra time. If the clubs are still tied after 30 minutes of extra time, the match will be decided in a penalty kick shootout.
Kljestan Success Against Philadelphia
Sacha Kljestan has recorded four goals and four assists in eight MLS games against the Union.
Per Opta, Kljestan leads MLS in chances created (106) and could be a key to victory on Wednesday night.
