FRISCO – Tuesday’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinal between FC Dallas and the Sporting Kansas City is the first time the two clubs have faced off in the Open Cup since Sporting romped Dallas 6-2 in the Round of 16 two years ago.
But a lot has changed for the two clubs since then. Especially for Dallas, picking up the Open Cup and Supporters' Shield last season.
But how did they get here? Both sides faced off with MLS clubs in the Round of 16 this year. The draws were the exact same as last year, with FC Dallas drawing the Colorado Rapids and Sporting KC drawing the Houston Dynamo.
Both sides made quick work of their opponents. FC Dallas downed the Rapids 3-1 on June 27, while Sporting Kansas City shutout the Dynamo for a 2-0 win on June 28. FC Dallas used goals from Mauro Diaz, Ryan Hollingshead and a free-kick from Javier Morales to get past the Rapids.
It was the first goal for Diaz in the competition since last year’s final, and Hollingshead’s first goal back from injury.
Sporting Kansas City used goals from Ike Opara, who opened the scoring in the 61st minute, and a stoppage time dagger from Gerso Fernandes to down the Dynamo. Sporting was the first club to defeat Houston at home in 2017 in any competition.
Both clubs are coming off points in the last MLS cycle, but Sporting could just muster a 1-1 draw against the Philadelphia Union at home. FC Dallas downed D.C. United 4-2 at Toyota Stadium.