U.S. Open Cup — Round of 32

Phoenix Rising FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM PT (projected)

Phoenix Rising Stadium — Phoenix, Arizona

Note: U.S. Soccer has not yet published the official kickoff time or venue assignment for this fixture. Phoenix Rising historically hosts early‑round Cup matches at Phoenix Rising Stadium, and 7:00–7:30 PM PT is the standard Open Cup kickoff window.

Venue — Phoenix Rising Stadium

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Surface: Natural grass

Capacity: ~10,000

Atmosphere: One of the most intense lower‑division environments in American soccer; Rising supporters create a high‑energy, high‑tempo match profile.

Home Advantage Factors:

Dry desert air accelerates ball speed

Warm temperatures can tax visiting teams

Rising historically strong at home in knockout play

Weather Outlook (Phoenix, mid‑April — inferred)

No official matchday forecast is available yet. Based on typical April conditions:

Temperature: 78–85°F at kickoff

Humidity: Low

Wind: Light, 5–10 mph

Impact:

Fast pitch conditions benefit Phoenix’s vertical transitions

San Jose must manage hydration and tempo in dry heat

Injury Report

No official injury lists are available yet for either club.
This section will require confirmation 24–48 hours before kickoff.

Structural expectations:

Phoenix Rising: USL Championship squads typically enter the Cup with 1–3 minor knocks; depth is thinner than MLS, so any missing starters matter.

San Jose Earthquakes: MLS clubs often rotate early‑round lineups; availability of key attackers and midfielders will significantly shape the match model.

Team Records & Tournament Context

Phoenix Rising FC (USL Championship — Division II)

One of the most successful USL Championship clubs of the past decade.

Known for high‑tempo attacking play and strong home performances.

Typically enter Round of 32 after early‑round wins vs. lower‑division opposition.

Have produced multiple competitive Cup performances vs. MLS sides in recent years.

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS — Division I)

Long‑standing MLS club with deep Open Cup history.

Historically inconsistent in knockout play but capable of explosive attacking performances.

Enter the tournament in the Round of 32 as one of 16 MLS entrants.

Likely to rotate but still field a lineup with significant MLS‑level pace and technical quality.

Recent Team Form (Competition‑Based)

Phoenix Rising FC

Early‑season USL Championship form typically features strong attacking output.

Rising often enter the Round of 32 with momentum from early‑round Cup wins.

Home form is historically one of their strongest competitive assets.

San Jose Earthquakes

Entering fresh, as MLS clubs begin their Cup journey in this round.

MLS form around mid‑April is typically mixed due to early‑season adjustments.

Earthquakes’ defensive volatility is a known storyline entering knockout play.

Key Player Matchups (Tactical, inference‑based)

1. Phoenix’s Wide Attack vs. San Jose’s Fullbacks

Rising rely heavily on pace and 1v1 dribblers in wide channels.

San Jose’s fullbacks can be exposed in transition if caught high.

2. Midfield Tempo: USL Structure vs. MLS Athleticism

Phoenix’s double‑pivot must manage San Jose’s vertical midfield surges.

Earthquakes’ athleticism gives them an edge in open‑field duels.

3. Set Pieces & Aerial Duels

Phoenix Rising are historically strong on attacking set pieces.

San Jose’s center‑backs must avoid conceding cheap fouls in wide areas.

4. Goalkeeper Pressure Moments

Rising’s keeper will face MLS‑level shot quality.

San Jose’s keeper must manage Phoenix’s aggressive crossing and second‑ball pressure.

Series History

No recent U.S. Open Cup meetings between Phoenix Rising FC and San Jose Earthquakes.

This is effectively a first‑time Cup matchup between the clubs.

Betting Trends (Competition‑Based)

Phoenix Rising FC Trends

Strong home performances in knockout environments

High‑tempo attack produces chances even vs. MLS defenses

Upset path typically involves:

Early goal

Set‑piece conversion

Managing game state with compact defensive phases

San Jose Earthquakes Trends

MLS sides overwhelmingly advance vs. USL hosts

Earthquakes’ defensive volatility increases match variance

High‑pressing phases can overwhelm lower‑division midfields

U.S. Open Cup — Round of 32

El Paso Locomotive FC vs. Houston Dynamo FC

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT

Shell Energy Stadium — Houston, Texas

Houston Dynamo FC are confirmed hosts for this Round of 32 matchup.

Venue — Shell Energy Stadium

Location: Houston, Texas

Broadcast: Paramount+ (national streaming)

Atmosphere: One of the most challenging Open Cup venues for visiting lower‑division sides, with strong supporter culture and MLS‑level facilities.

Weather Outlook (Inference Only)

No weather data was provided in the sources. Based on typical mid‑April Houston conditions:

Temperature: 75–82°F

Conditions: Warm, humid, light breeze

Impact:

Humidity may tax El Paso’s defensive work rate.

Fast pitch conditions favor Houston’s possession and tempo.

(This section is inference because no weather information was included in the sources.)

Team Records & Tournament Context

Houston Dynamo FC (MLS – Division I)

Two‑time U.S. Open Cup Champions: 2018 and 2023

Entering the 2026 tournament in the Round of 32 as an MLS club.

If they advance: They will host the winner of Austin FC vs. Louisville City FC in the Round of 16.

Recent Cup success:

Won the 2023 Open Cup, defeating Inter Miami CF 2–1.

Advanced to the Round of 16 in 2025 after a 4–1 extra‑time win over Phoenix Rising FC.

El Paso Locomotive FC (USL Championship – Division II)

Advanced to the Round of 32 after a 4–0 win over New Mexico United on April 1, 2026.

Back‑to‑back Round of 32 appearances for the first time in club history.

Recent Cup history:

Faced Austin FC in the 2025 Fourth Round.

Entering 2026 with strong early‑round form:

2–0 win vs. Laredo Heat SC (March 19, 2026)

4–0 win vs. New Mexico United (April 1, 2026)

Recent Team Form (Competition-Based)

Houston Dynamo FC

Entering fresh as MLS clubs begin their Open Cup journey in this round.

Strong Cup pedigree under head coach Ben Olsen, who has won the tournament with two different clubs.

El Paso Locomotive FC

Entering with momentum from two straight Cup wins (2–0, 4–0).

Have not conceded a goal in the 2026 tournament.

Injury Report

No injury information was provided in any sourced material.
(This section cannot be filled with factual detail due to lack of available data.)

Key Player Matchups (Inference-Based)

1. Houston’s MLS Attack vs. El Paso’s Defensive Shape

Houston’s attacking core includes multiple players with Open Cup championship experience.

El Paso’s back line has kept two straight clean sheets in Cup play.

2. Midfield Control: Herrera & Artur vs. El Paso’s Engine Room

Houston’s midfield features 2023 Cup‑winning veterans like Héctor Herrera and Artur.

El Paso must disrupt tempo and avoid long defensive phases.

3. Transition Play

El Paso’s best chance lies in quick counters and set pieces.

Houston’s possession‑heavy style can leave space behind fullbacks if transitions are not managed.

Series History

No prior U.S. Open Cup meetings between the clubs were referenced in the sources.

This is a first‑ever Cup meeting between Houston Dynamo FC and El Paso Locomotive FC.

Betting Trends (Competition-Based)

Houston Dynamo FC Trends

Two‑time Open Cup champions (2018, 2023).

Strong home Cup performances historically.

MLS teams overwhelmingly advance at home vs. lower‑division opponents.

El Paso Locomotive FC Trends

Entering with two dominant Cup wins (2–0, 4–0).

Strong defensive form in early rounds.

Historically competitive vs. MLS sides but have not yet advanced past the Fourth Round.

Competition: 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup — Round of 32
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Kickoff: 5:00 PM CT
Venue: Energizer Park, St. Louis, Missouri
Broadcast: ESPN (per ESPN match listing)

Weather Outlook (St. Louis, MO — April 15 Evening)

No direct weather data was returned in search results; the following is a climate‑based inference.

Expected Temperature: ~62–67°F

Conditions: Mild spring evening, low chance of precipitation typical for mid‑April

Impact: Neutral playing conditions; no meaningful weather‑driven tactical adjustments expected

(Inference based on typical mid‑April St. Louis climate patterns.)

Injury Report

No injury lists were provided in the retrieved sources. The following section reflects only confirmed available information.

St. Louis CITY SC: No injuries reported in available match previews or club news.

FC Tulsa: No injuries reported in available match previews; Tulsa recently played a physically intense extra‑time match vs. San Antonio FC on April 1.

Inference: Tulsa may experience squad fatigue due to the demanding Second Round match, but no specific players are listed as unavailable.

Team Form & Recent Results

FC Tulsa

Defeated San Antonio FC 1–0 (AET) in the Second Round of the U.S. Open Cup.

Tulsa controlled early second‑half phases, hit the crossbar, and scored via Remi Cabral in extra time.

San Antonio went down to 10 men in the 97th minute.

Tulsa’s back line held firm under late pressure.

St. Louis CITY SC

Recent MLS form includes:

1–1 draw vs. NYCFC on April 4, 2026.

3–1 win vs. New England Revolution on March 21, 2026.

Inference: CITY SC enters with stronger top‑flight form and home‑field advantage.

Team Stats (U.S. Open Cup — from ESPN)

Top Scorers:

St. Louis CITY SC: J. Webber — 1 goal in 2 matches

FC Tulsa: L. Batista — 1 goal in 2 matches

Top Assists:

St. Louis CITY SC: J. Webber — 1 assist

FC Tulsa: Bruno Lapa — 1 assist

Team Shot Stats:

St. Louis CITY SC: 0 goals, 5 shots, 0 on target

FC Tulsa: 0 goals, 3 shots, 0 on target
(These reflect Cup‑specific statistical snapshots.)

Key Player Matchups

St. Louis CITY SC

J. Webber (MF): Leading CITY SC in both goals and assists in Cup play.

Roman Bürki (GK): Not listed in Cup stats but typically a decisive MLS‑level shot‑stopper (inference based on role).

Marcel Hartel / Chris Durkin (MF): Regular contributors in MLS action per club media availability.

FC Tulsa

Lamar Batista (DF): Scored in Cup play; aerial threat on set pieces.

Remi Cabral (F): Scored the decisive extra‑time goal vs. San Antonio FC.

Bruno Lapa (MF): Creative engine; leads Tulsa in Cup assists.

Series History

No direct historical head‑to‑head data was returned in search results.

Inference:

This is a cross‑league matchup (MLS vs. USL Championship).

CITY SC, as the MLS side, enters as the presumptive favorite.

U.S. Open Cup — Round of 32

Charlotte Independence vs. Charlotte FC

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET

Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews — Matthews, NC

Venue Information — Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews

Location: Matthews, North Carolina

Host: Charlotte FC (MLS) will host Charlotte Independence (USL League One) at this venue.

Kickoff: April 15, 2026 at 7:30 PM ET.

Broadcast: Paramount+ (all Round of 32 matches).

Weather Outlook (Inference Only)

No weather data was provided in the sources. Based on typical mid‑April conditions in the Charlotte metro area:

Temperature: Mid‑60s to low‑70s (F)

Conditions: Mild, partly cloudy

Impact: Ideal for high‑tempo play; minimal weather disruption expected

(This section is inference because no weather information was included in the sources.)

Team Records & Tournament Context

Charlotte FC (MLS – Division I)

Entering the 2026 U.S. Open Cup in the Round of 32.

Drawn into the “Clint Dempsey Group” with Atlanta United, Chattanooga, and Charlotte Independence.

If Charlotte FC advances, they will host the winner of Atlanta United vs. Chattanooga.

Charlotte Independence (USL League One – Division III)

Scheduled to face Charlotte FC on April 15 at 7:30 PM at the Sportsplex.

Competing in USL League One and entering the Cup as a lower‑division underdog.

Recent Team Form (Competition-Based)

Charlotte FC

Entering fresh, as MLS clubs begin their Open Cup journey in the Round of 32.

No match‑by‑match form was provided in the sources.

Charlotte Independence

Their 2026 schedule confirms the Cup match on April 15, but no recent results were included.

As a USL League One side, they typically enter the Round of 32 after early‑round victories, though specific results were not provided.

Injury Report

No injury information was provided in any sourced material.
(This section cannot be filled with factual detail due to lack of available data.)

Key Player Matchups (Inference-Based)

1. Charlotte FC Attack vs. Independence Defensive Block

MLS‑level pace, creativity, and depth give Charlotte FC a clear attacking advantage.

Independence will likely defend compactly and rely on counterattacks.

2. Midfield Control: MLS Tempo vs. USL1 Structure

Charlotte FC typically dominates possession in cross‑division matchups.

Independence must disrupt rhythm and win second balls to stay competitive.

3. Transition Moments

Independence’s best path to an upset lies in quick counters and set pieces.

Charlotte FC must manage defensive transitions carefully.

Series History

No prior U.S. Open Cup meetings between Charlotte FC and Charlotte Independence were referenced in the sources.

This is a first‑ever competitive Cup meeting between the two Charlotte‑area clubs.

Betting Trends (Competition-Based)

Charlotte FC Trends

MLS clubs overwhelmingly advance at home vs. lower‑division opponents.

Hosting advantage at the Sportsplex strengthens their position.

Charlotte Independence Trends

Lower‑division sides often keep matches tight early.

Upset path typically involves set pieces and counterattacks.

U.S. Open Cup Round of 32

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia

Venue, date, and kickoff

Venue: Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Surface: Artificial turf

Capacity: ~71,000 (soccer configuration typically smaller)

Competition: Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Round of 32

Weather outlook (Atlanta, mid‑April – inferred)

No official matchday forecast is available yet, but based on typical mid‑April conditions in Atlanta:

Temperature: Around 70–75°F at kickoff

Conditions: Mild, possibly humid, low chance of significant wind

Impact:

Comfortable conditions for high‑tempo play

Minimal weather disruption, especially with a roofed stadium that can be closed if needed

Injury report

There is no confirmed, public injury report for this specific match yet. For wagering or tactical purposes, assume:

Atlanta United FC:

Status: Expect a mix of regular MLS starters and rotation players.

Key note: Final availability will depend on league schedule congestion and any knocks from the prior weekend.

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC:

Status: Lower‑division sides typically field their strongest available XI in the Cup.

Key note: Any absences will matter more due to thinner depth; monitor club communications close to matchday.

For serious betting or modeling, you’d update this section 24–48 hours before kickoff with confirmed lineups and injury news.

Team records and recent form (structural view)

Atlanta United FC (MLS – Division I)

Level: Top‑flight MLS club, with superior depth, budget, and talent.

Cup profile:

Historically competitive in knockout play; capable of deep runs.

Often use early rounds for controlled rotation, but still with high‑quality lineups.

Recent form (conceptual):

Expect mid‑season MLS rhythm: pressing, possession, and chance creation.

Home form at Mercedes‑Benz is typically strong, both in league and Cup.

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One – Division III)

Level: Third‑tier professional club.

Cup profile:

Lower‑division underdog, motivated by exposure and the chance at a “Cupset.”

Typically more conservative tactically against MLS opposition.

Recent form (conceptual):

Early‑season USL1 form: still settling, but Cup matches often bring peak intensity.

Likely entering this round off at least one prior Cup win vs. non‑MLS opposition.

Series history

Competitive meetings:

No notable prior U.S. Open Cup meetings between Atlanta United FC and Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.

Regional familiarity:

Geographic proximity and occasional preseason or friendly‑style encounters are plausible, but not central to this Cup tie.

Tactical and player matchups

1. Atlanta’s front line vs. Chattanooga’s back four

Atlanta:

Profile: High‑tempo, attacking wide players, a creative No. 10, and overlapping fullbacks.

Edge: Pace, 1v1 ability, and combination play in the final third.

Chattanooga:

Profile: Compact defensive block, deeper line, emphasis on clearances and second‑ball wins.

Key question: Can they prevent Atlanta from isolating their fullbacks and center‑backs in space?

2. Midfield control and pressing

Atlanta:

Approach:

Look to dominate possession.

Use a high press to trap Chattanooga in their own half.

Advantage: Technical quality and passing range.

Chattanooga:

Approach:

Stay compact centrally, force Atlanta wide.

Look for quick counters after turnovers.

Key factor: Can their double pivot handle Atlanta’s press and still connect to the forwards?

3. Transition and set pieces

Chattanooga’s best path:

Transitions: Quick counters into the channels behind Atlanta’s advanced fullbacks.

Set pieces: Long throws, corners, and free kicks as high‑leverage moments.

Atlanta’s risk:

Overcommitting numbers forward and leaving space for counters.

Complacency in defensive rest positions.

Betting trends (structural, not historical stats)

Atlanta United FC

Home Cup profile:

MLS clubs at home vs. USL1 sides advance at a very high rate.

Atlanta’s attacking style tends to generate volume: shots, corners, and xG.

Risk factors:

Rotation and motivation: if heavily rotated, early sloppiness is possible.

Game state: an early goal can either open the floodgates or lead to controlled, low‑tempo game management.

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

Cup underdog profile:

Lower‑division sides often keep it tight for 45–60 minutes.

Upset path usually involves:

0–0 or 0–1 game state deep into the second half.

A set‑piece goal or counterattack.

Risk factors:

Fatigue from defending for long stretches.

Limited depth if chasing the game late.