Reaction: SKCvOCSC

Press Conference Audio

Peter Vermes and Soony Saad [Part One]


Peter Vermes and Soony Saad [Part Two]


THREE POINTS

1. The U.S. Open Cup provides a reality check for MLS clubs. Last night, there were a total of seven Major League Soccer teams eliminated from competition by lower league opposition. This began to make my wonder just how much better MLS teams really are from lower division teams. More likely than not, the results would have been different had more regular starters throughout MLS been played. Among the shock results, a couple stuck out to me: Real Salt Lake's 3-1 loss to the Minnesota Stars (in front of more than 17,000 fans at Rio Tinto) and New England's loss to Harrisburg (in PKs, after giving up a three-goal lead going into the second period of extra time). Overall, the third round of the USOC was quite shocking.

2. Orlando City could be a quality addition to MLS. Of course, several things have to happen before Orlando City can make the jump from third division to MLS, but from what I saw at last night's game, the team has a serious commitment proving themselves worthy of first-division soccer. At times, even with Orlando City being a man down, it was difficult to tell which team was from Major League Soccer. There were even a few traveling fans from Florida. Overall, I was impressed.

3. Sporting KC need to continue to take the USOC seriously. If Sporting KC find themselves victorious in the final of the U.S. Open Cup, we can paint the wall, which I'm sure would excite Robb Heineman. Oh, yeah, and an automatic spot is given to the victor of the U.S. Open Cup in the CONCACAF Champion's League. That would be something to look forward to.

***

Have any thoughts you'd like to share? The comments section is the place for you.