Dynamo begin 2025 US Open Cup in Phoenix
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
The Houston Dynamo begin their 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup run tonight in Arizona as they take on Phoenix Rising FC. Houston won the tournament in 2023 but lost their first match in last year’s competition. Phoenix Rising FC, who play in the USL Championship, advanced to this match after beating FC Tulsa in penalty kicks in Round 3.
When: Wednesday, May 7 | 9:00 PM CT kickoff
Where: Phoenix Rising Stadium; Phoenix, Arizona
TV/Stream: Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network
A Shot at Silverware
2023 marked the second time the Houston Dynamo lifted the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and after a disappointing showing in 2024, they’re back to try and do it again in 2025. Of all the trophies available to Major League Soccer teams, the Open Cup is the “easiest” to attain. Of course, it isn’t easy to win any trophy but MLS teams need to win just five games this year to win the tournament. With that comes entry into the Concacaf Champions Cup. A win in this round would set the Dynamo up for a match against either Austin FC or El Paso Locomotive FC in the Round of 16.
Take Nothing for Granted
The Open Cup is a chance to give guys who haven’t played much some minutes in live game action and keep them up to speed early on in what is a long season. While it makes sense to rest guys and play some of the players who usually don’t see much time, there is also the desire to win and advance further in the competition. Playing a team in a lower division is also not a lock for victory. The Dynamo were taken out just last year by Detroit City. They should use that loss to remind themselves that even without their first choice eleven, the guys who are given the chance to play will have to perform or else face another embarrassing defeat.
Is Phoenix Rising?
Phoenix Rising, who in my opinion have one of the coolest names in American soccer, are not exactly rising of late. Now Dynamo assistant Juan Guerra led the club to the USL title in 2023 before leaving for Houston. Since then, they finished 8th in the Western Conference and lost in the first round of the playoffs last year and are currently sit in 10th place with just one win from their first eight league matches. On top of all that, they will be without their star striker Remi Cabral after he was sent off in their win in the last round and winger Jearl Margaritha left their match over the weekend with an injury. They may not be rising of late but a win over a MLS side in the Open Cup would be a huge boost for Phoenix. Expect them to leave it all on their home pitch tonight.
Houston Dynamo – Availability report not listed
Phoenix Rising FC – Availability report not listed
Predicted Lineup
