Lower-league Sacramento Republic reach MLS Open Cup final

The MLS Open Cup could see lower league winners after Sacramento Republic booked their place in the final.

Sacramento Republic FC aren’t a well-known team to most football (or soccer) fans – they ply their trade in the USL Championship. The US football league system doesn’t allow for promotion into the MLS and Sacramento’s dream of joining the likes of LA Galaxy hinges on a successful bid when the league does expand.

But that hasn’t stopped Republic from beating MLS sides already and earning a reputation for cupsets. In this year’s Open Cup, Sacramento Republic already dispatched San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy in regular time before defeating Sporting Kansas City on penalties last night in the semi-final to reach a historic final.

Republic could become the first winners of the Open Cup outside of the top flight this century if they go on to defeat Orlando City in the final. That tough task will be even more difficult for Sacramento Republic as this year’s Open Cup final is set to be played at the Exploria Stadium – the home of Orlando City.

Orlando, who feature former AC Milan star Alexandre Pato, reached the final with a superb second-half performance that saw them brush aside the New York Red Bulls in a 5-1 victory.

The MLS Open Cup final is set to be played on the 7th of September.

Relive the moment ✨#USOC2022 | @opencup pic.twitter.com/p656YteVYs

— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) July 28, 2022