Witness History: Two Teams, One Dream, A Battle for Cup Glory!
Crucial Semifinal Matchup: Colorado Rapids vs. St. Louis CITY SC
On Wednesday evening, the Colorado Rapids will host St. Louis CITY SC in a high-stakes US Open Cup semifinal. The victor of this clash will secure a spot in the 2026 US Open Cup final, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal match between the Columbus Crew and Orlando City.
Broadcast Information: How to Tune In
Fans can catch all the action of this pivotal semifinal live. The match will be available for streaming on Paramount+ and will also be broadcast on CBS Sports Network, ensuring comprehensive coverage for soccer enthusiasts.
Match Details: Date, Time, and Venue
The game is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, with kickoff at 9:30 PM ET/6:30 PM PT. The venue for this critical encounter will be Dick's Sporting Goods Park, located in Commerce City, Colorado, setting the stage for a thrilling night of football.
The Stakes: A Path to Continental Glory and Silverware
The ultimate prize for the tournament champion extends beyond mere bragging rights. The winning team will earn a coveted spot in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup, receive a substantial prize money, and lift the prestigious US Open Cup trophy, solidifying their place in soccer history.
Colorado Rapids' Journey to the Semifinals and Roster Changes
The Colorado Rapids have demonstrated their resilience throughout the tournament, securing a 1-0 victory against Union Omaha in the Round of 32, a penalty shootout win after a 2-2 draw with Colorado Springs in the Round of 16, and a 2-0 triumph over the San Jose Earthquakes in the Quarterfinals. This marks their closest approach to the US Open Cup final since 1999. In a significant roster shake-up, striker Rafael Navarro was traded to St. Louis, but the Rapids quickly bolstered their attack by acquiring winger Morgan Whittaker from Middlesbrough in a club-record deal, along with Ghanaian winger Ibrahim Sadiq and Israeli international forward Sayed Abu Farkhi. Led by first-year head coach Matt Wells and with midfielder Paxten Aaronson contributing significantly (6 goals, 6 assists), the team aims to return to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
St. Louis CITY SC's Remarkable Run and Strategic Acquisitions
In only their fourth season, St. Louis CITY SC is on the cusp of their first major trophy, just two victories away from achieving this milestone. Under the guidance of first-year head coach Yoann Damet, St. Louis is currently the hottest team in MLS, boasting an impressive 15-game unbeaten streak that has propelled them to fifth place in the Western Conference. During the summer transfer window, the club made significant moves, acquiring Rafael Navarro and Carlo Holse as Designated Players and bringing in USMNT striker Damion Downs on loan from Southampton FC. However, Navarro will be unavailable for this match due to being cup-tied with Colorado. This could place the goal-scoring burden on Simon Becher, who leads the team with 7 goals and 5 assists this season.
