Get hyped for the U.S. Open Cup

Everyone should be getting on their feet to watch the New York Red Bulls compete in the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup (USOC). Since last year's regime change, the Red Bulls have prioritized the competition, and have officially stated they will be taking the tournament very seriously. While the realignment of priorities (or rather, alignment) is nice, RBNY unfortunately crashed out at the quarterfinal stage last year, against the Philadelphia Union, despite registering 9000 shots on target (don't bother fact checking, that was the real count).

We at Once a Metro want you to get excited for it this year. Although we are all aware of the phrase "that's so Metro" (and for those who aren't - it is said once something bad happens, dating back to the inevitable defeats-from-the-jaws-of-victory of the MetroStars days), perhaps this year we won't be hearing us say that, at least with regard to the Open Cup. This year we might see the run that brings us to the final, and sees us leave the pitch with one of the more coveted soccer trophies in the US. On the other hand, we may just crash out of the tournament against the Rhinos and utter that phrase that's haunted us since...well, pretty much since time began.

But let us be optimistic about this year. We had our sights set high last year, and almost made the semi finals. Now, the team has spent a year together and have developed some sort of chemistry. The majority of the starting 11 remains mostly unchanged from last year, with the exception of a much-needed and fantastic addition in Aurelien Collin. After taking a break to let Copa America get underway, the Red Bulls should be rested and ready to start the best line up they can muster for the competition.

SO that said, get excited. We hope to all see a long Open Cup run, which highlights the emphasis the organization has been placing on the tournament. Fans, it is now your turn to match that emphasis. Understandably, given this team's history, people would probably rather skip going to the games. Compounded by the fact that the games fall on Wednesday nights, its hard to even watch them, since people have their lives to live. However, it still is an important tournament, and the club takes it seriously now, so it may finally be worth 90 minutes of your time.

RBNY start their run playing away to the Rochester Rhinos this Wednesday at 7:00 pm. A contingent of Red Bulls fans will be making the trip, with a number staying over night, and will be sitting standing and singing in Section 132. It's not too late to join us.