It’s getting very interesting in the 2011 edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup as former Champions are making noise while the current two time defending champion Seattle Sounders are also looking to add on to their success in the second oldest cup competition in the world. Alot of action and domination in all four matches.

SPORTING KANSAS CITY Vs RICHMOND KICKERS

When you thought about this match up it did creep into your minds that it could be over for the Kickers who many can say are having a good run, but when you have a great striker tandum of David Bulow & Matthew Delicate that has done well in the USL Pro League it might not be over just yet. With no goals in the first half at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park you could be worried that it was an advantage towards the Kickers.

In the 66th minute Sporting’s fears did come true as Shaka Bangura found the back of the net and it was the start of upset city for the Third Division side in USL Pro. The final nail in the coffin for Sporting Kansas City was a penalty by David Bulow in the 83rd minute and as of right now, the 1995 champion has earned a ticket to the Semi-Finals at the Chicago Fire.

FC DALLAS Vs REAL SALT LAKE
After earning a scoreless draw in their first match and Real Salt Lake earning a two goal to nil victory at Rio Tinto Stadium a few days ago, FC Dallas was looking for some revenge and knocking out Jason Kreis side. You can say that FC Dallas got the last laugh.

A goal early in the first half by Jair Benitez in the 18th minute and an early goal in the second half by Jackson Goncalves in the 54th with some strong defense gave the 1997 champions (Called the Dallas Burn at the time) their ticket to the Semi-Finals of the US Open Cup.

SEATTLE SOUNDERS Vs LOS ANGELES GALAXY

The two time defending champions Seattle Sounders met an old foe at Starfire Sportsplex in the Los Angeles Galaxy and the last time they played Landon Donovan’s side last season, it was a victory that led to a Semi-Final home match against Chivas-USA. Once again both sides are back against each other for another attempt to advance into the 2011 Semis.

It was all Sounders at the start of the match as Mr. US Open Cup Nate Jaqua converts early in the 4th minute and was joined by Fredy Montero in the 25th minute. There was some concern in the 40th minute when Adam Cristman pulled on back and there was some concern at Starfire. But the Sounders faithful’s concerns were put to bed when Lamar Neagle got the two goal lead back in the 74th minute.

The defending champions have done it again at their home away from home as they have their US Open Cup winning streak extended to ten games since they entered MLS from the USL 1st Division in 2009. Sigi Schmid so far has done a great job. For the first time in a while, four sides that have currently won or have won in the past will attempt to add another US Open Cup trophy to their case.

2011 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Semi-Final Matches: Tuesday, August 30th
#37: Chicago Fire (MLS) Vs Richmond Kickers (USL Pro) At Toyota Park; Bridgeview, Illinois 8:30PM EDT
#38: Seattle Sounders (MLS) Vs FC Dallas (MLS) At Starfire Sports Stadium; Tukwila, Washington 10:00PM EDT