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Previewing MidWest USOC Maches

 It’s a beautiful spring day in the MidWest and there are two amazing US Open Cup games being played in St. Louis and KCK tonight. There are teams from MLS, USL League 1, and the National Premier Soccer League participating. It’s what makes this competition so amazing. 

Never could your men’s beer league hockey  team play against the Red Wings, nor your baseball club take on the Cardinals. I don’t mean to say Tulsa Athletic or Union Omaha are recreational league teams, they are not. Both have won big games to get here. 

In Kansas City, Kansas Sporting KC come into the game without a win in league play. They’ve gone 0-3-6 to start their season while scoring just 3 goals. Their opponent, Tulsa Athletic have already taken down USL Championship side FC Tulsa and won’t be intimidated to take on another Goliath squad. 

If I’m coaching Tulsa Athletic I’m high pressing the SKC defense and not letting Russell or Salloi get the edge on my wing backs or center backs. I’m probably sitting in a 5-3-2 with 8 guys staying back and sending my two forwards to chase, press, and attack. On the other side Sporting may be wise to not try and control possession. Let Tulsa have the ball and try to press then into turnovers and transition situations that favor you. 

Across the state of Missouri St. Louis City host their first US Open Cup game as members of Major League Soccer. Union Omaha who made a quarterfinal run in last years Open Cup went out at Sporting KC. 

Union Omaha took down USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive in the 2nd round. They’ve played big matches and they have a strong supporters base that will likely make the trip tonight. St. Louis and Coach Bradley Carnell won’t be overlooking the USL League One side as I just don’t think that’s in his DNA. Even a rotated squad will be expected to perform and most of the players will be looking to “earn their stripes” for the newest MLS club. 

Strategically Union Omaha should try to let City control possession to try and limit their high pressing capabilities. I would sit back and let City have the ball. For St Louis I would continue to do what has worked; High press, counter attack, and get the ball to dangerous spots. 

I wish I had time to preview all of the 3rd round games and I can promise I will be watching, but I wanted to at least talk about the games close to home! 

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