Sporting Kansas City defeated Indy Eleven with a convincing 2-0 win in the semifinals of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. They are now just one game away from lifting the trophy for the fifth time. With a mixture of skill and a touch of genius, Johnny Russell and Dany Rosero ensured the home side stayed on course for glory.

But let’s rewind a bit – the game began under literally gloomy skies. A storm rolled in and delayed kickoff for nearly three hours, almost as if Mother Nature had hinted at the thrilling battle to come. Once the ball got rolling, however, SKC made it clear they weren’t here to joke around. Russell hammered a rocket-shot left-footed shot into the net in the 14th minute. Just three minutes later, Rosero hammered in a header that sealed the deal early and dashed Indy Eleven’s hopes.

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This win wasn’t just down to SKC’s offense, though. Their defense was strong and goalie Tim Melia put in an absolute masterpiece. The guy was like a brick wall, blocking everything that came at him, including some nasty shots from Jack Blake. Even when Indy Eleven gave everything they had to get back into the game, Melia was rock solid and made sure the win was secured.

On September 25, when SKC faces the Seattle Sounders or LAFC in the final, it’s not just about winning, it’s about becoming the most successful team in US Open Cup history. And that’s no small feat. A fifth title would take Sporting Kansas City to a whole new level and cement its place as one of the greatest strongholds in American soccer.

Before we get too excited about our fifth title, we should remember that the road to ultimate glory still involves facing one of the toughest opponents around. Whether it’s the Seattle Sounders or LAFC, one thing is for sure – it’s going to be a daunting challenge. But let’s be honest: if there’s one team that knows how to handle the pressure, it’s Sporting Kansas City.

Just think: That fifth US Open Cup title would not only give Sporting Kansas City the recognition they deserve, but also cement their place in the top tier of American soccer. Such an achievement not only makes history, it will also be remembered by fans for decades to come.