Red Bulls Earn Their Way Into 16 Team Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Tournament by Defeating Rapids 3-0 in Final Qualifying Match at Red Bull Arena Wednesday

The New York Red Bulls defeated the visiting Colorado Rapid 3-0 last night in the final qualifying match of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Tournament. With the win the Red Bulls are now in the actual tournament as they swept the three qualifying rounds. My friend and I sat in Section 108 once again with a great view just to the right of midfield next to the Red Bulls bench. It was absolutely hot as hell with a game time temperature of 91 degrees and lots of humidity. The lineup consisted mostly of the rookies and younger players but they played very well again and continue to impress. As my friend noted for the second straight U.S. Open Cup qualifying match veteran John Wolyniec scored two goals. Wolyniec scored them both in the 1st half to give the Red Bulls the 2-0 lead. The more I see Tony Tchani the more I like his tenacity and competitiveness. I hope he gets lots of playing time the rest of the season in MLS games. Tchani made a great play at midfield to keep possession of the ball, turned, and then made a great pass that led to one of Wolniec’s goals. Every time Irving Garcia touched the ball we erupted with cheers of GAR-CI-A, GAR-CI-A. You have to love that guy. Conor Chinn scored the 3rd goal for the Red Bulls to give them the winning 3-0 edge over Colorado. Sinisa Ubiparipovic was also very noticeable again last night. This game differed from the other Cup qualifiers in that head coach Hans Backe substituted in some starters as the game progressed. We’re glad we went to root on our team, and now to bring the Cup to the Red Bulls. I took the picture of Garcia.