New York goalie Zach Thornton will have the spotlight tonight when the Red Bulls face Crystal Palace at Broadneck High School in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup.
Whether fans cheer for the Edgewood native or their hometown side when the match kicks-off at 7:30 remains to be seen.
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“They have been winning before we even entered the tournament,” the former standout at John Carroll High and Loyola College, said. “It you lose you are out, there?s no replay and no chance to regroup like you can during the season.”
Thornton, who is expected to start, is one of several reserves who likely will receive playing time in a game that doesn?t impact the team?s Major League Soccer standing.
Standout forward Juan Pablo Angel has been hampered with a lower back injury and former U.S. national team captain, midfielder Claudio Renya, likely will be on the bench.
But the names on the back of the jerseys mean little to Crystal Palace, which is looking to advance to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup in just its second year.
The U.S. Open Cup, started in 1914, is the largest soccer tournament in the United States that includes amateur and professional teams. Palace, which plays in the United Soccer League?s Second Division ? the equivalent to baseball?s Double-A ? defeated teams from Los Angeles and Harrisburg, Pa., to advance to host the Red Bulls.
New York plays in the MLS,which is the country?s highest level of professional soccer. The Red Bulls are one of eight MLS teams to qualify for the tournament, with each receiving a bye through the first two rounds.
The USL First Division Rochester Rhinos, who also play tonight at 7:30 against D.C. United in Germantown?s Maryland SoccerPlex, are the only team since the MLS was formed in 1996 to win the title from a lower division. The MLS?s New England Revolution is the defending champion.
“I know they have some injuries and everything, but they had a few games this week, too,” Crystal Palace midfielder Pat Healey said. “But we just have to worry about ourselves. They are a good team, they play in the MLS. We just have to do our job.”
Thornton has won MLS and U.S. Open Cups, Goalkeeper of the Year and Defender of the Year awards, but it is unclear who will oppose him in Crystal Palace?s net.
Co-manager Jim Cherneski told The Examiner it will be a game-time decision on whether Matt Nelson or former UMBC standout Brian Rowland will start. Nelson was spectacular in the team?s 3-1 win over Harrisburg in penalty kicks in the second round, when he stopped three penalty attempts. Nelson also has history in the U.S. Open Cup, as he was a catalyst for the Harrisburg City Islanders in their 1-0 upset of D.C. United in last year?s tournament.
But Rowland played great in the team?s 2-1 league win over Real Maryland on Sunday afternoon, making the choice difficult.
“Success breads confidence and we had success early and realized we are a good team,” Rowland said. “Hopefully, you get a run in the team and try to stay in.”
