U.S. Open Cup Semifinal Matchups Set
The Chicago Fire defeated the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and the New England Revolution advanced on penalties over the Philadelphia Union in the U.S. Open quarterfinals. The two teams will now meet on August 9 at New England for a spot in the final. In the other quarterfinals, the LA Galaxy took down Seattle Sounders FC and FC Dallas defeated in-state rival Houston Dynamo to advance to their semifinal match on August 10 at LA.
Two Quake Red Cards Rescinded
An appeals panel has rescinded two red cards and the fines and suspensions that come with them that were given in San Jose’s 2-1 win over Toronto FC on July 16. Anibal Godoy and Alberto Quintero were both carded straight reds in the victory for serious foul plays, but the club appealed the rulings. The Independent Review Panel, who rendered the judgment yesterday, is made up of one member from the U.S. Soccer Federation, one from Canadian Soccer Association, and one from the Professional Referee Organization.
Crew SC Sign Norwegian Center Back Nicolai Naess
Columbus Crew SC announced Thursday they had signed Norwegian center back Nicolai Naess in an attempt to shore up their back line. The club signed him from the Norwegian top-flight club Stabaek, and he will occupy one of their international roster spots. He is expected to play right away for the team currently sitting near the bottom of the table in the Eastern Conference.
D.C. Ships Espindola to ‘Caps, Signs Patrick Mullins from NYCFC
D.C. United traded veteran forward Fabian Espindola to Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Wednesday in exchange for allocation money. The team simultaneously acquired forward Patrick Mullins from New York City FC. Mullins is significantly younger than Espindola, giving United a more long-term solution at forward.
