Inter Miami, Houston Dynamo Reach U.S. Open Cup Finals

Inter Miami and the Houston Dynamo have advanced to the 2023 U.S. Open Cup Final after winning their respective semifinal matches.

The much-anticipated 2023 U.S. Open Cup Final is now set, and it promises to be an exciting showdown between Inter Miami and the Houston Dynamo. Both teams fought their way through the semifinal round on Wednesday to secure their spots in the final.

In a thrilling match, Inter Miami showed incredible resilience as they overcame a 2-0 deficit against FC Cincinnati. The game ended in a 3-3 draw after extra time, and it was decided by penalty kicks. Leonardo Campana was the hero for Inter Miami, scoring twice, while Lionel Messi provided two assists. Josef Martinez and Benjamin Cremaschi also made significant contributions off the bench.

FC Cincinnati started the match strong, taking a two-goal lead and appearing to be on their way to the final. Luciano Acosta opened the scoring for Cincinnati in the 18th minute, followed by Brandon Vazquez doubling their lead in the 53rd minute with a stunning long-range shot. It seemed like Cincinnati had the game under control.

However, Inter Miami had other plans. With the clock ticking down, Lionel Messi's free kick found the head of Leonardo Campana, who scored in the 68th minute to bring Miami back into the game. And just when it seemed like Cincinnati would hold on, Campana struck again, this time with a powerful header from Messi's cross to make it 2-2.

In extra time, Josef Martinez completed the comeback for Inter Miami with a well-placed shot in the 93rd minute. Cincinnati refused to give up, and Yuya Kubo scored a dramatic equalizer in the 114th minute to force a penalty shootout.

The shootout was intense, with both teams converting their first four penalties flawlessly. But it was Inter Miami's goalkeeper, Drake Callender, who made the difference, denying Nick Hagglund's effort in the fifth round. Benjamin Cremaschi stepped up and calmly converted the winning penalty kick, sending Inter Miami to their second tournament final of the summer.

In the other semifinal match, the Houston Dynamo secured their place in the final with a 3-1 victory over Real Salt Lake. Aldaberto Carrasquilla and Luis Caicedo were the heroes for Houston, scoring in extra time to seal the win.

Hector Herrera opened the scoring for Houston before halftime, putting them ahead 1-0. But Real Salt Lake fought back, equalizing in the 64th minute with a goal from Anderson Julio. With the match deadlocked, extra time was needed to determine the winner.

In the 105th minute, Aldaberto Carrasquilla found the back of the net to give Houston a 2-1 lead. And with RSL down to 10 men after Brayan Vera was sent off, Luis Caicedo sealed the victory with a superb finish. Amine Bassi played a crucial role for Houston, providing three assists throughout the match.

Coincidentally, Inter Miami and the Houston Dynamo will face each other again in MLS play just a few days before the U.S. Open Cup Final. It sets the stage for an intriguing matchup between two talented teams.

Both Inter Miami and the Houston Dynamo have shown tremendous determination and skill to reach the final. The U.S. Open Cup Final promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to lift the trophy. Fans can expect an intense battle as these two sides go head-to-head in their quest for glory.