US Open Cup: Will Cincinnati Stop Inter Miami’s Summer Resurgence?

FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami

Inter Miami have been on a roll since Lionel Messi arrived. Despite looking hopeless in the Major League Soccer this season, they were able to win a trophy in the form of the Leagues Cup.

And they have another chance to get one more piece of silverware because they’re in the semi-finals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. However, they’re in for a tough challenge because FC Cincinnati are in their way.

Because they’re in such great form, the pre-game betting odds like Inter Miami’s chances to advance to the finals despite having an inferior Major League Soccer record compared to FC Cincinnati.

And the Herons will always have a puncher’s chance because they have the GOAT on their side, and they’re hoping that he’ll take them to the promise land once more.

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Talking Points

Cincinnati are invincible at home

FC Cincinnati have come a long way from being an expansion team to title-contending status. The Pat Noonan-mentored squad are on the verge of making their first MLS-era final, and they have the pieces to go all the way.

This week’s US Open Cup 2023 highlights could feature the Orange and Blue since they are very dangerous in the final third, led by the trio of Luciano Acosta, Brandon Vazquez, and Aaron Boupendza.

Luciano Acosta is the team’s top scorer with 12 league goals, making him a top candidate for the ongoing Major League Soccer Golden Boot race, which is great considering he’s primarily a central midfielder.

Brandon Vazquez is right behind Acosta in the scoring chart with four league goals, while Aaron Boupendza has proven to be as good as advertised since joining the club from Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab a few weeks ago.

But what really makes FC Cincinnati formidable is their home record. So far this year, the Orange and Blue have 11 wins and one draw at home, a key reason why they have a seven-point lead atop the overall Major League Soccer standings.

They can win at home in different ways, whether it’s high- or low-scoring. And since they’re fresh from a 3-0 thrashing by Columbus, albeit on the road, look for FC Cincinnati to vent their ire towards Inter Miami.

Messi’s staggering workload

Lionel Messi is eyeing the US Open Cup trophy with Inter Miami — Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi during the penalty shoot-out for their Leagues Cup Championship match against Nashville SC

Lionel Messi is officially the most decorated football player after leading Inter Miami to their first-ever trophy in the Leagues Cup on Sunday. Should the Herons win the US Open Cup, it’ll be Messi’s 45^th title for club and country.

The seven-time Ballon d’Or awardee has yet to play a Major League Soccer game, but all signs point to an easy transition for him because he has already recorded 10 goals and four assists in seven games against Major League Soccer-calibre opposition.

Inter Miami will (and should) continue to ride Messi’s coattails, but there are going to be valid concerns about his workload since the 36-year-old will be playing his seventh match in the past 33 days.

Against FC Cincinnati, everyone else from South Beach has to step up, especially Messi’s old reliables, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

History

The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is the oldest ongoing national football competition in the USA, as it was first held during the 1913-14 season. Interestingly, neither FC Cincinnati nor Inter Miami have won this particular trophy.

The 2020 and 2021 editions of this tournament were not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last season, it was Orlando City SC that won it after defeating Sacramento Republic FC with a 3-0 scoreline in the final.

The winner of this semi-finals matchup will take on the winner of the other semi-finals game between the Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake. Houston Dynamo won their first US Open Cup in 2018, while Real Salt Lake were the runners-up in 2013.

Betting Tip

FC Cincinnati VS Inter Miami

August 24, 7:00 (GMT+8)

Total Goals 2-3

@2.04

The SBOTOP US Open Cup 2023 odds predict a close semi-final tiff between Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati.

For this match, Inter Miami were given the slight edge at 2.19, while FC Cincinnati aren’t far behind at 2.87, and a draw is priced at 3.40 in the 1X2 market.

Inter Miami may have better individual quality than FC Cincinnati, but the latter are on top of the Eastern Conference table for a reason, so this one is a tough call.

Regardless of who wins this match, we’re sure that we will see a handful of goals in this contest, making Total Goal 2-3 at 2.04 your best bet, while Over 3.25 at 2.07 is also a huge possibility.