The 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup continued to deliver thrilling drama as the second matchday of the Third Round saw six of eight fixtures go into extra time, with half of the night’s matches ultimately decided by penalty shootouts. The night wrapped up with major highlights and surprise upsets that captivated fans across the country.
Penalties Steal the Spotlight
It was a marathon night of soccer with four shootouts needed to settle scores. Tampa Bay Rowdies outlasted FC Naples in a 10-round penalty shootout, winning 9-8 after a 1-1 draw. Meanwhile, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC pulled off the only official upset of the night by defeating Las Vegas Lights FC 4-3 on penalties after a comeback 2-2 draw.
Phoenix Rising FC and El Paso Locomotive FC also advanced via penalties, with Rising staving off FC Tulsa while playing a man down, and El Paso dispatching New Mexico United after tying in stoppage time.
Phoenix Rising Shines in Tulsa
This team >>> #TodosRojos https://t.co/6n3bmGN6Qg
— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) April 17, 2025
Phoenix Rising FC defeated FC Tulsa 4-2 in penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time. Goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky was the hero, making two critical saves—including one in stoppage time—to help the Rising reach the Round of 32 for a second straight year.
Chattanooga’s Perfect Penalty Record
WOLVES WIN after another round of pens!!!! pic.twitter.com/3YP4j4y7qc
— Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (@ChattRedWolves) April 17, 2025
Chattanooga Red Wolves improved to 3-0 in shootouts this tournament. Ricardo Jerez made the match-winning save in the 10th round to seal the road victory in Las Vegas. The Red Wolves are quickly becoming one of the most resilient underdog stories of the 2025 Open Cup.
Other Results
- Indy Eleven edged out Miami FC with a dramatic 123rd-minute goal by Hayden White to win 1-0.
- Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC needed extra time to defeat One Knoxville SC 3-2.
- Sacramento Republic FC eliminated El Farolito 1-0 with a first-half goal from Sebastian Herrera.
- Detroit City FC pulled away from Westchester SC with two late goals to win 3-1.
What’s Next?
The 16 winners from the Third Round now join 16 MLS clubs in the Round of 32. The draw takes place Thursday, April 17 at 9:15 a.m. ET live on CBS Sports Golazo Network’s “Morning Footy.”
All remaining matches of the 2025 U.S. Open Cup will be streamed on Paramount+, with select games also airing on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Follow full coverage of the U.S. Open Cup at ussoccer.com/us-open-cup
