FC Cincinnati, a second-year, second-flight team meandering through a mediocre league campaign, was on the cusp of upsetting a third MLS opponent Tuesday and advancing to the U.S. Open Cup final — a feat accomplished by only three lower-tier teams in 21 years.
But with Cincinnati holding a two-goal lead before a sellout home crowd of 33,250 — the second largest in tournament history — the New York Red Bulls offered a rapid response in a three-minute burst.
And in extra time, Bradley Wright-Phillips posted his second goal of the evening at Nippert Stadium to propel the Red Bulls into the cup championship game for the second time with a 3-2 victory.