It has been 14 years since the Red Bulls last appeared in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Semi-Finals. That year they overcame arch-rival D.C. United to secure a spot in the tournament Final. But this year could not be more different.
Instead of a long-time rival, the Red Bulls will play their first-ever match at Nippert Stadium against FC Cincinnati - a club that isn’t even as old as head coach Jesse Marsch’s tenure with the team. But despite being a second-division USL club, Cincinnati has made waves with a near-constant stream of devoted fans at every game.