The Union were a combined nine games under .500 during the previous two seasons in Major League Soccer play, but when it came time for the U.S. Open Cup, they played like world-beaters - at least until the final.
This season, the Union are 7-5-5 in MLS and stand in first place in the Eastern Conference. And their strong play in the U.S. Open Cup has continued.
With a comeback 2-1 win over the visiting New York Red Bulls on Wednesday, the Union have advanced to the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals July 20 against the host New England Revolution.