The San Jose Earthquakes don’t have much in the way of Open Cup pedigree at first glance (two Semifinal appearances in 2004 and 2017 are all they have to crow about). But they do have a coach who knows a thing or two about winning the competition. Former USMNT boss – and American soccer legend – Bruce Arena was at the helm of the 1996 trophy-winning D.C. United.
“In the Open Cup you need everyone to step up because the games are never easy,” said Ian Harkes, the Quakes’ all-action midfielder and son of former Open Cup Champion John Harkes. “You need luck and for momentum to build at the right time – that way you can get a little of that Magic of the Cup.”
Austin & Nashville Eager to Break Through
If the Quakes are short on Open Cup pedigree, their opponent in the Quarterfinal, Austin FC, have barely any at all. Beginning life in 2021, early claims to Open Cup fame weren’t the kind the Texans wanted to broadcast. They were victimized by a lower-league team (San Antonio FC of the USL Championship) in 2022 and only earned their first Open Cup victory, over Division II New Mexico United, in 2023.
What they lack on paper they more than make up for on the field in 2025. Burly USMNT striker Brandon Vazquez has been on fire, with three goals in two wins over El Paso Locomotive and Houston Dynamo. The man who top-scored for Champions Atlanta United in their run to the 2019 crown might just have his sights set on another run to the title.
Austin FC have another Open Cup Champion in the squad, with Ilie Sanchez arriving from last year's tournament toppers LAFC in the off-season. “History is important and you build history by winning things,” said the Spaniard who started his soccer life at Barcelona’s famed La Masia before lifting an Open Cup with Sporting Kansas City in 2017 – and doing it again in LA in 2024. “There’s something special about reaching a Final and sharing that with the fans.”
