Orlando City Will Host U.S. Open Cup Semifinal Against Atlanta United

This afternoon, the draw occurred to determine the hosts of the semifinal and final of the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Orlando City was drawn from the east to give the club priority to host the semifinal against Atlanta United FC. The match will be held at Exploria Stadium on Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Additionally, the club was drawn third for priority of the U.S. Open Cup final.

After starting the 2019 U.S. Open Cup in Memphis, Orlando City hosted the round of 16 and quarterfinal at Exploria Stadium. The team defeated the New England Revolution 2-1 after extra time during the round of 16 and advanced on penalties against New York City FC in the quarterfinal last night. It’s the first time Orlando City will play in the Open Cup semifinals in club history.

Today’s draw was to determine hosting priority. This gives the team drawn the opportunity to host. As Orlando City hosted the previous two rounds, the club has already shown its desire to host. The club expressed this intention further following the draw.

This afternoon’s draw occurred with the four remaining teams. Orlando City and Atlanta United will face off in the east and Minnesota United will take on the Portland Timbers in the west. The first draw was for the west hosting priority, in which Minnesota United was drawn. In the east, Orlando City was the first name drawn, giving the Lions hosting priority over Atlanta United.

Following the semifinal draw, priority to host the final was drawn in reverse order. The Portland Timbers were the first team drawn, followed by Orlando City, Minnesota United, and Atlanta United. This means that if Orlando City and the Portland Timbers both advance to the final, the final will be held at Exploria Stadium. If Orlando City and Minnesota United win, the Lions will travel north for the final.