New York Red Bulls reached the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup quarterfinals after they beat FC Dallas in a regular and extra time 2-2 draw and went on to win it on penalties through composure and a game-saving save from goalkeeper AJ Marcucci. The win says a lot about the side's good form in the tournament, their invincibility at home and positive inputs from players like Emil Forsberg and Mohammed Sofo who once again came through with telling inputs.
Sofo is taking full advantage of his time and Forsberg adds quality and experience
Mohammed Sofo has become one of the key drivers in this pursuit. He now has three goals at the US Open Cup and five total on the season with his goal against Dallas. He has also now scored in four straight Open Cup matches and has six goal contributions through the tournament so far (5 goals and 1 assist).
Sofo has also been sharp and precise. In the match against Dallas, he was perfectly placed to capitalize on the rebound from Edelman's shot and finish it for the equalizer. During the knockout phase, those kinds of plays can be a game-changer.
On the other side, Sweden's Emil Forsberg did it again. Late in stoppage time and the Red Bulls needing a goal to force the game away from a win for the Strikers by going into extra time, he found space inside the area and fired in the loose rebound on a deflected free kick. The shot deflected off a Dallas defender and found the net. It was his initial Open Cup goal and sixth on the season.
Forsberg also easily slotted his penalty kick. In his last three appearances at Sports Illustrated Stadium, he's scored six goals. Three of those came in just two games against FC Dallas in particular. The midfielder's on a tear and showing no signs of slowing down. It's not only evident in his stats, but also in what he brings on the pitch.
Marcucci enters, stands tall, and clinches it
All of the Red Bull shooters made their shots in the penalty shootout. However, what proved crucial for them came on Pedrinho's attempt when Marcucci saved it. As a substitute for the regular starter Coronel, Marcucci did a good job and made the series' only save.
Sports Illustrated Stadium continues to be a fortress
The Red Bulls remain unbeaten at home in their US Open Cup history. That's 14 unbeaten as a host in the tourney, 10 victories and 4 draws. The Sports Illustrated Stadium atmosphere remains a true blessing. The stats speak for themselves and on-field performances attest. Against FC Dallas, the squad again leaned on the fans and the comfort of the home stadium. They also extended their streak against the Texas side to 10 matches. Five wins and three draws at home. It's a record that gives strength and momentum on the road ahead.