And then there were eight.
MLS teams entered the US Open Cup a month ago, and in a flash, we're down to the quarterfinals. Each of these remaining sides are just three wins away from lifting the first domestic trophy available to American-based MLS clubs in 2019.
Here are the four matches Wednesday as the semifinals beckon:
Atlanta United vs. Saint Louis FC | 7:30 pm ET | ESPN+
One of the two remaining USL Championship sides in the competition, Saint Louis FC will look to claim their third victory against an MLS side. They've already eliminated the Chicago Fire and FC Cincinnati.
Can their impressive run continue to the semifinals?
Atlanta fans will get an up-close look at new signing Emerson Hyndman. The American midfielder will make his first start for the Five Stripes, per manager Frank de Boer.
Orlando City SC vs. New York City FC | 7:30 pm ET | ESPN+
One of these two teams will make the Open Cup semifinals for the first time in club history.
NYCFC's 12-game MLS unbeaten run ended on Sunday, as they were only able to name five players to the bench with injuries and international call-ups mounting. Orlando, meanwhile, rested the likes of Nani and Ruan on Sunday, while Robin Jansson and Sacha Kljestan received a suspension-induced day off.
Is extra time in the cards for this one? Both matches between the two clubs in 2019 have ended in draws.
Minnesota United vs. New Mexico United | 8 pm ET | ESPN+
The other non-MLS side left in the tournament, New Mexico United have picked up the hearts of neutrals. They came from behind to beat the Colorado Rapids after penalties in the fourth round, then rallied to beat FC Dallas in the round of 16. All the while, they played attractive soccer on the front foot.
New Mexico will have to do it without talisman Kevaughn Frater, though, who will miss out due to yellow-card suspension. They'll also have to do it against Minnesota United, who have now won five matches in a row across all competitions.
LAFC vs Portland Timbers | 10:30 pm ET | ESPN+
Likely the game of the round, the three times these heavyweights have met, both have landed some haymakers. It's been one of the best clashes in MLS over the last year and a half. In their last three contests, there have been a total of 15 (!) goals and a healthy dose of physicality, lending an authentic playoff feel to each encounter. The teams appear to have genuine disdain for each other, too.
It's a chance for the Timbers to get revenge for last year's Open Cup quarterfinals, as well as their first match at Providence Park in 2019. LAFC prevailed, 3-2, in both.
Lastly: LAFC have the disservice of having their next MLS match just two days later. What will their lineup look like?
