New York Red Bulls vs FC Dallas
The New York Red Bulls staged a dramatic comeback to defeat FC Dallas on penalties in the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16, securing their spot in the tournament’s quarterfinals. In front of a rain-soaked crowd at Sports Illustrated Stadium, the Red Bulls fought back from deficits twice before emerging victorious in a nail-biting penalty shootout.
Dallas struck first in the 28th minute when Bernard Kamungo latched onto a pass from Petar Musa and found the net with a precise finish. The visitors, fielding a near full-strength lineup, capitalized on defensive lapses in New York’s backline to take the early lead. Despite controlling possession, the Red Bulls struggled to convert their opportunities in the opening half.
The tide began to turn in the second half. In the 63rd minute, Dennis Gjengaar set up captain Daniel Edelman, whose blocked shot rebounded to forward Mohammed Sofo. The Ghanaian calmly slotted home the equalizer, marking his third goal of the tournament and fifth across all competitions this season.
However, Dallas wasn’t done. Kamungo turned provider in the 78th minute, finding Luciano Acosta, who sliced through New York’s defense and finished with precision to restore Dallas’s lead. Time seemed to be running out for the Red Bulls until Emil Forsberg stepped up in stoppage time. Awarded a free kick just outside the box, Forsberg’s effort deflected off a Dallas defender and found the back of the net, sending the match into extra time.
The extra period saw few clear-cut chances, but the game’s drama reached a boiling point in the 110th minute. Forsberg was taken down on a clear scoring opportunity, leading to a straight red card for Dallas’s Ramiro after a lengthy VAR review. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Dallas held firm to force the shootout.
In the penalty shootout, New York showcased their composure. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Noah Eile, Daniel Edelman, and Forsberg all converted their attempts, while A.J. Marcucci, the Red Bulls’ backup goalkeeper, delivered the decisive moment. Marcucci denied Pedrinho’s fifth-round attempt, sealing a 4-3 shootout victory for New York.
Post-match, head coach Sandro Schwarz praised the team’s resilience and Marcucci’s heroics. “I’m very proud of him. To step up in such a big moment shows his quality and mental strength,” Schwarz said.
The victory extended New York’s unbeaten streak against Dallas to 10 matches and marked their first trip to the Open Cup quarterfinals since 2017. The Red Bulls will now face the Philadelphia Union in July’s quarterfinals, a clash that promises to deliver more of the tournament’s signature intensity.
