New York Red Bulls Advance to U.S. Open Cup Final After 3-2 OT Win Over FC Cincinnati (Highlights)
CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 15: The New York Red Bulls celebrate with fans after defeating FC Cincinnati during the semifinal match of the 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Nippert Stadium on August 15, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The New York Red Bulls defeated FC Cincinnati 3-2 in overtime to advance to the U.S. Open Cup final on Tuesday night.

In a tough fought match, goals by FC Cincinnati were scored by Corben Bone and Austin Berry. The New York Red Bulls three goals were scored by Gonzalo Veron and Bradley Wright-Phillips (2). After 90 minutes of play, the semi-final match went into overtime. A goal in the 101st minute by BWP gave RBNY the edge to advance to the US Open Cup final against Sporting Kansas City.

A crowd of 33,250 fans witnessed Tuesday’s electric match, a sellout at Nippert Stadium. This game served as the first meeting between the two sides. USL side FC Cincinnati did not disappoint as they pushed RBNY all the way to overtime as a result.

The first goal by Corben Bone in the 31st minute was a result of a point-blank shot from inside the six-yard box. Bone was assisted by Danni Konig, the result of a chested pass that left RBNY keeper Ryan Meara defenseless.

FC Cincinnati scored their second goal in the 62nd minute. A convincing corner kick found the head of Austin Berry. Berry came flying in at the back post and powered the ball through Meara.

Gonzalo Veron, in the 75th minute, scored the opening goal for RBNY. What seemed to be a result of RBNY’s commanding possession, Veron scored against the FC Cincinnati keeper. He surely demonstrated his designated player value in semi-final match as he volleyed the ball into FC Cincinnati’s net.

Amazingly, in the 78th minute, Bradley Wright-Phillips produced a powerful header across the FC Cincinnati goal line. The goal was produced from a Tyler Adams cross.

BWP in the 90th minute again produced a powerful header which raddled the crossbar. This denied RBNY of a game winning goal.

In overtime, both teams started out strong. However, in the 101st minute in the first half of overtime, BWP headed a ball beyond the reach of FC Cincinnati goalkeeper. The assist was provided by Sal Zizzo.

This goal was the deciding factor of the match. RBNY in a tough battle defeated FC Cincinnati and will face Sporting Kansas City in the US Open Cup final on September 20th.

Chris Sudol is a former college soccer player who now avidly supports the New York Red Bulls, Arsenal, and Barcelona, among many other soccer teams.