The history of the US Open Cup is rich with fierce rivalries that evoke passion and excitement.
Among these rivalries, the games between clubs from the Philadelphia area and their New York/New Jersey counterparts have produced some memorable moments, particularly in the Quarterfinal stages.
From Bethlehem Steel FC to the modern Philadelphia Union, the encounters between teams from Eastern Pennsylvania and those from the Big Apple and its neighboring states have made a significant mark on soccer in the region.
Below, we revisit some of the most notable Quarterfinal meetings between these clubs, exploring key matches that have defined this storied rivalry.
The inaugural Quarterfinal meeting between Philadelphia and New York/New Jersey teams took place on March 20, 1915, in the National Challenge Cup.
Bethlehem Steel FC faced off against Scottish American FC at East End Field in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Bethlehem emerged victorious with a score of 3-0, with goals from Tommy Fleming, Fred Pepper, and Bob Millar.
This match marked the beginning of Bethlehem’s championship journey, as they would go on to secure their first National Challenge Cup title later that year.
Fast forward to April 4, 1920, when the Bethlehem Steel was on a dominant path in American soccer, boasting multiple championships.
In a gripping Quarterfinal encounter, it was Robins Dry Dock who provided a tough challenge, taking the match to extra time before Johnny McGuire scored the decisive goal, condemning Bethlehem to a 1-0 defeat after 119 minutes of play.
The intensity of this clash highlighted the fierce competition between clubs, with key players and critical moments at the forefront.
In 1929, Bethlehem faced the New York Giants in a dramatic Quarterfinal that showcased the tumultuous nature of the rivalry.
The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw, forcing a replay at Frankford Stadium in Philadelphia the following week.
Despite Bethlehem controlling the first half, the Giants delivered a stunning performance, eventually winning the replay 6-3.
This high-scoring affair underlined the volatile nature of matches in the early years of the competition.
On February 22, 1942, a match between Kearny Scots Americans and Philadelphia Americans ended under bizarre circumstances when a disputed non-call led to the game’s abandonment.
The replay was held on April 19, where Philadelphia triumphed 3-2, cementing their place in Cup history while highlighting the ongoing conflicts inherent in these competitive encounters.
May 27, 1945, marked another significant quarterfinal as Brooklyn Hispano faced Philadelphia Americans.
In a nail-biting match, Hispano edged out the Americans 4-3, continuing the reigning champions’ impressive Cup run while showcasing the tension between the two teams.
As the years progressed, the competitions did not wane.
On April 12, 1964, the Ukrainian Nationals took on New York Hota in a tightly contested match that needed extra time to produce a winner, further emphasizing the playoff intensity.
With a 2-0 victory, the Nationals moved forward in search of a fifth Open Cup title, but their pursuit would eventually come to a halt in subsequent rounds.
The rivalry reached a modern peak on July 21, 2015.
In the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Quarterfinals, the New York Red Bulls hosted Philadelphia Union at Red Bull Arena.
After a dramatic game that featured a last-minute equalizer by the Red Bulls, the match ended in a tense penalty shootout, with Philadelphia advancing 4-3.
This encounter further highlighted the deep-seated rivalry and the ongoing saga between clubs in American soccer’s evolving landscape.
In conclusion, the matches between Eastern Pennsylvania clubs and their New York/New Jersey rivals have not only been about competition but also about establishing a legacy within American soccer history.
As eager fans continue to follow their teams, each new installment of this fierce rivalry promises to add another chapter to the story.
image source from：thecup
