The DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale hosts the 2023 US Open Cup final as home side Inter Miami face Houston Dynamo.
The DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale hosts the 2023 US Open Cup final as home side Inter Miami face Houston Dynamo. The Dynamo ran out Open Cup winners in 2018 as the Orange Crush swept Philadelphia Union aside with a 3-0 win. Tonight’s opponents, Inter Miami will be anxious to add to their Leagues Cup title secured earlier this summer with most of the pre-game focus centering on Leo Messi’s fitness with the Argentine a doubt for the final.
Busquets drops Messi hint
Speaking to the media pre-game, Sergio Busquets briefly spoke to media analysing Wednesday’s final: “I think it’s going to be an even game, they are a great team. We are playing at home, with our fans. It’s a plus for us and hopefully we can get the win and the trophy.”
After that, Busquets spoke about the situation regarding Messi, who is causing huge doubts regarding his fitness. “Good, well, it’s what Tata [Martino] said he came into it with a niggling issue. If there’s any chance for him to play, I’m sure he’ll try to. For us he’s the best player in the world and he’s very important.”
Open Cup final match official
Experiences MLS match official Jon Freemon has been designated as referee for the Open Cup final. The Kansas native is an experienced official and is anxious to play a secondary role at the final.
Speaking to US Soccer.com, the 34-year-old confirmed the prestige of being asked to oversee such a high profile match: “Anytime you get considered to be a part of a tournament, it’s a big honor,” he stated. “Then multiply that times 100 when you get considered for the final and then multiply that times 1,000 when you actually are selected for the final.
“We don’t have very many professional finals in our country. Being part of the oldest tournament in our country from a soccer standpoint is just an absurd honor. As you may know, this final might look a little different than past finals, with the amount of attention that it’s going to pull. So, we’re going to do our best to take that pressure and just manifest it into a really strong performance from the referee crew.”
Inter Miami-Houston: live with AS USA
You can follow the US Open Cup final with AS USA as Will Gittins will be overseeing live coverage duty bring you all the new pre-game from Fort Lauderdale.