US Open Cup: Round Three Preview--Independence and Switchbacks in Action

The US Open Cup rolls into the third round tonight with both the Charlotte Independence and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC taking the pitch.  Both teams have winnable matches but both present their own unique challenges as they look to advance in the Open Cups

Here is our look at the third round:

Charlotte Independence (USL) at Carolina RailHawks (NASL)

Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 1 June 2016 at 5:30 PM MDT

Venue: WakeMed Soccer Park--Cary, North Carolina

Live Stream:

How We Got Here: Charlotte picked up a 2-0 win over the Charlotte Eagles on May 18 and the RailHawks are entering the tournament in this round.

What Is At Stake: This is a North Carolina derby and it should provide a terrific game for supporters of both clubs and the winner gets a crack at New England Revolution at home on June 15.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL) at Arizona United SC (USL)

Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 1 June 2016 at 7:30 PM MDT

Venue: Peoria Soccer Complex--Peoria, Arizona

Live Stream: NONE

How We Got Here: The Switchbacks progressed into the third round with a 1-0 victory over Harpo's FC while Arizona United got here with a 5-0 whacking of FC Tucson.  Both of those matches were on May 18.

What Is At Stake: The winner of this one books a trip to Dick's Sporting Goods Park to take on MLS leading Colorado Rapids on June 15.

We will have recaps of these two matches on Thursday as the US Open Cup will then transition to the introduction of MLS clubs.