June 19 (2019)

For the second time in successive U.S. Open Cup matches, second-division St. Louis FC stuns an MLS opponent. Sam Fink’s stoppage-time goal sends St. Louis FC to 1-0 upset of FC Cincinnati in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup before 4,033 fans at World Wide Technology Soccer Park. Just eight days earlier, St. Louis FC had topped the Chicago Fire, 2-1, at Lindenwood University. Against Cincinnati, St. Louis FC threatens numerous times, including a 16th-minute shot by Paris Gee that hits the near goalpost. “In the first half, I counted six or seven really good opportunities,” says St. Louis FC coach Anthony Pulis. Cincinnati puts together several second-half threats, but can’t beat goalkeeper Tomas Gomez. The winner develops from a corner kick taken by Lewis Hilton. Fink, a St. Louis native, heads the ball from the back post past goalkeeper Przemyslaw Tyton three minutes into added time. The victory puts a St. Louis team into the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 26 years. St. Louis FC’s Cup fairy tale will end against MLS defending champion Atlanta United when Atlanta scores a 2-0 victory in Kennesaw, Ga., on July 10. Fink, a defender who helped anchor St. Louis FC’s stout defense in the Open Cup besides scoring against Cincinnati, will be voted Lower Division Player of the Tournament in the 2019 U.S. Open Cup.