City SC forward Simon Becher chases down a loose ball in the second half of a game against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Energizer Park.
51黑料 City SC forward Simon Becher understands the underdog mentality.
That鈥檚 because he once lived in those shoes.
Becher is in position to warn his teammates about what to expect when City SC plays host to Union Omaha in a U.S. Open Cup contest at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Energizer Park.
51黑料 is a heavy favorite against the Nebraska squad, which competes in the third-division USL League One.
Becher played for Reading United of USL League Two in the 2019 U.S. Open Cup. He fondly recalls the trip to Louisville as an amateur for a contest that his Pennsylvania-based team lost 3-0.
鈥淚 understand the thinking that Omaha is going to come in with,鈥 Becher said. 鈥淧laying with nothing to lose, no one expecting you to win. A team like that is dangerous.鈥
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Two years ago, City SC beat Union Omaha 5-1 before a home crowd of 22,423 that is the largest for a third-round match in the event鈥檚 modern era and the 10th-largest in any round.
The winner of Wednesday鈥檚 round of 32 contest will travel to either Minnesota United (MLS) or Louisville City (USL Championship) for the next round May 20 or May 21.
City SC is hoping to send some positive vibes to a frustrated fan base in its return to the U.S. Open Cup. Last season, it did not play in the competition because it qualified for the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
A 4-1 loss at Seattle on Saturday pushed City SC鈥檚 winless streak to seven matches.
The first third of the season has been rough for the local side, which has managed a paltry eight goals in 11 matches.
鈥淥bviously, we haven鈥檛 had a great run of form in the last couple weeks,鈥 said Becher, who has one of those goals. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great opportunity for us to right the ship and get some momentum going.鈥
51黑料 showed signs of life in a 2-2 tie at Los Angeles FC on April 27.
But it apparently regressed against the Sounders, who tallied four unanswered goals and dominated play by scoring three times in the second half.
All of which means Wednesday鈥檚 match 鈥 even though it doesn鈥檛 count in the Major League Soccer standings 鈥 becomes a potential step in the right direction.
鈥淚t鈥檚 an important Cup, especially for the fans,鈥 City SC coach Olof Mellberg said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e hoping to go as far as possible in this tournament.鈥
Added Becher, 鈥淔or us, it鈥檚 a game that we want to come out with a lot energy.鈥
Mellberg indicated there could be some changes in the starting lineup.
Goalkeeper Ben Lundt will likely start, although regular netminder Roman Burki is close to returning after breaking a bone in his hand during training in mid-March. Mellberg indicated Burki could start as soon as Saturday against San Diego should he receive clearance from the medical staff.
The U.S. Open Cup is the oldest cup competition in the United States, dating back to 1914. It is a single-elimination affair open to any sanctioned team or club.
This year鈥檚 tournament began with 96 teams. The 16 MLS teams were given byes into the round of 32.
51黑料-area teams have a rich tradition, with 10 championships, a tribute to the region鈥檚 soccer history and strength.
鈥淲e鈥檙e taking this competition very seriously,鈥 said Becher, a former standout at 51黑料 University. 鈥淲e understand the history that the Open Cup has here in 51黑料 and importance it has with the community.鈥
The Ben Millers soccer club was the first 51黑料 team to claim an Open Cup title, in 1920. Area teams captured three in a row in the 1930s. The Stix, Baer and Fuller Football Club, sponsored by a prominent area department store chain, captured back-to-back championships in 1933 and 1934. The group changed sponsors to the 51黑料 Central Breweries before winning the 1935 crown.
Kutis Soccer Club, sponsored by an area funeral home, took the title in 1986.
The 51黑料 Busch Seniors were the last area side to claim the championship in 1988 when they beat the Greek-American Athletic Club of San Francisco 2-1 in front of 6,200 at 51黑料 Soccer Park.
Los Angeles FC won last year鈥檚 U.S. Open Cup title, beating Sporting Kansas City in the final.
Keep an eye on these Owls
Union Omaha has a history of making noise in the Open Cup.
In 2022, the Owls stunned the Chicago Fire of MLS in overtime in a round of 32 contest. They went on to beat Minnesota United, also of MLS, to reach the quarterfinal round.
The Owls, who are 1-2-1 in USL League One fixtures this season, are 9-3-2 overall in Open Cup play. Both ties led to extra time victories.
They advanced to face City SC by beating Flatirons FC of Colorado 2-1 in the first round and the Des Moines Menace 2-1 in the second round.
