One half of the 2024 US Open Cup final is set after Sporting Kansas City topped USL Championship side Indy Eleven, 2-0, in their weather-delayed semifinal Tuesday evening at Children's Mercy Park.
Sporting KC face the winner of the Seattle Sounders FC vs. LAFC semifinal, set for Wednesday evening at Starfire Sports Complex (10:30 pm ET | Apple TV - Free).
Peter Vermes' group is seeking a fifth all-time US Open Cup trophy, which would set a new record for an MLS club, breaking a tie with Seattle and Chicago Fire FC.
The historic tournament's final is Sept. 25, and the winner will receive a 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup berth and prize money.
Sporting Kansas City 2, Indy Eleven 0
A pair of first-half goals delivered Sporting KC the decisive 2-0 victory, never looking back after a highlight-reel opener from Scottish attacker Johnny Russell.
Russell put the hosts on top just 14 minutes after kickoff, unleashing a long-range golazo from outside the penalty area that evaded Indy goalkeeper Hunter Sulte.
That advantage was doubled on 35 minutes, as Dany Rosero converted a close-range header off Rémi Walter's cross. Sporting withstood a barrage of second-half pressure from Indy Eleven, but the visitors couldn't beat goalkeeper Tim Melia.
Sporting looked to add on a third goal late from the penalty spot, but Sulte saved Alan Pulido's spot-kick attempt.