Harrison, NJ- Despite being a mediocre team in MLS regular season play, the Philadelphia Union are going to the US Open Cup Semifinals for the second year in a row. This time, it came at the expense of a full strength Red Bulls squad.

Just like in the Round of 16, the Union would have to fight through the match down a man. Connor Casey got sent off in the forty-first minute, after taking down a Red Bull on a late challenge. 

New York dominated most of the first half, and it looked like they were going to slot home a goal any minute. Despite playing in tough conditions of an afternoon summer game, the Red Bulls passing and chances were very good. After going up a man before halftime, it looked like it was New York's game to lose.

Philadelphia to the surprise lead in the match, with Ayuk scoring in front of the 600 travelling Sons of Ben in the fifty-sixth minute. Despite the goal, the Red Bulls still had the dominate possession in the match, and looked dangerous on the attack.

Mike Grella's insertion into the match gave the Red Bulls more of a direct attack, spreading the passes around, and keeping most of the ball in the final third of the half. After so many chances and opportunities, the Union defense finally broke.

Lloyd Sam scored in the ninety-fourth minute, literally on the brink of death to give the Red Bulls a lifeline in the Open Cup. Despite a last minute chance, the match would enter extra time.

The extra time period was as dominant for the Red Bulls as the first half, and if it was not for young Union goalkeeper John McCarthy the Red Bulls would have scored two or three in extra time. His diving hand and foot saves kept Philly in the match, and forced the match into penalties. 

Bradley Wright-Phillips missed his third straight penalty in all competitions, and John McCarthy saved a ball from trickling in, all before Aristeguieta put home the winning penalty and gave Philly a date with either Chicago or Orlando for a trip to the final.

Despite have never won at Red Bull Arena before this season, the Union have won both times in Harrison this calendar year.

For New York, this failure in the Open Cup represents another failure at winning a trophy. Jesse Marsch and Ali Curtis were committed to winning the US Open Cup, playing full strength squads in all their matchups in the competition. Yet again, it was not enough for them to get to the final.

The Red Bulls play Chelsea tomorrow night in the International Champions Cup. Philadelphia plays at DC United this weekend.