:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/3154422/117319581.jpg)
Sporting Kansas City has defeated Seattle in a coin flip.
While it isn't a match, this victory is still important. this victory over Seattle guarantees Sporting Kansas City the right to host the U.S Open Cup final, if Sporting beats Philadelphia next Wednesday.
If Sporting Kansas City beats Philadelphia this Wednesday, LiveSTRONG Sporting Park will be the venue for the U.S Open Cup final, no matter who wins in the other semi-final matchup between Seattle and Chivas USA which also takes place on Wednesday.
For other scenarios, if Seattle were to beat Chivas USA, and Philadelphia were to beat Sporting, then the final would be at CenturyLink Field in Seattle.
If Philadelphia beats Sporting, and Chivas USA beats Seattle, then Philadelphia would host.
Chivas USA is the only team with no chance to host the final.
If Sporting wins, a home field advantage would be very beneficial, especially if they play Seattle, who is the three-time defending US Open Cup Champion.
In other Open Cup news, Sporting CEO Robb Heineman has been working on a TV deal for the US Open Cup semifinal against Philadelphia.
From his Twitter yesterday:
"@RobbHeineman: Working on a tv deal for open cup semis. Looks pretty likely. Stay tuned... #onlyThebest4u #SportingKC"
And then some good news came today.
"@RobbHeineman: Good news coming....now it's up 2 us. #SportingKC"
So it looks like a TV deal has been reached for the Semifinals. I'm thinking he got KSMO to air it, but I wouldn't be surprised if Fox Soccer picked it up.
From what we see from his tweets, I expect we'll hear soon about the broadcast.