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The Los Angeles Galaxy currently are top of the point table, with aspirations to the Supporter's Shield and the MLS Cup. When Hot Time In Old Town asked if the Galaxy might rest some starters on Saturday against Chicago Fire, because of the Quarterfinal match against Seattle Sounders on Wednesday, I laughed. With Dallas FC on the Galaxy's heels, it already seemed unlikely the US Open Cup match would take precedence. With the friendly against Real Madrid on the following Saturday, it seemed nigh impossible. Disagree with me in the comments if you will, but the way the schedule works, Weekday games never take priority over weekend games. As you'll see after the jump
2011 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP SEMIFINAL POSSIBLE PAIRINGS
| No. | Date | Match | Time | Venue |
| 37 | Aug. 30 |
Chicago Fire (MLS) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS) | 7:30 p.m. CT | LIVESTRONG Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan. |
|
-or- |
New York Red Bulls (MLS) at Sporting Kansas City (MLS) | 7:30 p.m. CT | LIVESTRONG Sporting Park; Kansas City, Kan. | |
|
-or- |
Richmond Kickers (USL PRO) at Chicago Fire (MLS) | 7:30 p.m. CT | Toyota Park; Bridgeview, Ill. | |
|
-or- |
Richmond Kickers (USL PRO) at New York Red Bulls (MLS) | 8 p.m. ET | Red Bull Arena; Harrison, N.J. | |
| 38 | Aug. 30 | FC Dallas (MLS) at Seattle Sounders (MLS) | 7 p.m. PT | Starfire Sports Stadium; Tukwila, Wash. |
|
-or- |
Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) at FC Dallas (MLS) | 8 p.m. CT | Pizza Hut Park; Frisco, Texas | |
|
-or- |
Seattle Sounders (MLS) at Real Salt Lake (MLS) | 7 p.m. MT | Rio Tinto Stadium; Sandy, Utah | |
|
-or- |
Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) at Real Salt Lake (MLS) | 7 p.m. MT |
Rio Tinto Stadium; Sandy, Utah |
These are the possible venues for the US Open Cup Semi-Finals, which take place on a TUESDAY! How can MLS expect fans to take the US Open Cup seriously, when the Semi-Finals take place on a Tuesday? In case you don't know, the USSF holds a bidding process to see who hosts the Open Cup matches. As you can see Real Salt Lake outbid everyone, with the Sounders next and FC Dallas third. We can assume the Galaxy didn't make a competitive bid to host the semi-final.
Of course, this makes perfect sense. By that time, matchdays will have started for CONCACAF Champions League Group Stage. The Galaxy will play at home against the Earthquakes on August 20th, on the road against New York on the 28th, and a Champions League match somewhere between the 23-25. Real Salt Lake probably sees this as a sure way back to the Champions League, and not being in the CCL this year it makes sense for RSL. But not for LA.
This is why I laughed at the question. With two centerbacks hurt, David Beckham on the mend, Landon Donovan readjusting, and CONCACAF Champions League play starting up; I as an observer would be concerned if Bruce Arena didn't punt the Open Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday. I expect it to be Manchester United - West Ham all over again.