Philadelphia Union defeat FC Dallas in penalty kicks; advance to U.S. Open Cup Final

It is not the Supporters' Shield or the MLS Cup, but the Philadelphia Union will play for a trophy. Following a 1-1 deadlock after 120 minutes, the Union survived in 4-3 in penalties to advance over FC Dallas Tuesday night in Frisco. As a result, the Union will not only play in but host the 2014 U.S. Open Cup Final.

The Union's first goal came in the second half when Sebastien Le Toux found Amobi Okugo open in the center of the box. Okugo was able to put just enough on the ball to send it past Raul Fernandez and the Union celebrated a lead in the U.S. Open Cup semi-final.

Zac MacMath had a very impressive outing making crucial stops in the second half as Dallas threatened an equalizer. But when a Union giveaway led to a Dallas break, MacMath became too aggressive and Fabian Castillo got around him and easily buried it in an open net to even the ledger.

Following 30 minutes of extra time where neither team scored, the Union and Dallas went to penalties. Goals by Sheanon Williams, Vincent Nogueira, Cristian Maidana, and Maurice Edu and two saves by MacMath gave the Union a celebration fans won't soon forget.

The Union's win will set up what some may consider the biggest game in franchise history. In the middle of September (date to be determined), the Union will host at PPL Park the winner of tomorrow's Seattle Sounders vs. Chicago Fire semi-final in the U.S. Open Cup Final where the winner will be crowned U.S. Open Cup champions and clinch a berth in the 2015-16 CONCACAF Champions League.