Philadelphia Lone Star, Vereinigung Erzgebirge face off for win-and-in U.S. Open Cup qualifier

One other local team will be joining the Philadelphia Union in their return to the U.S. Open Cup in 2027.

The question is will it be Vereinigung Erzgebirge or Philadelphia Lone Star.

The answer will come on November 21 when the two local clubs face off in a win-and-in U.S. Open Cup qualifier at John Bartram High School Stadium at 1:30 p.m.

Lone Star moved within a win of qualifying for the Open Cup proper for a third time and first time since 2019 with a miraculous second half comeback against West Chester United. They overcame a three goal deficit to send the match to penalties, where they advanced with a shootout victory.

VE beat Colonial SC 3-0 to advance to the fourth and final round of qualifying. A win over Lone Star would qualify VE for the U.S. Open Cup for the fifth time and first time since 2024.

A total of 16 teams will advance to the Open Cup proper through the final round of qualifying on Nov. 21 and 22. The Philadelphia Union will return to the U.S. Open Cup in 2027 along with the 26 other U.S.-based MLS clubs. The Union did not participate in the Open Cup in 2024 or 2026 due to a league decision to scale back on the number of teams participating.

Matthew Ralph

Matthew Ralph is the managing editor of Philadelphia Soccer Now. He's covered soccer at all levels for a decade in the Philadelphia region and has also written for TheCup.us, NPSL, PrepSoccer and other publications. He lives with his wife and two young children in Broomall, Pa., but grew up in South Jersey and is originally from Kansas.

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