Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) v. Minnesota Thunder (USL-1)

When: 11:00 pm ET, Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Where: Home Depot Center, Carson, CA

The Cinderella story of the US Open Cup resumes Wednesday night at the Home Depot Center for USL outfit Minnesota Thunder when they face the Los Angeles Galaxy. The Thunder defeated the Galaxy 1-0 in the fourth round a year ago.

In this edition Minnesota have been giant killers. The Thunder have ripped apart MLS defenses, defeating Real Salt Lake (6-4) the Colorado Rapids (4-1) and Kansas City Wizards (3-1) to reach the semifinals.

Forward Melvin Tarley, who netted six times against Real and Colorado, has since joined Real Salt Lake for the remainder of the season, but Tarley's Liberian compatriot Jonny Menyongar, who scored two goals in the quarterfinal victory over Kansas City, gives the Thunder a decent attacking threat heading into Los Angeles.

The Galaxy, who will host the US Open Cup finals on September 28th should they win on Wednesday, blew out Chivas USA 5-2 in the fourth round before heading north to upset San Jose 2-1 in the quarterfinals.

Despite Minnesota’s penchant for pulling upsets, the absence of Tarley combined with the Galaxy’s 14-2 all-time mark in US Open Cup matches played in California preclude the Thunder from taking another MLS scalp.

Goal.com Prediction: Los Angeles 2, Minnesota Thunder 0