On Wednesday, the Fire were eliminated from the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup after losing 3-0 to the Philadelphia Union at Talen Energy Stadium. The Open Cup has traditionally been an important competition for the Fire, having played six finals and won the trophy four times. It seemed like lifting the trophy again was the team’s best bet to salvage a disappointing season, going as far as resting starters in favor of playing them in this tournament.