Union faces New England again - this time in Open Cup play

THE UNION and New England Revolution are probably getting a bit sick of each other.

For the fourth time in less than 4 months - the third time at PPL Park - the MLS Eastern Conference foes play tonight, this match for a trip to the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., with the victor advancing to play Aug. 12 on the road against FC Dallas or the Carolina Railhawks, of the North American Soccer League.

Despite its 2014 MLS struggles, the eighth-place Union (4-8-6) enters tonight with a 2-1 season series edge against the third-place Revolution (7-7-2). Only 10 days ago, the Union went on the road and earned one of its biggest wins of the season, a 3-1 victory at Gillette Stadium.

The clubs split their first two meetings, the Union taking its March 15 home opener, 1-0, before the Revolution dominated, 5-3, on May 17, also at PPL Park. In an odd scheduling quirk, Philadelphia has played only one of its other eight conference opponents (Montreal) more than once thus far.

The Revolution has lost its last four MLS matches, the last of which was a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Real Salt Lake on Friday.

The Union also is coming off a 2-1 loss on Friday, on the road against FC Dallas. Its next MLS game is Saturday, as the Colorado Rapids (7-5-5) visit for a 7 p.m. match at PPL Park.

Today is important for the Union and MLS teams as it marks the start of the summer transfer window, during which teams can acquire players signed with other clubs around the world.

The Union is expected to be active during the transfer window, which lasts until Aug. 6.