CBS Sports Network coverage set for Colorado Rapids v St. Louis CITY in US Open Cup semi-final
Match date:
CBS Sports Network coverage set for Colorado Rapids v St. Louis CITY in US Open Cup semi-finalColorado Rapids v St. Louis CITY SC in the 2026 US Open Cup semi-final will be shown in the UK-friendly overnight slot, with coverage on CBS Sports Network in the United States and streaming also listed on Paramount+. The tie is scheduled for Wednesday, 17 September 2026, with a UK time of 02:30, and the winner moves on to the final in search of a first U.S. Open Cup crown.
The broadcast team brings plenty of experience to the table. Poppy Miller leads the presentation, while Joe Malfa is on main commentary alongside co-commentator Devon Kerr. The studio line-up features Mike Grella, Charlie Davies, and Benny Feilhaber, with former official Christina Unkel offering the refereeing perspective. For British viewers, this is a straightforward case of an American rights package rather than coverage on the usual UK free-to-air or pay-TV giants, so the key access point is the US network and its streaming service.
Poppy Miller has become a familiar face in football broadcasting through her work across major US and international soccer coverage, where she is regularly trusted to front live matches and studio discussion. That experience is a strong fit for a semi-final of this size, especially one involving two MLS sides chasing a place in the final.
Joe Malfa and Devon Kerr also bring specialist knowledge of the North American game. Malfa has built a reputation as a steady live match commentator, while Kerr, a former professional player, is known for adding tactical detail and player insight from his own career. The combination should suit a cup tie that could easily hinge on fine margins.
The studio panel adds further recognition. Mike Grella is best known to many fans for his MLS playing career, particularly his spell with the New York Red Bulls, and he has since moved into analysis with a direct, modern style. Charlie Davies, a former United States international and one of the most recognisable American pundits on television, remains a prominent voice on the domestic game. Benny Feilhaber, another ex-USMNT midfielder, brings tournament pedigree and a polished understanding of midfield play to the discussion.
Christina Unkel is especially useful on a match like this because she can explain key refereeing decisions in plain language. As a former official and experienced rules analyst, she helps break down incidents such as handball calls, penalty decisions and VAR-style controversies, even in competitions where those moments can dominate the post-match debate.
There is plenty of context around the match itself. Colorado Rapids are hosting at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, while St. Louis CITY SC arrive as the visiting side in a contest that MLS and U.S. Soccer have described as a battle between two teams with real momentum. The US Open Cup remains one of the most historic knockout competitions in North American football, and this semi-final has the feel of a genuine one-off occasion.
For readers wanting the official competition background, the US Open Cup schedule provides the full fixture list and broadcast details. That wider picture matters because CBS Sports Network and Paramount+ are carrying the game in the United States, while UK viewers will mostly be following from the early hours.
In short, the build-up is strong both on and off the pitch: a heavyweight semi-final, a knowledgeable broadcast team, and a broadcast package built around CBS Sports Network and Paramount+ for American audiences. With a place in the final on the line, this is exactly the sort of cup tie that should reward viewers tuning in at 02:30 BST.
Article generated: 17 September 2026, 02:31 GMT