Is it just me or does anyone else think US Football needs another tier of the MLS to work on a promotion/ relegation system with? I think that if nothing else, last night’s performances proved that there are some incredible “lower-grade” teams playing across the United States.

Overall there were four massive upsets, but let’s start with the first: Harrisburg City Islanders vs. New England Revolution. Even though the Revolution had a backlog of injured players, the game progressed as expected, with a 38th minute goal to Jeff Larentowicz. But it wasn’t long before even more injuries to the 2007 Open Cup champions cost them the game. 15 minutes into the second half New England were down to nine players and the Islanders pounced, with Kenyan Moffat Odour heading in a Pelletier free kick. The game progressed to extra time and it was a terrible mistake from keeper Knighton that cost New England the game. But the pain wasn’t over for the Revolution; in the 117th minute Nico Colaluca received a second yellow and subsequent red card.

The 2006 Cup Champions, Chicago Fire, were also knocked out last night by a USL Division Two team, Wilmington Hammerheads. The game was Chicago’s for the taking, but a nifty shot from Kenny Bundy was the only goal in a game dominated by the Fire’s shots-on-target count.

Chivas USA were left embarrassed by a 3-1 scoreline to Charleston Battery last night as well. The USL First Division team – who were beaten in last year’s US Open Cup final – were always the better side after a brace from forward Randi Patterson. The loss marks Chivas USA’s fifth consecutive failure to progress past the Round of 16 in the tournament.

In the final upset of the evening, Rochester Rhinos overcame Columbus Crew in a tight game over 120 minutes. Duncan Oughton was both hero and villain for the Crew after an equalizer at 37 minutes put his team back into the game; but it was the New Zealander’s missed penalty that ultimately cost Columbus a chance to move into the final eight of the competition.

There are two games left in the Round of 16 matchups with both to be played Wednesday night. Will Houston Dynamo and Seattle Sounders be able to prove that the MLS can have consistent teams both in the league, and in cup competitions? To be honest, after last night’s performance I’m not so certain. But I’ll definitely be watching, especially to see whether the Sounders can overcome their first real test in their US Open Cup history.

Keep an eye on BetUS for all the upcoming matches including next Tuesday’s quarterfinals.