Sounders learn opponent for U.S. Open Cup’s Round of 16

The Sounders will host Phoenix Rising FC on May 22 at Starfire Sports Complex in the U.S. Open Cup’s Round of 16, U.S. Soccer announced Thursday.

Phoenix, which won the USL Championship title last year, is making its first Round of 16 appearance. The Sounders are vying for a record-tying fifth title in the single-elimination tournament’s 109-year history.

The sides needed late-game heroics in their Round of 32 matches on Wednesday to advance. In a penalty shootout, Sounders keeper Andrew Thomas made a save and then the ensuing penalty kick to clinch the win against Louisville City FC at Starfire in Tukwila.

The Sounders played LouCity to a 2-2 draw in 120 minutes and won the shootout 5-4. Thomas made five saves through regulation and extra time.

Phoenix midfielder Giulio Doratiotto netted a goal in the 111^th minute to help his team defeat North Carolina FC 2-1.

“It was a good opportunity not just for me, but for a lot of the young guys who haven’t played a lot,” Sounders midfielder Danny Leyva said of a starting lineup Wednesday night that featured seven players who’ve appeared in fewer than six MLS matches this season. Five players overall made their first-team debut.

“To come out and showcase and be in this environment with the fans,” Leyva continued, “it’s a trophy we want to win.”

Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. on May 22. Tickets will go on sale on Friday at SoundersFC.com/Tickets. Member presale begins at 10 a.m., followed by the general public.

All matches in the Round of 16 will be streamed live on USOpenCup.com, USLSoccer.com and MLSSoccer.com.

The Sounders (2-5-4) return to MLS competition Sunday with a derby against Portland (2-5-4) at Providence Park. The sides are currently below the playoff line.

“The guys had to step up,” Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer said of Wednesday’s penalty shootout. “It’s not easy. There’s a lot of pressure out there, but [the players] came through.”