Ahead of the 2016 USL Cup Final, Presented by Nike, we’re taking a look at the road of the two finalists to their first visit to the championship game. Tune in this Sunday on ESPNU, the WatchESPN app, or SiriusXM FC 85 as the New York Red Bulls II host the Swope Park Rangers at 8 p.m. ET.

Swope Park Rangers vs. Orange County Blues FC
October 9, 2016 – Children’s Mercy Victory Field

The Swope Park Rangers had emerged as the highest remaining seed in the Western Conference after an opening weekend of the 2016 USL Cup Playoffs that saw the top three teams in the conference all fall at home. As a result, it was a home clash with No. 8-seed Orange County Blues FC that awaited the Rangers in the Western Conference Semifinals.

The game was a cagy affair early as both teams looked to settle in, but the Rangers took the lead in the 20th minute on an opportunistic finish by Mark Anthony Gonzalez. Swope Park’s Kris Tyrpak broke into the right side of the penalty area, but had his first attempt at a low cross deflected. Tyrpak stayed with the play, however, and was able to toe-poke it past a defender, which allowed Gonzalez the chance to swoop in to score.

The Rangers held the lead well into the second half, but things turned the Blues’ way in the 70th minute when Ever Alvarado was sent off for a strong challenge in midfield. Orange County wasted little time in driving home its man-advantage, as Max Rauhofer knocked home a finish a minute later after a minor scramble in the Swope Park penalty area.

• Preview: 2016 USL Cup Final, Presented by Nike

Despite being a man down, the Rangers managed to remain on even terms with the Blues over the final 20 minutes, but moments before the end of regulation, things got much worse for the hosts as Tommy Meyer was sent off, reducing Swope Park to nine men.

Orange County looked to push home its advantage throughout the first period of overtime, but was unable to find a way past Rangers goalkeeper Adrian Zendejas as his defense did a manful job of limiting the Blues’ clear looks on goal.

The Rangers were left to try and see if they could break out on the counter-attack, and in the final minute of the first overtime period, they struck gold. A quick transition from Tomas Granitto to Nansel Selbol sent Dane Kelly in with two defenders between him and the goal. After cutting inside onto his right foot, 30 yards out, the USL’s all-time leading scorer fired a low shot that tucked just inside the left post for a 2-1 lead.

For the remaining 15 minutes, it was all hands to the pump for the Rangers, as center backs Oumar Ballo and Amer Didic put on a clinic as the Blues sent numerous crosses into the Swope Park penalty area. Orange County’s efforts came up empty, however, as the Rangers moved on to the Western Conference Final.