Baltimore MD - Crystal Palace FC USA has learned that goalkeeper Zach Thornton is likely to make his debut for the New York Red Bulls in their US Open Cup 3rd round match against Palace in Annapolis on Tuesday night.

The 34-year old Edgewood Maryland native joined the Red Bulls at the beginning of the year from the Colorado Rapids, returning to the club where he started his Major League Soccer career in 1996 (when it was called the New York/New Jersey Metrostars.) He has played for two other MLS teams: the Chicago Fire, with whom he won the 1998 MLS Championship, and the Colorado Rapids. He has also earned eight caps with the US Men’s National Team.

Thornton played his high school soccer at the John Carroll High School in Bel Air MD. He attendedLoyola College of Maryland and finished his college career with a record of 31 shutouts, a 0.58 GAA(Goals Against Average) in 43 games played.

Founded in 1914, the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is the oldest team competition in any sport in the United States and is among the oldest in the world. Similar to domestic cup competitions in Europe, South America and the rest of the world, the annual single-elimination tournament is, open to all affiliated amateur and professional teams in the United States. More information on the tournament available at www.USOpenCup.com and on the US Soccer Federation website