The 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup first round kicks off on Tuesday with three nights of action, featuring 31 matches across 12 different leagues.
There were originally 32 games on the schedule, but the Georgia Lions (NISA) have withdrawn from the competition, which gives Apotheos FC (NPSL) a free pass into Round 2.
Overall 95 teams and a total of 94 games will take place during the 109th edition of the most storied US soccer event with all 31 opening round games featuring amateur sides against professional teams.
However, this year’s edition looks a bit different than most US Open Cup fans are used to in recent history. After negotiations between Major League Soccer, US Soccer and other US Open Cup partners, only eight MLS teams will participate and enter in the round of 32 of the single-game, elimination-style tournament. As a result, MLS-owned MLS NEXT Pro teams return to US Open Cup action in 2024.
Additionally, 24 USL Championship teams participate as well, 16 teams enter in Round 3 and 8 teams entering in the Round of 32.
The opening round this week features all of the amateur clubs that have qualified and all of the third division pro teams. This week’s winners will advance to the Second Round which is scheduled for the week of April 2-3.
All matches stream on US Soccer’s website for free as the first round action exclusively pits amateur teams against professional teams.
TUESDAY, MARCH 19
Miami United (USSSA/USSSL) at Chattanooga FC (MLS NEXT Pro)
Finley Stadium – Chattanooga, TN
Kickoff: 6 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
Chattanooga FC are by far the most experienced MLS NEXT Pro team as far as the Open Cup is concerned, having made eight previous appearances. Starting out as an NPSL club, Chattanooga’s deepest run came in 2015, when they advanced past the Ocala Stampede and Wilmington Hammerheads on penalties, only to lose in extra time to the NASL’s Atlanta Silverbacks 2-1. During their time in the NPSL, Chattanooga finished as league championship runners-up four times.
The club transitioned to a professional team to join NISA in 2019, where they became one of that league’s more successful teams despite not winning a league championship. Markus Naglestad,who led NISA in goals scored in 2022 and 2023 with 19 and 15 tallies, is not returning with the club for the 2024 season. Chattanooga have played seven of their 14 Open Cup games at home in Finley Stadium, where they are 2-3-2, with the two draws resulting in penalty tiebreaker wins. This will be the first time Chattanooga has faced a team who has gone through the Open Division qualifiers in Open Cup play.
MORE: USSSA has representation in US Open Cup for 10th year in a row
Miami United make their third consecutive appearance in the Open Cup, bringing their total to six overall. The previous four times Miami United qualified through their NPSL club while in 2023 and 2024 it was their National Soccer League (NSL) team navigating Open Division Local qualifying. The NSL rebranded this past offseason, changing its name to the United States Soccer League.
Their most successful stint came in 2018 when they reached the Fourth Round (just 17 amateur teams have done it in the Modern Era) after defeating FC Kendall, Miami FC 2 and Jacksonville Armada to earn a game with Orlando City SC of MLS, which they lost 3-0. Miami United have played a team from Division 3 just once in the Open Cup, a 1-0 loss to the Charleston Battery in the 2015 Second Round.
Chattanooga FC (MLS Next Pro)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
9th US Open Cup appearance (2011, 2013-2017, 2022-2024)
Overall: 3-6-5 (3-2 PK)
Home: 2-3-2 (2-0 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 1-1-3 (2-1 PK)
Best finish: Third Round (2014-2016, 2022-2023)
Miami United FC (USSSA / United States Soccer League)
How they qualified: Open Division Local Qualifying (defeated City Soccer FC 3-1 in final round)
6th US Open Cup appearance (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022-2024)
Overall: 6-4-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 2-2-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2018)
Savannah Clovers FC (NISA) at Brave SC (USL-2)
G. Morse Stadium – Middleton, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
Playing under their third name in team history, Brave SC have made their way back into the Open Cup after missing out in 2023. The absence broke an eight-tournament run for the club, the second-longest streak in USL League Two history. The Brave SC have yet to advance past a second game in their Open Cup history, although they looked to have made their way to the Third Round in 2016 when they got by the Charleston Battery on penalties after a 2-2 draw. They were later disqualified for using an ineligible player. Brave SC are 0-3 against Division 3 opponents in the Open Cup, and the last time they faced an opponent from that level was the 2016 forfeit loss to the Charleston Battery.
Brave SC began as a youth team, and in 2016 acquired the USL League Two operating license from Ocala Stampede. Brave SC reached the USL-2 semifinals in 2023, falling to Lionsbridge FC on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The Savannah Clovers started in 2016 as a UPSL club, and as the team continued to grow successfully on the field, it was decided to turn the team professional and join NISA in 2022. The club is owned and operated by its supporters. The Clovers made their US Open Cup debut last year, falling 4-1 on the road to the Charleston Battery (USL-C). Savannah’s initial foray into NISA did not go as well as they would have liked either, finishing 8th in the nine-team circuit. (MORE on the Savannah Clovers here)
Brave SC (USL League Two)
How they qualified: Finished 8-3-1 in USL League Two Southeast Division
9th US Open Cup appearance (2013-2019, 2022, 2024)
2013-2015 as Ocala Stampede, 2016-2022 as The Villages SC
Overall: 3-7-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 2-2-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-3-0
Best finish: Second Round (2016, 2019, 2022)
Savannah Clovers FC (NISA)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
2nd US Open Cup appearance (2023, 2024)
Overall: 0-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2023)
Duluth FC (NPSL) at Forward Madison FC (USL-1)
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
One of the many clubs started by Peter Wilt, Forward Madison will look to forget about last year’s 3-2 extra time upset at the hands of Wilt’s current club, Chicago House AC. Madison will instead look to match their initial Open Cup outing in 2019 in which they beat 2018 National Amateur Cup champions Bavarian SC and upset USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive to reach the Third Round.
Breese Stevens Field has seen plenty of Open Cup action in the past, having been used as a home venue by the Madison 56ers during the 1980s and 1990s. Forward is the state motto of Wisconsin, and the flamingo in their logo represents the official bird of the city of Madison, a flamingo lawn ornament.
Duluth FC make their return to the Open Cup after missing out on the last two tournaments. Duluth began in 2015 in the Duluth Amateur Soccer League, and by 2017 had joined the NPSL. Duluth posted a 11-0-1 record in NPSL play last season, but were upset 2-1 in extra time by Med City in the playoffs. Duluth FC is unique in the sense that it requires its players and supporters to follow certain rules when it comes to match day behavior, requesting that both avoid swearing and other forms of offensive language.
While Duluth has yet to win an open Cup game in three tries, they have advanced once via penalty tiebreaker, outshooting the Dakota Fusion after a 4-4 extra time goal fest in their Open Cup debut in 2018.
Forward Madison FC (USL League One)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
4th US Open Cup appearance (2019, 2022-23)
Overall: 3-3-0
Home: 1-2-0
vs. Amateurs: 2-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2019, 2022)
Duluth FC (NPSL)
How they qualified: Finished 11-0-1 in NPSL North Conference
3rd US Open Cup appearance (2018, 2019)
Overall: 0-1-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 0-0-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2018)
Lexington Sporting Club (USL-1) at Vermont Green FC (USL-2)
Virtue Field – Burlington, VT
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
For the first time in US Open Cup history, a tournament game will be played in the state of Vermont. The Vermont Green will be the second team from the Green Mountain State to appear in the US Open Cup proper, but when they take on Lexington Sporting Club, they will be the first to host. (In 2014, the Vermont Voltage lost a road game to the New York Red Bulls U-23s) The club was recognized as USL League Two Organization of the Year and has built a strong following. Vermont has already sold out their allotment of 1,300 season tickets for the 2024 season. Last year, they finished with a 10-1-3 record, but missed out on the postseason. They are one of two USL League Two qualifiers (NoVa FC the other) to miss the 2023 playoffs.
Lexington’s inaugural season in USL League One saw them finish ninth, eleven points from the final playoff spot. One bright spot during the 2023 season was Senegalese forward Ates Diouf finishing third in the league with 15 goals scored. Midfielder Tate Robinson finished tied for third in the league with eight assists. Lexington has one Open Cup game to their credit, a 1-0 loss to Louisville City FC in the Second Round in 2023. Lexington was picked in the USL League One preseason prediction poll to win this year’s championship.
2024 Season Preview: Lexington SC
Vermont Green FC (USL-2)
How they qualified: Finished 10-1-3 in USL-2 Northeast Division
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Lexington SC (USL-1)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
2nd US Open Cup appearance (2023)
Overall: 0-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2023)
Maryland Bobcats (NISA) at West Chester United SC (NPSL)
YSC Sports – Wayne, PA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
If you have a soccer league in the United States, odds are West Chester United has qualified for the Open Cup as a member. WCU has the unique distinction of qualifying for the Open Cup four times in row under three different league banners. The run started in 2019 through the Open Division from the United Soccer League of Pennsylvania. The NPSL team qualified for the 2020 tournament only to see it canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the Open Cup resumed in 2022 their USL League Two team qualified. In 2023, the USL of PA team made the cut again, and now their NPSL team steps into the spotlight for 2024.
MORE: ‘Legend’ Blaise Santangelo Fueling Dreams in West Chester
The Maryland Bobcats got their start as an amateur club in the Washington D.C. area as World Class Premier Elite, winning the 2018 Spring Season in both the Washington Premier League and Maryland Major Soccer League. WCPE nearly made it into the 2019 Open Cup, falling in the final round of qualifying to amateur side Virginia United on penalties. The team moved to the UPSL in 2019, and later that year took on the name Maryland Bobcats, and in 2020 made the move to NISA as a professional team.
Two of the Bobcats three Open Cup games have been against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, both 2-0 losses in the 2022 Second Round, and the 2023 Third Round. Their one win came in a 3-2 extra time triumph over Ocean City Nor’easters (USL-2) in the 2023 Second Round. It was a thrilling game as Ocean City scored a stoppage time equalizer to send the game into extra time, only to see Phillip Brown of the Bobcats score the game winner on what would prove to be the final kick of the game in stoppage time of extra time. Their cup run would end in Pittsburgh with the Riverhounds scoring two goals in the final 10 minutes.
In league play, Maryland finished with an 11-3-10 record last season. The Bobcats’ season came to an end in the quarterfinals of the NISA championship. The 2024 NISA season has been postponed until April.
West Chester United SC (NPSL)
How they qualified: Finished 7-0-3 in NPSL Keystone West Conference
5th US Open Cup appearance (1st for NPSL team, 3 for Open Division Local team, 1 for USL-2)
Overall: 0-0-0 (0-4-2 (2-0 PK) all teams)
Home: 0-0-0 (0-1-0 All teams)
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0 (0-1-0 All teams)
Best finish: Second Round (2016, 2019 in Open Division Local)
Maryland Bobcats FC (NISA)
How they qualified: Automatic bid
3rd US Open Cup appearance (2022-23)
Overall: 1-2-0
Away: 0-2-0
vs. Amateurs: 1-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2023)
FC America CFL Spurs (USSSA/USSL) at South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)
Tormenta Stadium – Statesboro, GA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
The Orlando area-based club originally registered as “CFL GOSA Spurs” but later changed their team name to “FC America CFL Spurs” prior to their opening game of the Open Division Local qualifying tournament. They started as a youth club in 1991, FC America’s most famous alumni is former Sporting Kansas City and U.S. Men’s National Team winger (and three-time US Open Cup champion) Graham Zusi. As CFL GOSA Spurs, the team reached the Round of 16 in the UPSL Spring season playoffs. CFL Spurs won the 2023 USSL Orlando Elite Division.
South Georgia Tormenta FC (or just Tormenta FC) started as an amateur club in the PDL (USL League Two) in 2016. After three seasons they turned pro to join the newly created USL League One, although they still maintain a team in USL-2. Tormenta won the 2022 League One championship, defeating the Chattanooga Red Wolves SC 2-1 in the Final. Tormenta finished an agonizing one-point shy of reaching the USL League One playoffs in 2023.
MORE: USSSA has representation in US Open Cup for 10th year in a row
Tormenta have made three appearances in the Open Cup, with their best run coming in 2022 when they upset a pair of USL Championship teams (Charleston 1-0 & Birmingham 2-0) to reach the Third Round where they dropped a 3-1 decision to Inter Miami. Tormenta have never played an amateur opponent in Open Cup play, with all six of their games being against professional opposition.
MORE: South Georgia Tormenta FC 2024 season preview
South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL-1)
How they qualified: Automatic bid
4th US Open Cup appearance (2019, 2022-23)
Overall: 3-3-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)
FC America CFL Spurs (USSSA/USSL)
How they qualified: Open Division Local Qualifying tournament (Defeated Leg-AZ World FC 4-1 in final round)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1) at Tulsa Athletic (NPSL)
Athletic Field at Hicks Park – Tulsa, OK
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
Tulsa Athletic will make their third straight Open Cup appearance and sixth overall this year. 2023 was Tulsa’s best showing in the Open Cup, winning the “Tulsa Derby’ against USL Championship’s FC Tulsa in the Second Round, earning a game against Sporting Kansas City in the Third Round. After finishing as runner-up in 2021 and reaching the final in 2022, Tulsa finally broke through to win the NPSL championship on penalties over fellow Open Cup qualifier Apotheos FC.
MORE: Tulsa Athletic & the Magic of the Cup
The Hailstorm will have a huge hole to fill on offense as Trevor Amann , who set the USL League One single season record with 23 goals scored in 2023, departs for Sacramento Republic. The team will also be without league assists leader Arthur Rogers, who signed with Tulsa FC. One player who is staying put is goalkeeper Lalo Delgado, who posted a league high 13 clean sheets. The Hailstorm have also added a couple of young international players to their roster. 21-year old midfielder Brahima Ouattara is currently part of the Ivory Coast U23 team, and 21 year old MF Real Gill has earned 6 caps with Trinidad & Tobago.
MORE: How Tulsa Athletic became the toast of USOC world
Northern Colorado’s best Open Cup performance came in 2022, when they knocked off in-state rivals Colorado Springs Switchbacks 1-0 in extra time in the Second Round, and then upset Real Salt Lake 1-0 in the Third round, scoring on their only shot on goal. The run ended with a 2-0 defeat to fellow USL League One upstarts Union Omaha. Northern Colorado has yet to play at home in the Open Cup. In league play, the Hailstorm are coming off a successful 2023 campaign where they finished three points shy of the regular season championship (3rd overall) and reached the league semifinals, falling to eventual champion North Carolina FC.
MORE: Are Northern Colorado Hailstorm better without Amann, Rogers, and Cornwall? They think so
Tulsa Athletic (NPSL)
How they qualified: Finished 7-1-2 in NPSL Heartland Conference
6th US Open Cup appearance (2014, 2015, 2017, 2022-2023)
Overall: 3-4-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 3-1-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 0-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2023)
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL-1)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
3rd US Open Cup appearance (2022-23)
Overall: 3-2-0
Away: 3-2-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2022)
FORO SC (UPSL) at Austin FC II (MLS Next Pro)
Parmer Field – Austin, TX
Kickoff: 9 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
Austin FC II are the defending champions of MLS NEXT Pro, defeating the Columbus Crew in last season’s championship game. AFC II will look to make a better showing than their parent MLS club Austin FC, who have only managed one win in three Open Cup games in 2022 and 2023.
FORO SC will make their US Open Cup debut in 2024 after punching their ticket through the Open Division Local qualifying tournament. They defeated a pair of fellow UPSL sides to qualify starting with a 2-0 win over Tenfifteen FC. In Round 2, Athletic Katy FC forfeited and then FORO clinched their first Open Cup berth with a 4-0 home win over Alamo City SC. FORO won the 2021 UPSL Fall season playoffs with a 1-0 win over Chicago Nation FC. In 2023, FORO SC finished second to 2022 Open qualifier D’Feeter Kicks in the Texas North division. In the Fall season Foro FC reached the UPSL final four, losing to eventual champion Chiriaco FC, 2-1
Austin FC II (MLS NEXT Pro)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
FORO SC (UPSL)
How they qualified: Open Division Local qualifying (defeated Alamo City Soccer Club 4-0 in final round)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
El Farolito (NPSL) at Timbers2 (MLS Next Pro)
Providence Park – Portland, OR
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
In 2015 when Timbers2 were part of the United Soccer League, MLS affiliated reserve teams were allowed to play in the Open Cup. That year the Timbers 2 won their Opening Round game on the road against the Michigan Bucks 2-0, then fell in a reserve team battle to the Seattle Sounders 2 in extra time 2-1. Shortly after, the US Open Cup decided to exclude MLS reserve teams from the competition. Now, the reserve sides compete in MLS NEXT Pro and T2 and 10 other teams from the league are now taking part in the 109th tournament due to a change in format forced by MLS refusing to let all of their clubs enter. In league play, Timbers2 finished 10th overall in the MLS NEXT Pro’s Western Conference last season, missing the playoffs.
El Farolito is one of two (Richmond Kickers the other in 1995) former Open Cup champions among the first round entrants, having won the US Open Cup in 1993 (under the name CD Mexico). The club also reached the Final of the 1991 National Amateur Cup. El Farolito competed in the San Francisco Soccer Football League and California Premier Soccer Association for most of their existence before switching to the NPSL in 2018. In fact, El Farolito would have been making their fourth Open Cup appearance this year instead of their third but were disqualified in 2018 for switching leagues in the middle of the competition. (The club was the subject of TheCup.us’s “Meet the Underdogs” series back in 2017.)
Last season, El Farolito finished second in the NPSL, and topping the table in the Golden Gate conference with a 9-0-1 record. They would fall short in the postseason with a loss to Crossfire Red in the West regional final.
Timbers2 (MLS NEXT Pro)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
2nd US Open Cup appearance (2015)
Overall: 1-1-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 1-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2015)
El Farolito SC (NPSL)
How they qualified: Finished 9-0-1 in NPSL Golden Gate Conference
3rd US Open Cup appearances (2017, 2023)
Overall: 2-2-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 1-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: 1993 US Open Cup champions (as “CD Mexico”)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20
Christos FC (USASA/MMSL) at Richmond Kickers (USL-1)C (USASA/MMSL)
City Stadium – Richmond, VA
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
One of two Open Cup Champions in the First Round, the Kickers make their 19th straight appearance. Aside from their Championship win in 1995, Richmond has one Semifinal appearance (2011) and three trips to the Quarterfinals (2001, 2004, 2007) on their Open Cup resume. Since that Semifinal run in 2011, the Kickers have advanced to a third game just four times and have faced MLS opposition seven times without success. Richmond, who were founded in 1993, have lost to amateur opposition just twice in 19 games, the last time coming at the hands of Christos in 2017 at City Stadium in Richmond. The Kickers experienced a very disappointing 2023 season, finishing second to last in the 12-team USL League One.
After a five-tournament absence, Christos FC return to the Open Cup for a third time. Their debut in 2017 caused quite a stir as they made a run to the fourth round for a date with D.C. United. The amateurs went viral the next morning after they jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute, and held on to a 1-1 tie until the 81st minute. (Christos was the subject of TheCup.us’s “Meet the Underdogs” series back in 2018). Christos have won the Rowland Cup (Maryland State cup) 8 times and are 11-time champions of the Stewart Cup (Maryland Amateur Cup)
Richmond Kickers (USL-1)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
24th US Open Cup appearance (1995, 1997, 2000-2002, 2004-2023)
Overall: 34-21-4 (2-2 PK)
Home: 27-8-1 (0-1)
vs. Amateurs: 16-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: 1995 US Open Cup champions
Christos FC (USASA/Maryland Major Soccer League)
How they qualified: Open Division Local Qualifying (defeated NoVa FC 1-0 in final round)
3rd US Open Cup appearances (2017, 2018)
Overall: 3-1-1 (0-1)
Away: 3-1-1 (0-1)
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2017)
Club de Lyon FC (NISA) at AS Frenzi (UPSL)
Daytona State College Soccer Stadium – Daytona Beach, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
AS Frenzi became the first club to take advantage of an Open Cup berth being awarded to the UPSL Spring champions, defeating Sporting Wichita SC 2-1. 16-year-old Yan Diomande, who also has represented the Ivory Coast Under-17 national team, scored both goals with the second coming with just five minutes remaining in extra time.
Club de Lyon’s only Open Cup game was a 2-1 extra time loss to San Antonio FC (USL Championship) in the Second Round of last year’s competition.
Just as Irvine Zeta did this year, Club de Lyon initially qualified for last year’s tournament through the Open Division, and then announced its entry of a professional team in NISA. In its initial season in NISA, Club de Lyon missed out on the playoffs by five points.
Club de Lyon (NISA)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
2nd US Open Cup appearance (2023)
Overall: 0-1-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2023)
AS Frenzi (UPSL)
How they qualified: 2023 UPSL Spring champions (Defeated Sporting Wichita SC 2-1 in the Final)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Greenville Triumph SC (USL-1) at South Carolina United FC (USL-2)
SCUFC Southeastern Freight Lines Soccer Complex – Columbia, SC
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
Also known as SC United Bantams, the team has a working relationship with Bradford City, whose nickname is The Bantams. The team have lost both Open Cup matches they’ve played in, but in 2022 they suffered a double defeat. After losing a first round game to the North Carolina Fusion U-23s (now Salem City FC) 3-1 in extra time, the game later officially went down as a forfeit as the Bantams were found to have used multiple ineligible players.
MORE: New Greenville Triumph coach looks for seamless transition at the top
The Greenville Triumph have been one of the more successful clubs in USL League One. In its five years in the league, Greenville have made the playoffs every year, finishing as championship runners-up in 2018 and 2021, and winning the title in 2020. Only one of Greenville’s five Open Cup games have been away from home, and that came last year with a cross-country trip to face USL Championship club Phoenix Rising in the Second Round.
South Carolina United FC (USL-2)
How they qualified: Finished in 10-1-1 in USL-2 South Central Division
3rd US Open Cup appearances (2017, 2022)
2017 and 2022 as SC United Bantams
Overall: 0-2-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-2-0
Best finish: First Round (2017, 2022)
Greenville Triumph SC (USL-1)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
4th US Open Cup appearance (2019, 2022, 2023)
Overall: 2-3-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)
One Knoxville SC (USL-1) at Asheville City SC (USL-2)
Greenwood Field – UNC Asheville – Asheville, NC
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
Asheville City SC began in 2016 as a member of the NPSL. After three seasons the team switched to USL League Two. After finishing second in the South Central division in 2022, Asheville City won the division in 2023 with a 10-1-1 record, nosing out SC United Bantams on goal difference. Asheville City fell in the Conference semifinals to The Villages SC (now Brave SC) 1-0.
MORE: Asheville City SC: Half an idea to full-fledged family
One Knoxville began as an amateur team in USL League Two with the intent to eventually move to League One. After registering a 11-1-2 record and reaching the League Two Quarterfinals in the 2022 season, One Knoxville made the move to League One for 2023. The club had a fairly successful debut season, finishing five points from reaching the playoffs. Sean Lewis won the League One Golden Glove for best goalkeeper, registering eight shutouts and maintaining a 1.04 goals against average.
One Knoxville has just one Open Cup game under their belt, a 2-1 extra time loss to Memphis 901 FC.
MORE: One Knoxville SC (2024 season preview)
Asheville City SC (USL-2)
How they qualified: Finished 10-1-1 in USL-2 South Central Division
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
One Knoxville SC (USL-1)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
2nd US Open Cup appearances (2023)
Overall: 0-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2023)
Chicago City SC (USL-2) at Chicago Fire FC II (MLS Next Pro)
SeatGeek Stadium – Bridgeview, IL
7 p.m. CT
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
2024 marks the second Open Cup tournament in a row to feature an all-Chicago matchup. Last year Fire II’s parent MLS club defeated Chicago House AC 3-0 in the Third Round. Chicago Fire II will have to go a long way to match their parent club’s Open up success. Last year the Fire reached the Quarterfinals, and the absence of the Fire in 2024 will delay by another year their chance at winning a fifth Open Cup title to join Bethlehem Steel, Maccabee AC and the Fall River Marksmen with five.
Chicago City fielded a womens team first, joining the WPSL in 2018. The men’s team began play in USL League Two in 2022. Last season they won the Heartland Division with a 11-0-1 record and reached the Conference Semifinals. Chicago City and the Fire II are the ninth and tenth teams from Chicago outside the Chicago Fire to participate in the Open Cup since 1995.
MORE: Chicago City SC gives local college players, aspiring pros a chance to shine
Chicago Fire FC II (MLS NEXT Pro)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Chicago City SC (USL-2)
How they qualified: Finished 11-0-1 in USL-2 Heartland Division
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Georgia Lions (NISA) at Apotheos FC (NPSL)
Silverbacks Park Stadium – Atlanta, GA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
UPDATE: Georgia Lions have withdrawn from the competition. Apotheos FC advance to Round 2 via forfeit
In just their second year of existence, Apotheos FC have put themselves on the map as a team to watch. After winning the NPSL Southeast Conference with a 6-1-3 record, Apotheos won five games to reach the NPSL National Championship game versus fellow Open Cup qualifier Tulsa Athletic. Apotheos appeared to have the championship in hand when Junior Sandoval scored with 10 minutes remaining. Chris Taylor then tied the game for Tulsa in stoppage time and the championship was eventually decided by penalty kicks. Each team converted their first five attempts, and Apotheos finally missed in round 9 to open the door for Tulsa to win the shootout 8-7. Club founders Anthony Catalano and Dale Hughes also operate Apotheos Roastery in the Atlanta area. The name apotheos is derived from “apotheosis,” a word that suggests elevating something to its most divine form.
The Georgia Lions began as East Georgia FC. The Lions are co-owned by Surat, India native Sunita Patel, making the club the first professional soccer team to be owned by a woman of Indian descent in the United States..
Apotheos FC (NPSL)
How they qualified: Finished 6-1-3 in NPSL Southeast Conference
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Georgia Lions (NISA)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Hudson Valley Hammers (USL-2) at New York Red Bulls II (MLS NEXT Pro)
Pittser Field (Montclair State Univ.) – Montclair, NJ
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
In 2015 when the Red Bulls 2 were part of the United Soccer League, MLS affiliated reserve teams were allowed to play in the Open Cup. That year the Red Bulls II lost their only Open Cup game 1-0 to the PDL’s Jersey Express. Unlike this year, the reserve teams did not replace their parent MLS clubs in the tournament.
Red Bulls II played in the USL Championship from 2015-2022, winning the league title in 2016. Red Bulls II left the USL Championship in 2023 with the remaining MLS reserve teams to play in MLS NEXT Pro.
The Hammers were founded in 2020 as an initiative led by AFC Bournemouth and United States Men’s National Team midfielder Tyler Adams, a native of Wappingers Falls, New York. Hudson Valley finished the 2023 season second in the Metropolitan Division of USL League One, six points behind leaders Long Island Rough Riders. The Hammers reached the Conference Semifinals, losing to the Ocean City Nor’easters 2-1 on a 90th minute stoppage time penalty kick.
New York Red Bulls II (MLS NEXT Pro)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
2nd US Open Cup appearance (2015)
Overall: 0-1-0
Home: 0-1-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2015)
Hudson Valley Hammers (USL-2)
How they qualified: Finished 10-1-3 in USL-2 Metropolitan Division
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
MNUFC2 (MLS NEXT Pro) at Chicago House AC (USASA/Midwest Premier League)
Elmhurst University, Langhorst Field – Elmhurst, IL
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
Peter Wilt’s Chicago House return to the Open Cup after making an impressive showing in their debut last year. After a 1-0 win over fellow Midwest Premier League club Bavarian United, House knocked off Forward Madison (another club Wilt helped start) 3-2 after extra time. House’s AR Smith Jr. earned Player of the Round honors from TheCup.us after scoring the tying and game winning goals. That led to a third round showdown with Wilt’s original club, the Chicago Fire, and while House lost 3-0, their debut performance will be a challenge they’ll be eager to match.
Chicago selected their team name in quite a unique way. 68 different names (out of over 400 submitted) were put together in a tournament for fans to vote on dubbed “Moniker Madness”, and on February 23, 2021 “Chicago House” was announced as the winner. The name House refers to Chicago house style of music.
The Twosies will be looking to continue the run of Minnesotan lower-division pro sides that includes Minnesota Stars run in 2012 which included upsetting MLS side Real Salt Lake, the formerly professional Chicago House will be an intriguing matchup for the Loons reserve side. MNUFC 2 barely missed the playoffs in 2023, finishing at 43 points with Houston Dynamo 2, but losing out on tiebreakers. Teams from Chicago and the Twin Cities have met just twice since 1995, both involving PDL (USL League Two) club Chicago FC United (formerly Chicago Fire Reserves) and the Minnesota Thunder of the USL. The Thunder came out on top both times, 2-1 in the 2005 Second Round, and 4-0 in the 2009 Second Round.
Chicago House AC (USASA/Midwest Premier League)
How they qualified: Open Division Local qualifying tournament (Defeated Valhalla FC 3-1 in final round)
2nd US Open Cup appearance (2023)
Overall: 2-1-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 1-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2023)
MNUFC2 (MLS NEXT Pro)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Central Valley Fuego FC (USL-1) at FC Folsom (UPSL)
Folsom Lake College – Folsom, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
FC Folsom finished third in both the Spring and Fall seasons in the UPSL NorCal North Division. In the spring Folsom reached the national playoffs but fell in the divisional playoffs in the fall.
Central Valley have struggled in their two seasons in USL League One, missing the playoffs both years and finishing last in 2023. During the offseason Central Valley hired former U.S. Men’s National Team defender Jermaine Jones as head coach.
All three for Central Valley’s Open Cup games have been against USL Championship teams. Their lone win was a 4-1 upset at home vs. El Paso Locomotive in the Second Round, and Villyan Bijev was voted TheCup.us Player of the Round after scoring two goals in the win. The Fuego pushed Monterrey Bay to extra time in 2023 before falling 3-1.
FC Folsom (UPSL)
How they qualified: Open Division Local Qualifying tournament (defeated Inter San Francisco 4-2 in final round)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Central Valley Fuego FC (USL-1)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
3rd US Open Cup appearances (2022-23)
Overall: 1-2-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2022)
Irvine Zeta FC (NISA) vs. SC MesoAmerica (Liga Deportivo Morazan)
Championship Soccer Stadium – Irvine, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
MesoAmerica are the fifth club to gain entry into the Open Cup through winning the National Amateur Cup since the spot was allocated to the champion in 2018. MesoAmerica nearly won the National Amateur Cup in 2019, losing out 2-1 to Horizon FC (Houston, TX) in the semifinals. The club would win the third-place game 6-2 over Chicago’s RWB Adria. The team MesoAmerica beat to win the 2023 Amateur Cup, Newtown Pride FC, went on to win the Amateur crown in 2019. MesoAmerica finished first in Liga Morazan with a 18-1-2 record, and Rene Santillan won the league scoring title with 18 goals.The club is known also as “MesoAmerica FC” and “MesoAmerica-San Carlos FC”
2024 will be a year of first for Irvine Zeta FC. IVFC’s professional team are set to make their Open Cup debut less than 12 months after being approved to play in The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) in 2024. The club previously fielded a semi-professional team that will also compete simultaneously in the first round of the 2024 tournament. Led by club President Cary Lyu, Irvine Zeta are the first Chinese-founded professional club in the United States. The team’s inaugural NISA season has been delayed until April, but in the meantime they will host the Amateur Cup champions at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, Calif.
Irvine Zeta FC (NISA)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
SC MesoAmerica (Liga Deportiva Morazan)
How they qualified: 2023 USASA Amateur Cup Champions (defeated Newton Pride FC 2-1 in the Final)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Des Moines Menace (USL-2) at Capistrano FC (NISA)
Jserra Catholic High School – San Juan Capistrano, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
Capistrano FC (commonly known as Capo FC) returns to the Open Cup after qualifying last season through the Open Division Local Qualifying tournament as a member of NISA Nation. Established in 2006 as a youth club, Capo joined the UPSL in 2021, NISA Nation in 2022, then USL League Two in 2023. After the 2023 season the club announced it was joining NISA as a professional team, while maintaining their USL-2 club. Capo’s lone Open Cup appearance began with a 4-1 win over fellow amateurs Ventura County Fusion, and ended being overwhelmed 5-0 by Orange County SC. This is actually the fourth time San Luis Obispo has been represented in the Open Cup since 1995. Preceding last year’s appearance by Capo FC, the amateur Central Coast Roadrunners played in the Open Cup in 1997 and 2001. In ‘97 they upset two pro teams to meet the San Jose Clash of MLS (now San Jose Earthquakes) in the Third Round, whom they lost to 5-2. The game versus the Menace will be the first Open Cup game played in San Luis Obispo since the Roadrunners defeated Mexico SC on penalties in the First Round in 2001 at Mustang Stadium (Cal Poly University).
Appearing in their fourth Open Cup in a row, the Des Moines Menace are one of the great lower league upset darlings of the Open Cup. The Menace have 14 Open Cup wins, and seven upsets of professional opponents, both of which are the second most among all amateur teams in the Modern Era (1995-present). Only the Flint City Bucks (15 wins, 10 pro upsets) have more in both categories. The Menace have missed out on just three Open Cup tournaments since 2010, and of the three amateur clubs in this year’s field with 10+ appearances, Des Moines are the only ones not to have played as a professional club. The 1,832 mile trip the Menace will take to San Luis Obispo easily doubles the distance traveled in their previous longest Open Cup road trips to Rochester, NY in 2002 (910 mi.) and Clarkson, Ga. in 2005 (920 mi.). The Menace are currently on a nine-season streak of finishing either first or second in their division in USL League Two.
The headline for the Menace entering First Round matchup is the signing of former US international Sacha Kljestan. The 38-year-old who announced his retirement last year before transitioning to being a commentator brings a career resume that includes 21 US Open Cup matches, five goals and four assists. He will be joined by Euan Holden, the younger brother of another former U.S. international, Stu Holden.
The Menace have advanced past their opening game in 10 of their previous 13 appearances. 2005 was Des Moines most successful run, defeating two pro teams (Charleston Battery 3-2, Atlanta Silverbacks 5-1), setting up a meeting with the Kansas City Wizards (Sporting KC) in the Fourth Round, which the Menace lost 6-1. They would meet the Wizards again in the 2006 Third Round, narrowly losing 2-1 on a 90th minute goal.
MORE: Des Moines menacing the big boys since 1994
Capistrano FC (NISA)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
2nd US Open Cup appearance (2023)
Overall: 1-1-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 1-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2023)
Des Moines Menace (USL-2)
How they qualified: Finished in 10-0-2 in USL-2 Heartland Division
14th US Open Cup appearance (2002-03, 2005-06, 2010, 2012-13, 2015-2017, 2019, 2022-23)
Overall: 8-6-3 (3-1 PK)
Away: 6-6-0
vs. Div. 3: 2-3-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Fourth Round (2005)
Redlands FC (USL-2) at LA Force FC (NISA)
Long Beach Community College – Long Beach, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
The LA Force finished third in the 2023 NISA season, but were bounced from the playoffs by eventual champions Flower City Union 4-2. The Force have played just two Open Cup matches in their history, both Second Round losses to USL Championship teams. In 2022 the Force lost to Orange County SC 5-2, and in 2023 Las Vegas Lights bested them by a 4-0 scoreline.
Redlands won the USL League Two Southwest Division by a single point over Ventura Fusion and FC Tuscon. The club was tripped up in the opening round of the playoffs by San Francisco Glens 2-1 on a goal eight minutes deep into second half stoppage time.
MORE: Inland soccer notes: Redlands FC preparing for second season, U.S. Open Cup competition
LA Force FC (NISA)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
3rd US Open Cup appearance (2022-23)
Overall: 0-2-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022, 2023)
Redlands FC (USL-2)
How they qualified: Finished in 8-2-2 in USL-2 Southwest Division
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Spokane Velocity (USL-1) at Ballard FC (USL-2)
Memorial Stadium – Seattle, WA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
Ballard FC are the defending USL League Two champions, having defeated Lionsbridge FC in the championship game 2-1 on a dramatic goal in second half stoppage time. The club was founded and is owned by former Seattle Sounders star Lamar Neagle. Their head coach is another former Sounder, James Riley, who spent three seasons in Seattle and is one of the most successful players when it comes to the US Open Cup in the history of the competition. He is one of two players in the Modern Era (1995-present) to lift the trophy five times (New England Revolution in 2007, Seattle Sounders FC 2009-11, D.C. United in 2013).
The city of Spokane returns to the Open Cup for the first time since 2004, when the Spokane Shadow the PDL (now USL League Two) dropped a first round game to the Sacramento Knights (USASA/NPSL). The team’s name and crest reference the Spokane River, which runs through the city. The club also has a team in the USL W League, the Spokane Zephyr FC, set for their debut season as well in 2024. This actually will be the second time a team from Spokane visits Memorial Stadium for an Open Cup match. The Spokane Shadow made the trip in the Second Round of the 1999 tournament to play the Seattle Sounders (then in the A-League). The Shadow lost 3-1.
The Velocity have signed midfielder and former MLS player Luis Gil, whose nine assists with Union Omaha was good for second in USL League One in 2023. Also joining the Velocity is midfielder Andre Lewis, who has appeared in 100 games with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks and Hartford Athletic from 2020-2023. Up front Spokane will feature forward Romain Métanire, who logged 77 games with Minnesota United from 2019-2022, and has 27 caps for Madagascar.
Ballard FC (USL-2)
How they qualified: Finished 10-1-1 in USL-2 Northwest Division
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Spokane Velocity (USL-1)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
THURSDAY, MARCH 21
Michigan Stars FC (NISA) at Steel City FC (NPSL)
Ambrose Urbanic Field – Pittsburgh, PA
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
Steel City reached the NPSL Quarterfinals in 2023, losing 2-1 after extra time to eventual champions Tulsa Athletic. Steel City are the first amateur club to represent Pittsburgh in the Open Cup since Tartan Devils Oak Avalon in 2017.
The Michigan Stars, the 2022 NISA champions, nearly made it two in a row, but were upset in the championship game by Flower City Union. The club got its start in 1998 as the Windsor Spartans FC in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Moving to the Metro Detroit area in 2013 the team joined the NPSL, and in 2019 made the move to the newly formed NISA.
The Stars have only played two Open Cup games in their history, both in the Second Round against USL Championship teams. In 2022 they fell to former NISA rivals Detroit City FC 2-0, and in 2023 the Stars took Indy Eleven to extra time before falling 3-1.
Steel City FC (NPSL)
How they qualified: Finished 10-0-2 in NPSL Great Lakes Conference
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Michigan Stars FC (NISA)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
3rd US Open Cup appearance (2022-23)
Overall: 0-2-0
Away: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022, 2023)
NYCFC II (MLS NEXT Pro) at FC Motown (NPSL)
Pittser Field (Montclair State Univ.) – Montclair, NJ
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
FC Motown are making a habit of qualifying for the Open Cup, making their fourth consecutive appearance and their sixth out of the last seven. This string of Open Cup appearances means they have been one of the strongest clubs in the NPSL, compiling a 28-5-6 record over the last four seasons, as well as winning the NPSL playoffs in 2022 and finishing second in 2018. Heading into the 2024 season, FC Motown hired MLS veteran Dilly Duka to fill the role of manager. Duka had played a handful of games for Motown in 2018 after concluding his MLS career. Motown’s most successful run in the Open Cup came in 2022. After defeating pro club AC Syracuse Pulse 1-0 after extra time, they reached the third round where they played Rochester New York FC of MLS Next Pro to a 2-2 draw only to lose in a penalty shootout.
FC Motown have faced a team affiliated with an MLS club before in Open Cup play. In the 2018 First Round, Motown defeated the New York Red Bulls U-23s 2-1. The teams met again the following year, this time the U-23s advanced via penalty shootout after a 4-4 draw.
MORE: Truck Drivers vs Abu Dhabi: FC Motown’s “Cinderella” matchup with NYCFC II
After years of having loose affiliations with USL clubs, New York City FC finally fielded their own reserve team with the formation of MLS Next Pro in 2021. NYCFC II’s first season saw them miss the playoffs by a single point. Forward MD Myers finished 2023 in a three-way tie atop the league’s goalscoring chart with 19 goals.
FC Motown (NPSL)
How they qualified: Finished 8-0-2 in NPSL Keystone East Conference
7th US Open Cup appearance (2016-17, 2019, 2022-2023) / 2016 & 2017 as Clarkstown SC Eagles
Overall: 3-4-2 (0-2 PK)
Home: 3-2-0
vs. Div. 3: 1-0-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Third Round (2022)
New York City FC II (MLS NEXT Pro)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Brockton FC United (UPSL) at Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)
CHI Memorial Stadium – East Ridge, TN
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
The Red Wolves have yet to win an open Cup game in their three appearances, the closest they’ve come to a win was a 1-0 loss to Louisville City in 2022 in the Second Round. Chattanooga’s time in USL League One has been up and down, missing the playoffs in 2019 and 2020 followed by reaching the semifinals (2021) and the Final in 2022 then crashing to 10th place in 2023.
Brockton FC United reclaim a spot in the Open Cup after missing out last season when they dropped a penalty kick shootout loss in the dark to fellow 2023 Open Division qualifier Chicago House AC. This time Brockton avenged a loss to the Freedoms in the final round of 2020 qualifying, a rain-shortened 1-0 defeat. The qualifying rematch looked destined to go to extra time tied 0-0, but a chaotic 10 minutes of stoppage time saw Brockton come away 3-1 winners. Brockton has won the UPSL New England division Spring and Fall seasons five of the last six times. Brockton was the subject of TheCup.us’s Meet the Underdogs series in 2022. Brockton’s lone Open Cup appearance ended after one game, a 2-0 loss to the Western Mass Pioneers.
MORE: World Cup to Open Cup: The wild, winding road of Brockton’s Wuilito Fernandes
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
4th US Open Cup appearance (2019, 2022-23)
Overall: 0-3-0
Home: 0-1-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-1-0
Best finish: Second Round (2022, 2023)
Brockton FC United (UPSL)
How they qualified: Open Division Local Qualifying tournament (defeated NY Pancyprian Freedoms 3-1 in final round)
2nd US Open Cup appearance (2022)
Overall: 0-1-0
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: First Round (2022)
South Carolina United Heat (UPSL) at Crown Legacy FC (MLS NEXT Pro)
Mecklenburg County Sportsplex – Matthews, NC
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
Crown Legacy is the MLS NEXT Pro team of Charlotte FC. The Legacy finished the 2023 season in first place of the Eastern Conference by 10 points over New England Revolution II, but were eliminated in their first playoff game by eventual finalist Columbus Crew 2.
The South Carolina United Heat are not to be confused with South Carolina United Bantams of USL League Two. After two qualifying attempts in 2022 and 2023 fell frustratingly short at the last step, South Carolina United Heat finally managed to clear the final hurdle and claim an Open Cup berth. In 2022 SCU were forced to forfeit their final qualifying game due to positive COVID-19 tests throughout the team. In 2023, the Heat were minutes away from an Open Cup spot when Club de Lyon converted a penalty kick in second half stoppage time and then won it in extra time. SCU were runners-up for the UPSL 2022 Spring championship. In the past six Spring & Fall UPSL seasons, the Heat have amassed a 51-3-5 record.
Crown Legacy FC (MLS NEXT Pro)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
South Carolina United Heat (UPSL)
How they qualified: Open Division Local Qualifying tournament (defeated Tennessee Tempo FC 4-2 in final round)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Union Omaha (USL-1) at Western Mass Pioneers (USL-2)
Lusitano Stadium – Ludlow, MA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
Ludlow, Mass. has a long history in the US Open Cup. The first known appearance of a Ludlow club in the tournament was on Dec. 19, 1937, when Gremio Lusitano defeated Springfield 3-0 in the second round of qualifying for the 1938 US Open Cup. Ludlow Lusitano and Gremio Lusitano also saw Open Cup success in the 1950s. The Pioneers call Lusitano Stadium their home, a venue that first featured Open Cup action in the 1950s.
The Pioneers made their first six Open Cup appearances as a professional team, switching to the PDL (now USL League Two) in 2010. Cup success has eluded Western Mass over the years, as they have yet to advance to a third game in their 13 appearances. The Pioneers also have never defeated a professional team as amateurs or pros.
MORE: From Lusitanos to Pioneers: An Old Mill Town’s Enduring Passion
Making their third appearance in the Open Cup, Union Omaha has a high bar to duplicate their best showing in the tournament. In 2022 the Owls knocked off two MLS clubs (Chicago Fire & Minnesota United) to reach the Quarterfinals. The run ended with a 6-0 loss to Sporting Kansas City, but the scoreline did not diminish Omaha’s feat of becoming the first team from Nebraska to reach the Quarterfinals and the first third division team to do so since 2013. Omaha saw their cup run end abruptly last year with a 5-1 loss to St. Louis City in front of a third-round record 22,423 fans at St. Louis.
Union finished the 2023 USL League season in first place but were upset by the Charlotte Independence in the playoff semifinals on penalty kicks after a 0-0 draw. Dominic Casciato was named USL League One Coach of the Year for the 2023 season. During the offseason, Omaha signed Victor “PC” Giro, a midfielder who spent the last three seasons with San Antonio FC, and defender Mechack Jérôme, a veteran who has made 78 appearances for the Haitian National Team. Departing are Noe Meza, JP Scearce, Joe Brito and Luis Gil. The four players combined for 25 of Omaha’s 64 goals in all competitions in 2023. Gil also had nine assists, good for second in USL League One.
MORE: Union Omaha owners, city officials announce soccer stadium plans
Western Mass Pioneers (USL-2)
How they qualified: Finished 10-3-1 in USL-2 Northeast Division
13th US Open Cup appearance (1998*, 2004-05*, 2007-09*, 2011, 2014-15, 2017-18, 2022)
* as a pro club
Overall: 7-8-3 (0-3 PK) (2-3-2 (0-2 PK) as amateur)
Home: 6-5-2 (0-2 PK) (2-2-2 (0-2 PK) as amateur)
vs. Div. 3: 0-4-1 (0-1 PK) (0-3-0 as amateur)
Best finish: Third Round (2005)
Union Omaha (USL-1)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
3rd US Open Cup appearance (2022-23)
Overall: 4-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Away: 1-2-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 1-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Charlotte Independence (USL-1) at Vereinigung Erzgebirge (USASA/USL of PA)
Cairn University – Langhorne, PA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
While this is only VE’s second appearance in the Open Cup proper since 1995, the club has been around since 1931, and playing in the Cup since at least 1958 (according to TheCup.us records).
In the 22 years that have passed since VE’s lone Open Cup appearance, their opponents in the one cup game they played back then have since changed their name twice (South Jersey Barons—Ocean City Barons—Ocean City Nor’easters). Vereinigung is a German word that means combining or uniting, while Erzgebirge is the German word for the Ore Mountains, which are in Eastern Germany along the Czech-German border. VE finished the 2022-23 USL of PA season in second place and are awaiting the resumption of the current season with a 4-0-1 record. In the 2022-23 season VE finished second to West Chester United.
MORE: Pennsylvania’s historic Vereinigung Erzgebirge on verge of cup return
Charlotte has the second longest Open Cup history of all the USL League One teams with seven appearances. The club’s high point was a run to the Fifth Round in 2015, when they upset the New England Revolution 1-0 in the Fourth Round. The Independence fell short of reaching the Quarterfinals, dropping a 3-1 decision to the Chicago Fire. Captain Jorge Herrera was voted Player of the Round by TheCup.us for his performance against New England. Charlotte has outright lost only one Open Cup game in seven played against amateur competition, a 3-1 loss to the Ocean City Nor’easters in the 2018 Second Round. The next year in the same round Charlotte were ousted by Florida Soccer Soldiers on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
2023 Season Preview: Charlotte Independence
Vereinigung Erzgebirge (USASA/USL of PA)
How they qualified: Open Division Local Qualifying tournament (defeated New Jersey Alliance on PKs (4-2) after a 0-0 draw in final round)
2nd US Open Cup appearance in Modern Era (2002)
Overall: 0-1-0
Home: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: First Round (2002)
Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
7th US Open Cup appearance (2015-19, 2022-23)
Overall: 6-6-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 4-4-0
vs. Amateurs: 4-2-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Fifth Round (2015)
Northern Virginia FC (USL-2) at Carolina Core FC (MLS NEXT Pro)
GNCG Soccer Stadium – Greensboro, NC
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
The Carolina Core are one of two independent MLS NEXT Pro teams, along with Chattanooga FC. Former U.S. Men’s National team defender and D.C. United standout Eddie Pope serves as the Chief Sporting Director, and USMNT teammate Roy Lassiter serves as the club’s head coach.
MORE: Carolina Core Soccer Team Ready To Kick Off Season
Northern Virginia FC have been around since 1998, but have a very limited Open Cup history. In 1999 and 2000 as the Northern Virginia Royals of the D3 Pro League the team went one and done each time. The club turned amateur in 2006 and dropped down to the PDL (USL League Two). In 2022 NoVa qualified through the Open Division and reached the Second Round, losing 1-0 to the Richmond Kickers. NoVa finished runners-up in the 2022 National Amateur Cup, and also lost in the final round of Open Division qualifying. NoVa initially looked to have missed out on the 2024 Open Cup, having missed the cut in USL League Two and falling short again the the final round of open Division qualifying to Christos FC. However, the late withdrawal of Salem City FC opened a spot of another USL League Two team, and NoVa was thrown an Open Cup lifeline. (NoVa FC was featured as part of TheCup.us’s “Meet the Underdogs” series in 2022.)
Carolina Core FC (MLS NEXT Pro)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Northern Virginia FC (USL-2)
How they qualified: Selected to replace Salem City FC
4th US Open Cup appearance (1st as USL-2, 1999-2000 as pro team, 2022 as USASA team)
Overall: 0-2-0 (1-1-0 as USASA)
Away: 0-1-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: Second Round (2000) as Pro Team, (2023) as USASA team
Arizona Monsoon FC (NISA) at Lubbock Matadors (NPSL)
LCU Soccer Field – Lubbock, TX
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
The Arizona Monsoon are making their debut in NISA this season. The Monsoon are the fourth professional team from Phoenix to play in the Open Cup since 1995, along with Arizona Sahuaros (1998-99 in D3 Pro League), Phoenix FC (2013 USL Pro) and Phoenix Rising (USL Championship)
On July 15, 2023, 5,842 fans saw the Matadors play Brownsville NPSL at Lubbock’s Cooper Pirate Stadium, ranking among the top ten in single-game attendance figures in NPSL history, and the club averaged around 4,000 for six home games in the 2023 season. Head coach Paul Gilbert was named NPSL Coach of the Year for the 2023 season.
MORE: Lubbock Matadors celebrating as soccer club prepares to play in and host U.S. Open Cup
Lubbock Matadors SC (NPSL)
How they qualified: Finished 11-0-1 in NPSL Lone Star Conference
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Arizona Monsoon FC (NISA)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Azteca FC (USSSA/Colorado Premier League) at Colorado Rapids 2 (MLS NEXT Pro)
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park – Commerce City, CO
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
This is not the first time that a reserve team of the Colorado Rapids has competed in the US Open Cup. The Rapids U-23 team that played in the PDL (USL League Two) participated in the 2004 Open Cup, reaching the Third Round before losing to the Minnesota Thunder 2-1 in sudden death extra time. Fast forward to last season, the Rapids 2 finished first in the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference, nine points clear of second place Tacoma Defiance, but were eliminated in the Conference Final by eventual champions Austin FC II. Rémi Cabral’s (on loan to Phoenix Rising) 19 goals were good for a three way tie atop the league leaders, and midfielder Marlon Vargas led the league in assists with 10 and Yosuke Hanya finished right behind him with nine.
MORE: USSSA has representation in US Open Cup for 10th year in a row
Azteca FC return to the Open Cup for a fourth time after missing out last year. To get in, Azteca defeated UDA Soccer 2-1, avenging a penalty kick loss last year that sent UDA to their Open Cup debut. “5280” in Azteca FC’s crest signifies the elevation in feet of Denver, Colorado. Azteca finished the 2023 Colorado Premier League Fall season with 5-0-3 record, good for second place finish behind league winners Colorado Rovers.
Azteca was the subject of TheCup.us’s Meet the Underdogs series in 2017 and again in 2022. Azteca hasn’t had any success in their three previous Open Cup appearances, losing each time in their opening game. Azteca FC also fields a team in the First Division (3rd tier) of the San Francisco Soccer Football League.
MORE: Somos Azteca: Denver’s best amateur soccer team
Colorado Rapids 2 (MLS NEXT Pro)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Amateurs: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A
Azteca FC (USSSA/Colorado Premier League)
How they qualified: Open Division Local Qualifying tournament (Defeated UDA Soccer 2-1 in final round)
4th US Open Cup appearance (2017-18, 2022)
Overall: 0-3-0
Away: 0-3-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: First Round (2017-18, 2022)
Irvine Zeta FC 2 (UPSL) at Ventura County FC (MLS NEXT Pro)
Dignity Health Sports Park Track & Field Facility – Carson, CA
Kickoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
Broadcast: USSoccer.com
Ventura County FC, formerly known as LA Galaxy II (or “Los Dos”) actually have history in the US Open Cup dating back in 2014 and 2015. Back then, MLS reserve teams playing in the USL were granted entry into the Open Cup for those seasons. In 2014, LAG II reached the Third Round, where they fell to amateur club PSA Elite on penalties. The following year, they lost their opening game to Ventura County Fusion 2-1. The Galaxy II played in the USL Championship until 2022, when MLS NEXT Pro was started. Galaxy II finished the 2023 season last in the Western Conference, allowing a league high 74 goals in 28 games.
As Yogi Berra once said, “it’s deja vu all over again”. Just as NISA’s Club de Lyon did last year, Irvine Zeta qualified through the Open Division qualifiers, then later announced they would field a team in NISA, whose clubs are granted automatic entry into the US Open Cup. Zeta’s debut in the UPSL saw them finish second to eventual Fall champions Chiriaco FC in the Del Real Foods SoCal North Division. Zeta also fell to Chiriaco in the division playoff final.
Ventura County FC (MLS NEXT Pro)
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
3rd US Open Cup appearance (2014-15)
Overall: 1-1-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 1-1-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. Amateurs: 1-1-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Third Round (2014)
Irvine Zeta FC 2 (UPSL)
How they qualified: Open Division Local Qualifying tournament (defeated Temecula FC 3-1 in final round)
1st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 0-0-0
Best finish: N/A