2026 US Open Cup Round 3 Preview: MLS joins Round of 32

It’s the round the lower-league clubs of America wait for, when MLS teams enter the ring, and they get a chance to knock off one of the “big boys” and possibly repeat Sacramento Republic’s run to the Final in 2022.

The 2026 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup continues this week with 16 Third Round games on the schedule. With seven games on Tuesday and nine more on Wednesday, the 16 winners will advance to the Round of 16 (April 28-29).

Follow TheCup.us on BlueSky @TheCup.us and X (Twitter) @USOpenCup throughout the round for live updates from our reporters who will be at every stadium.

All 16 games will be streamed live on Paramount+, with six select games also being shown on the CBS Sports Network.

Below you will find a preview of all 16 games with links to the live streams:

TUESDAY, APRIL 14

New England Revolution (MLS)
vs.
Rhode Island FC (USL-C)
Centreville Bank Stadium – Pawtucket, RI
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

In a rematch of their 2025 encounter in the Fourth Round, the New England Revolution have the odd designation of being the home team while playing at the venue of their opponents, Rhode Island FC.

The winner will face the either FC Naples or Orlando City in the Round of 16.

New England has a history of playing home Open Cup matches outside of their normal home venue. The Revolution have played just 10 of their 25 Open Cup games in their home venues of Foxboro Stadium and Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.

The last time the Revolution lost an Open Cup game to a Division 2 level team was in the 2023 Fourth Round when they fell 1-0 to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

The rest of their Cup home games have taken place in 7 venues in 4 different cities, with Pawtucket’s Centreville Bank Stadium becoming venue number 8 and city number 5. Their most popular “home away from home” is Veterans Memorial Stadium in New Britain, Conn., although that venue has not been used by the Revs since the 2009 Third Round versus the Harrisburg City Islanders, a 2-1 extra time loss for the MLS side.

New England and Rhode Island met in the 2025 Fourth Round in a game that was won at the very end. Played at Centreville Bank Stadium, with Rhode Island as hosts, the Revs struck first through Tomas Chancalay in the 38th minute. Rhode Island equalized five minutes into the second half on a goal from Mexi Rodriguez. With two minutes remaining, Cristiano Oliveira put away a cross that rebounded off the upright of a 2-1 win.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Rhode Island FC had no trouble with CD Faialense of the Bay State Soccer League, winning 4-0 in Round 1. Dani Rovira (13’) and Calvin Williams (26’) scored in the opening half, and Nick Scardina’s goal (78’) was followed two minutes later by an own goal.

In the Second Round, Rhode Island handed USL Championship rivals Hartford Athletic a 2-0 loss. JJ Williams assisted with Aldair Sanchez’s 12th-minute goal, then scored himself in the 29th minute.

New England Revolution 
Major League Soccer | Foxborough, MA
22nd US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1996
Manager: Marko Mitrovic
Overall: 23-18-5 (3-2 PK)
Home: 15-7-3 (2-1 PK) 
vs. Div. 2: 8-11-1 (1-0 PK) 
Best finish: Champion (2007)

Outside of their lone Open Cup championship in 2007 and two other Final appearances in 2000 and 2016, New England’s Open Cup history is lackluster. 13 of their 21 previous appearances in the Open Cup have ended after just two or fewer games. 

The Revs league record isn’t much better, with just one Supporters Shield in 2021, and five appearances in the MLS Cup Final (2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2014) with no championships.

Massachusetts has been home to five other Open Cup Champions, with eight titles among them. Leading the way are the Fall River Marksmen, winners of five Open Cup titles. The club had the unique situation of being based in Fall River, Mass., but playing their home games just across the border in Tiverton, R.I. This was done to circumvent Massachusetts Blue Laws that prohibited charging admission for games played on Sunday.

Rhode Island FC 
USL Championship | Pawtucket, RI
3rd US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2019
Manager: Khano Smith
Overall: 1-1-0 (0-1 PK)
Away:  1-0-1 (0-1 PK)
Vs. MLS: 0-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2025)

Despite the lack of recent history of teams from the Ocean State in the USOC, the state still has a rich history in the tournament. By far the most successful club from Rhode Island is J&P Coats, which reached the Open Cup Semifinals in 1923, 1926, and 1928. After an ownership change, the team was renamed the Pawtucket Rangers and reached the Semifinals again in 1933, and made the Final in 1934 and 1935, losing both times to St. Louis powerhouse Stix, Baer & Fuller / Central Breweries.

A new team, Pawtucket SC, found success in 1941, winning the Open Cup Final over Detroit’s Chrysler SC 6-5 over two games. Pawtucket reached the Final again the following year but lost to Gallatin (Western Penn.) 6-3 over two games.

While Rhode Island fell short of matching its 2024 appearance in the USL Championship Final, it did reach the Eastern Conference Final despite a 7th-place finish at 10-12-8. Each year, Rhode Island has improved its Open Cup performance. After being eliminated by Charlotte Independence on penalties after a wild 4-4 draw in their opening game in 2024, last year they defeated Portland Hearts of Pine 2-1 in their opening contest, moving on to a game against the New England Revolution, where they lost 2-1.

Louisville City FC (USL-C)
vs.
Austin FC (MLS)
Lynn Family Stadium – Louisville, KY
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+/CBS Sports Network

Last year’s Open Cup runner-up, Austin FC, begin their quest to return to the Final when they visit Lynn Family Stadium to face Louisville City FC.

The winner will face either the Houston Dynamo (MLS) or El Paso Locomotive (USL-C) in the Round of 16.

After not achieving much success in their first two Open Cup appearances, Austin went to the Final in 2025. After opening with a comeback 3-2 victory over El Paso Locomotive of the USL Championship “The Verde and Black” ran a gauntlet of MLS Western Conference rivals, knocking off the Houston Dynamo FC (3-1), San Jose Earthquakes (2-2, 4-2 PKs) and Minnesota United FC (2-1 AET) before falling 2-1 to Nashville SC in the Final.

Louisville has been eliminated from the last six tournaments by MLS teams, a run that goes back to 2018 when they beat the New England Revolution 3-2 and reached the Quarterfinals. It was also the only time Louisville have defeated an MLS club at home.

Technically, this isn’t the first time Austin and Louisville have met this year. On Jan. 28, the clubs met in a closed-door pre-season friendly in Austin, Texas, which Austin won 1-0.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Two goals from Tola Showunmi in the 20th and 30th minutes were all Louisville City needed to defeat their opponents from across the Ohio River, Southern Indiana FC of the UPSL, in the opening round. Louisville outshot Southern Indiana 21-4 as the returning Showunmi, who was previously with Louisville in 2014, provided the scoring.

In the Second Round, Louisville recorded their fifth straight Commonwealth Cup victory over in-state rivals Lexington Sporting Club 2-0. Senegalese midfielder Babacar Niang opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, and Tola Showunmi doubled the lead in the 51st minute with his third goal of the 2026 Open Cup.

Louisville City FC
USL Championship | Louisville, KY
10th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2014
Manager: Simon Bird (interim)
Overall: 15-8-4 (3-1 PK)
Home: 10-2-2 (2-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 1-6-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2018)

Louisville City had yet another stellar season in the 2025 USL Championship, finishing 22-7-1 and claiming the USL Championship Player’s Shield for the second consecutive year. The run came to a screeching halt in the playoffs as Louisville were upset by No. 8 seed Detroit City FC 1-0 in the opening round.

Last year, Louisville saw its Open Cup run end after two games. In the Third Round, LCFC fell to Minnesota United 1-0.

AUSTIN FC 
Major League Soccer | Austin, TX 
4th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2021
Manager: Nico Estévez
Overall: 4-3-1 (1-0 PK)
Away: 1-1-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 2-1-0
Best finish: Final (2025)

The City of Austin also has a limited history in the Open Cup. The highest profile team in the pre-Modern Era is perhaps the Austin Soccadillos, who entered the 1991 tournament, winning their group in USISL qualifying only to fall 3-0 to the other group winner in the USISL qualifying final, the Richardson Rockets. The Rockets would go on to reach the 1991 US Open Cup Final.

In the Modern Era, six other teams represented Austin in the Open Cup. First up was the Austin Lone Stars of the USL D-3 Pro League, appearing in three tournaments from 1997 to 1999, only posting a 2-3 record. Amateur club Real Madrid won the USASA Region III qualifying tournament in 2002 but lost their lone Cup game.

The new Austin Aztex qualified as a PDL club in 2013 and 2014 without much success, then again in 2015 when the club turned pro and moved up to the USL, reaching the Third Round where they lost 2-0 to the Houston Dynamo.

In 2019, the USL Championship’s Austin Bold matched the Aztex 2015 run, reaching the Third Round before also falling to the Houston Dynamo, this time 3-2.

Finally, the only other team currently calling Austin its home is Austin FC II, which appeared in 2024 and were upset by amateur side FORO SC on penalties.

Westchester SC (USL-1)
vs.
New York City FC (MLS)
Mount Vernon Memorial Field – Mount Vernon, NY
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

New York City FC looks to rebound from two straight early exits when they make the short trip to Mount Vernon, New York, to face Westchester SC of USL League One.

The winner will face either Red Bull New York (MLS) or the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C) in the Round of 16.

New York City FC’s 1-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in last year’s Fourth Round prevented the Round of 16 from being an all-MLS affair. In their opening game of the 2023 Open Cup, NYCFC were bounced by FC Cincinnati 1-0.

NYCFC’s only Open Cup game against a Division 3 club came in the 2022 Fourth Round, when they defeated Rochester New York FC, the remnants of the Rochester Rhinos, 3-1.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Former Little Rock Ranger Daniel Burko was all the offense Westchester needed to beat the NY Renegades 2-0 in the First Round. Burko converted a penalty kick in the 34th minute, then put the game away with an 83rd-minute goal.

Westchester were taken to penalties by USL League Two Cupset darlings Vermont Green in the Second Round, winning the tiebreaker 4-3 after a 0-0 draw. Goalkeeper Matias Molina saved the first and last penalties from Vermont to avoid the upset. Molina was also a finalist for TheCup.us Player of the Round honors.

Westchester SC 
USL League One | Westchester County, NY
2nd US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2024
Manager: George Gjokaj
Overall: 4-1-0
Home: 1-0-0
vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2025)

Westchester’s Open Cup debut was a little better than their league debut, defeating amateur clubs FC Motown (1-0) and New York Pancyprian Freedoms (3-2) before dropping a 3-1 decision to Detroit City FC (USL-C) in the Third Round.

Westchester’s debut in USL League One is certainly one to improve on, finishing last in the 14-team league at 5-16-9. Despite the last-place finish, Juan Carlos Obregón won the Golden Boot as the leading goal scorer in USL League One with 17. Obregón has since moved on to a new USL Championship side, Brooklyn FC.

New York City FC 
Major League Soccer | Bronx, NY
9th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2013
Manager: Pascal Jansen
Overall: 4-6-2 (0-2 PK)
Away: 1-5-2 (0-2 PK)
vs. Div. 3: 1-0-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2019, 2022)

NYCFC began their Open Cup history with four straight one-and-done eliminations from 2015-2018. Finally, in 2019 and 2022, they broke the skid and reached the Quarterfinals. However, in 2023 and 2025, it was back to square one as they were ousted after just one game once again. In MLS play, New York City FC has missed the playoffs just twice in the past 11 seasons, winning the MLS Cup in 2021.

Detroit City FC (USL-C)
vs.
Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Keyworth Stadium – Hamtramck, MI
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+/CBS Sports Network

Detroit City will try to redeem themselves after last year’s drubbing when they host the Chicago Fire in the Third Round.

The winner will face either St. Louis CITY SC (MLS) or FC Tulsa (USL-C) in the Round of 16.

In the 2025 Open Cup, Chicago opened with their largest Open Cup win since 2018, when they defeated Detroit City 4-0. Hugo Cuypers (4’), Omari Glasgow (50’), and Maren Haile-Selassie (71’) scored for the Fire, and Detroit added an own goal by Darren Smith (35’) in that DCFC were outshot 23-5.

Detroit has two eliminations of MLS teams since they turned professional. The first was a 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew in the 2022 Third Round, then in 2024, DCFC eliminated defending Open Cup champions Houston Dynamo via penalties after a 3-3 draw.  It marked just the third time in the Modern Era that a lower division team rallied from a two-goal deficit and then advanced via a PK shootout. 

Chicago has been chasing a record-tying fifth Open Cup Championship since winning their fourth title in 2006. Since 2011, the Fire have reached the Semifinals five times, and in their last two tournaments, they have advanced to the Quarterfinals.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Forced to move the game indoors to the Legacy Center Fieldhouse in Brighton, Mich., due to the threat of bad weather, Detroit City had no trouble with the Michigan Rangers, winning 5-1. After their NPSL opponents grabbed a shock 1-0 lead after eight minutes, it was all Detroit City. Preston Tabortetaka tied it in the 22nd minute, then Maxi Rodriguez (56’), Alexander Dalou (65’), Ates Diouf (81’) and Preston Tabortetaka (86’) again scored in the second half to pull away.

In the Second Round, Detroit survived one of the great amateur Cupset artists, defeating USL League Two’s Flint City Bucks 1-0. Alexander Dalou scored the lone goal in the 40th minute as Le Rouge avoided becoming the Bucks’ 12th upset victim.

Detroit City FC 
USL Championship | Hamtramck, MI
9th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2012
Manager: Danny Dichio
Overall: 6-5-6 (3-3)
Home: 6-1-3 (1-2) 

MLS: 1-2-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Fifth Round (2024)

Detroit City started in 2012 as an NPSL side and quickly became known for its fervent fan base. Detroit City turned professional and joined NISA for the 2020 season, where it won two championships. In 2022, the club left NISA to join the USL Championship. 

In the 2025 USL Championship season, Detroit City just made the playoff cut with a 9-11-10 record, then upset the top seed Louisville City FC 1-0 in the opening round of the playoffs. It was the second time in three years Detroit defeated the No. 1 seed as the 8th seed, knocking off the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in 2023 by the same score.

Despite having no Open Cup winners, Detroit still has a rich history in the tournament. Two teams from the Motor City have reached the championship game: Holley Carburetor (1927) and Chrysler SC (1941).

Chicago Fire FC
Major League Soccer | Chicago, IL
26th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1998
Manager: Gregg Berhalter
Overall: 47-18-7 (4-3 PK)
Away: 17-16-3 (2-1 PK) 
vs. Div. 2: 9-4-3 (2-0 PK) 

Best finish: Champions (1998, 2000, 2003, 2006)

When the Chicago Fire franchise was launched in 1998, they were an instant success, especially in the US Open Cup. The Fire are perhaps the most successful MLS club in the Open Cup with four championship wins in six Final appearances, 13 Semifinal appearances (most all-time in US Open Cup history), and 16 Quarterfinal appearances (2nd most all-time in US Open Cup history). No team in the Modern Era has more wins (47) and advances (51) than the Fire. The closest teams to that wins mark are the Seattle Sounders FC, FC Dallas, and the now-defunct Rochester Rhinos with 39.

In league play, they’ve been far less successful. After winning the MLS Cup in their debut year of 1998, the only other accolade the Fire has earned was the Supporters’ Shield in 2003. The club was on a dreadful seven-season run of missing the MLS Cup playoffs from 2018-2024 before snapping that streak last year.

The Windy City is home to four other Open Cup champions besides the Fire. Teams such as Bricklayers FC, Sparta A & BA, Croatian SC, and AAC Eagles, among many others, ensured that a Chicago team was a contender for the crown. Prior to the Fire lifting the trophy for the first time in 1998, the last Illinois-based club to win the Open Cup was the AAC Eagles in 1990. 

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C)
vs.
Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
Weidner Field – Colorado Springs, CO
Kickoff: 8 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

Sporting Kansas City, one of the two four-time Open Cup champions in this year’s tournament, begin their quest to end their eight-year wait for championship No. 5 when they make just their second-ever Open Cup trip to Colorado to face the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

The winner will face either the Colorado Rapids (MLS) or Union Omaha (USL-1) in the Round of 16.

Sporting KC have lost to Division 2 opposition in the Open Cup just twice in their previous 24 appearances, 3-1 to the A-League Nashville Metros in the 1998 Third Round, and 3-1 to the Minnesota Thunder in the 2005 Quarterfinals. While SKC have never outright lost an Open Cup road game to a Division 2 foe, they have been eliminated twice via penalties. The first time was in the 2008 Quarterfinals to the then-USL First Division Seattle Sounders after a scoreless draw, and more recently in the 2022 Semifinals to Sacramento Republic, again after a 0-0 draw.

Sporting have only made one trip to Colorado for the Open Cup, and it ended with a 3-2 loss to the Colorado Rapids in the 2003 Fourth Round at the North Area Athletic Complex in Avada, Colo.

The Switchbacks have faced MLS opposition just three times in the Open Cup, losing all three. Twice they faced the Colorado Rapids in 2015 (4-1 loss) and 2016 (1-0 loss), and more recently the New York Red Bulls in 2025 (4-1 loss), all in the Fourth Round.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

In their opener, after jumping out to a 1-0 lead on Jonas Fjeldberg’s sixth-minute goal, it took the Switchbacks nearly 75 minutes to get another two and finally end the upset bid by Azteca FC 3-0. Sadam Masereka (82’) and Khori Bennett (86’) came through for Colorado Springs to beat the stubborn Colorado Premier League side. 

In the Second Round, the Switchbacks faced USL League One side Spokane Velocity and were taken to penalties after a 1-1 draw. Talen Maples scored for Colorado Springs just before halftime, but Spokane equalized with three minutes remaining. In the penalty tiebreaker, Christian Herrera saved Spokane’s first two attempts, and the Switchbacks prevailed 4-2.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 
USL Championship | Colorado Springs, CO
10th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2014
Manager: Alan McCann
Overall: 9-8-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 8-4-0
vs. MLS: 0-3-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2015, 2016)

Switchback refers to a type of path that follows a zig-zag pattern up a steep stretch of terrain, such as a hill or mountainside. The club has generally been middle of the road as far as success in the USL Championship, having made the playoffs three straight seasons after four years of missing out. In 2024, they had their first breakthrough, finishing second in the Western Conference and winning the USL Championship title, beating Rhode Island FC 3-0 in the Final.

Colorado Springs took a step back from winning the USL Championship crown in 2024, finishing 10-13-7 in 2025 and beating out Lexington Sporting Club by one point for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. In the Open Cup, the Switchbacks snapped a three-year one-and-done streak with a 3-2 extra-time win over One Knoxville. In the following round, the Switchbacks lost to the New York Red Bulls, 4-1.

In Open Cup play, Colorado Springs had decent showings in their first two years, going three games deep each time before being stopped by the Colorado Rapids each year. Since then, they haven’t made it past a second game.

Sporting Kansas City
Major League Soccer | Kansas City, KS
25th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1995
Manager: Raphaël Wicky
Overall: 36-17-7 (4-3 PK)
Away: 9-10-5 (2-3 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 9-2-3 (1-2 PK)
Best finish: Champions (2004, 2012, 2015, 2017)

Initially known as the Kansas City Wiz, then the Kansas City Wizards, and now Sporting Kansas City, along with the Chicago Fire and Seattle Sounders, are on the cusp of joining Bethlehem Steel, Maccabee AC, and the Fall River Marksmen/New Bedford Whalers as five-time Open Cup champions. After a slow first few years, KC hit their stride in the Open Cup, and since 2002, they’ve never gone more than two years between reaching at least the Quarterfinals. 

Kansas City has been waiting for title number 5 since last lifting the trophy in 2017. Since then, they nearly won that elusive fifth title when they reached the 2024 Final, but they lost to Los Angeles FC 3-1 after extra time.

Colorado Rapids (MLS)
vs.
Union Omaha (USL-1)
DICK’s Sporting Goods Park – Commerce City, CO
Kickoff: 9:30 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+/CBS Sports Network

After a two-year absence, the Colorado Rapids will try to regain their momentum when they host Union Omaha in the Third Round.

The winner will face either the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USL-C) or Sporting Kansas City (MLS) in the Round of 16.

In their last Open Cup appearance in 2023, Colorado broke a 17-tournament streak of being eliminated after two or fewer games, nearly doubling the next longest streak by an MLS club set by the Columbus Crew from 2011-2022.

Colorado has been eliminated by lower division teams 11 times. They lost to a lower division team in five straight tourneys (1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001). The last time the Rapids lost to a team from this level was in the 2013 Third Round, when they fell 3-1 to Orlando City, who were then part of USL Pro.

Union Omaha has one outright win and a penalty tiebreaker win over an MLS club, both in the same tournament. The PK win came in the 2022 Third Round when they tied the Chicago Fire 2-2, then advanced via penalties 5-4. Two rounds later, Omaha shocked Minnesota United 2-1, sending the Union to their lone Quarterfinal appearance.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Omaha virtually had a First Round bye when they overwhelmed BOHFS St. Louis of the Midwest Premier League 8-0. Second-half sub Sergio Ors scored twice and assisted in two other goals in his half hour of game time. Samuel Owusu also scored twice in Omaha’s largest-ever Open Cup win.

Omaha pulled off its fourth upset of a higher-division foe with a 2-1 win over Indy Eleven in the Second Round. The score remained 0-0 for 75 minutes until Omaha struck twice in eight minutes. The first goal came from Samuel Owusu in the 75th minute, then the second from Kempes Tekiela in the 83rd. Indy pulled a goal back in stoppage time, but it was too little too late.

Colorado Rapids (MLS)
Major League Soccer | Commerce City, CO
22nd US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1995
Manager: Matt Wells
Overall: 15-20-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 6-17-0
vs. Div. 3: 4-2-0
Best finish: Final (1999)

The Rapids are the most snakebit MLS team in terms of Open Cup success. At 15-20-1, they are the only MLS club with more than 20 Open Cup games played to hold an overall record below .500. The Rapids hold the Modern Era record for most consecutive tournaments being eliminated after two or fewer games at 17 (2000-2022). While the Rapids have reached an Open Cup Final in 1999, they are the lone MLS team to lose the Final to a lower division club, the A- League Rochester Raging Rhinos.

In MLS play, the Rapids have won one MLS Cup Championship in 2010 and were playoff regulars in their early years. Recent seasons have been a struggle, missing the playoffs three of the last four seasons.

Union Omaha
USL League One | Omaha, NE
5th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2019
Manager: Vincenzo Candela
Overall: 11-4-2 (2-0)
Away: 6-3-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 1-4-1 (1-0 PK)
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2022)

Omaha took a step back from their double championship in 2024, finishing 13-10-7 and being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by newcomers FC Naples. They also finished with 51 goals, second-best in USL League One. 

Omaha’s best Open Cup performance came in their debut in 2022. The Owls knocked off two MLS clubs (Chicago Fire and 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.

Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C)
vs.
Minnesota United FC (MLS)
Heart Health Park – Sacramento, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+/CBS Sports Network

Minnesota United kicks off their quest to best their 2025 Semifinal finish when they head west to face Sacramento Republic of the USL Championship.

The winner will face either the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) or Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C) in the Round of 16.

Minnesota has a four-tournament streak of playing at least three games, while Sacramento saw their similar six-tournament streak end with a 2-1 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes.

Since the Open Cup returned from its COVID-19 hiatus, Sacramento has played 14 of its 17 Open Cup games at Heart Health Park and holds a 23-3-1 (1-0 PK) record there.

As an MLS club, Minnesota United had not lost to a Division 2 team over four games. Their only loss came when they were part of the single-season USSF Division 2 league and known as the NSC Minnesota Stars, losing 1-0 to AC St. Louis.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Sacramento needed extra time to oust Cupset darlings El Farolito 2-0, but it was what happened near the end of the game that made headlines. Forster Ajago’s two extra-time goals gave the Republic the win, but moments after the second goal in stoppage time, tempers boiled over, and altercations between players erupted. After the referee officially ended the match, a few El Farolito players climbed into the stands to argue with fans before finally making their way to the locker room.

Sacramento’s Second Round game was a bit easier, defeating Valley 559 FC of the UPSL 4-0. Kyle Edwards led the way with a pair of goals in the 38th and 64th minutes, and assisted on Dominik Wanner’s 36th-minute score. Lee Desmond opened the scoring in the 11th minute, assisted by Wanner.

Minnesota United FC 
Major League Soccer | Saint Paul, MN
14th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2010
Manager: Cameron Knowles
Overall: 15-11-3 (2-1 PK) | 10-6-2 (2-0 PK) (MLS)
Away: 8-6-2 (1-1 PK) | 4-4-1 (1-0 PK) (MLS)
vs. Div 2: 3-1-1 (1-0 PK) | 3-0-1 (1-0 PK) (MLS)
Best finish: Final (2019)

Minnesota got its start in 2010 as the NSC Minnesota Stars. After a year in the USSF Division 2 league, Minnesota joined the now-defunct NASL, winning the championship in 2011. In 2015, it was announced that the franchise would join Major League Soccer starting with the 2017 season.

Since Minnesota joined MLS in 2017, they’ve had respectable results, reaching the Final in 2019 and going three games deep in 2022 and 2023. In MLS, the Loons have yet to win a championship but have reached the playoffs five of the last six seasons.

The Twin Cities were represented by the Minnesota Thunder earlier in the Modern Era, reaching the Semifinals in 2005. Thunder legend Johnny Menyongar is tied for second with three other players with 13 career Open Cup goals in the Modern Era.

According to TheCup.us records, the first known team from Minnesota to enter the Open Cup was the Minneapolis Tigers in 1958. Throughout the 1960s, teams like the St. Paul Blackhawks and Ukrainian SC would represent the region in Open Cup play but found little success.

Sacramento Republic FC
USL Championship | Sacramento, CA
11th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2012
Manager: Neill Collins
Overall: 25-9-2 (1-1 PK)
Home: 23-3-1 (1-0 PK)
vs. MLS: 5-8-2 (1-1 PK)

Best finish: Final (2022)

Sacramento has been the most consistent USL Championship club in recent years, having advanced to a third game in all but one of their eight previous appearances. They are also the last non-MLS club to reach the Final, having done so in 2022. The 2022 Final run earned club legend Rodrigo Lopez TheCup.us Player of the Tournament honors.

Sacramento has also been very successful in the USL Championship, making the playoffs in all but one of their 11 seasons, and winning the title in 2014 (when it was known as USL Pro) 

The Republic returned to the top half of the USL Championship standings in 2025, finishing second behind FC Tulsa with a 13-8-9 record. They also had one of the stingiest defenses in USL-C, allowing only 27 goals over 30 games, second-lowest behind Louisville City’s 19. Sacramento was upset in the opening round of the playoffs by Orange County SC, being ousted on penalties after a 0-0 draw. Sacramento also reached the Final of the USL Cup, where they lost to Hartford Athletic 1-0.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15

FC Naples (USL-1)
vs.
Orlando City SC (MLS)
Paradise Coast Sports Complex – Naples, FL
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+/CBS Sports Network

Orlando City SC heads to Naples, Fla., to face a tier 3 team for just the second time since joining MLS as they face FC Naples of USL League One.

The winner will face either the New England Revolution (MLS) or Rhode Island FC (USL-C) in the Round of 16.

Orlando’s lone encounter with a Division 3 team while under the MLS banner came in the 2015 Fourth Round when they eliminated the Charleston Battery via penalty kicks after a 4-4 extra time draw. Four goals were scored in the extra session, and Orlando’s Carlos Rivas had a historic penalty kick hat-trick. GAME VIDEO

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

FC Naples had little trouble with Open Division qualifiers Red Force FC, winning 3-0. Marc Torrellas (23’) and Hudson Gay (30’) scored first-half goals, and Taylor Gray added the third in second-half stoppage time. Kevin O’Connor assisted on two goals as Naples outshot their USASA Premier Futbol League foes 16-1. HIGHLIGHTS

In the Second Round, Naples once again posted a 3-0 win, this time over the UPSL’s FC America CFL Spurs. Andres Ferrin opened the scoring early on a 3rd minute penalty kick, and Julian Cisneros (60’) and Dominick Bachstein (90’+3) followed with second-half goals. HIGHLIGHTS

Orlando City SC 
Major League Soccer | Orlando, FL
15th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2010
Manager: Martín Perelman (interim)
Overall: 22-13-5 (5-0 PK) | 10-7-5 (5-0 PK) (MLS)
Away: 7-8-2 (2-0) | 4-3-2 (2-0) (MLS)
vs. Div. 3:  1-0-1 (1-0) | 0-0-1 (1-0 PK) (MLS)
Best finish: Champion (2022)

Orland City started in 2010 as a USL club, winning USL Pro championships in 2011 and 2013, and finished first or second overall in all four years in the league. In 2015, the club joined MLS but has yet to find consistent league success.

Orlando City have tasted Open Cup success since their debut as a USL club in 2009, their best run coming in 2013 when they reached the Quarterfinals and upset the Colorado Rapids and Sporting Kansas City along the way. The highlight was the Sporting KC upset when Orlando was forced to play without four key players (including star forward Dom Dwyer), who were loaned to them by KC. Even without those players, they still pulled off the cupset on the road.. Open Cup glory continued in their MLS years, reaching the Semifinals in 2019, then finally winning it all in 2022.

FC Naples
USL League One | Naples, FL
2nd US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2024
Manager: Matt Poland
Overall: 3-0-1 (0-1 (PK)
Home: 2-0-1 (0-1 PK)
vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (20252)

Having made their debut in 2025, FC Naples has a very limited Open Cup history. They made their way to the Third Round, defeating a pair of USL League Two sides, Sarasota Paradise (2-1), and Little Rock Rangers (3-1). Naples then pushed USL Championship club Tampa Bay Rowdies to the limit, losing in a 10-round penalty tiebreaker after 120 minutes of 1-1 soccer.

FC Naples made a mark in their debut USL League One season, posting a 13-9-8 record and finishing 4th in the 14-team league. Naples were one of two debut teams out of five to make the 2025 USL League One playoffs, the other being Portland Hearts of Pine. Naples would reach the USL League One semifinals before falling 1-0 to eventual champions One Knoxville SC.

FC Naples, along with Naples United in 2025, were the first clubs representing Naples, Fla., in the Open Cup since the PDL’s Southwest Florida Adrenaline in 2015.

The first team in the Modern Era to represent the area was the Fort Myers/Naples Manatees of the USISL Premier League (now USL League Two) in 1996.

EDITOR’S NOTE: We are missing some historical information about that Manatees club. If any of our readers know anyone associated with that club, please contact us HERE.

Richmond Kickers (USL-1)
vs.
Columbus Crew SC (MLS)
City Stadium – Richmond, VA
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

A rematch ten years in the making will kick off when the Columbus Crew visits the Richmond Kickers in the Third Round.

The winner will face either D.C. United (MLS) or One Knoxville SC (USL-1) in the Round of 16.

Richmond and Columbus have met three times in the Open Cup over the years, but not since 2015. Their first meeting came in the 2002 Third Round, as Columbus’ 3-0 win was the first step in winning the Open Cup that year. Brian McBride opened the scoring with a 34th-minute penalty, and Dante Washington added a pair of Kyle Martino-assisted goals in the 69th and 73rd minutes.

The next meeting came in the 2011 Third Round, and Richmond travelled to Columbus and got revenge. Nozomi Hiroyama opened the scoring for Richmond in the 20th minute, but the Crew answered through Cole Grossman seventeen minutes later. With five minutes remaining, Matthew Delicate headed in the winner from an Edson Elcock assist.

Finally, in the 2015 Third Round, Adam Bedell scored a pair of goals, and Ethan Finlay added another as Columbus came away with the 3-1 victors. Fred Owusu Sekyere scored for Richmond in the opening half.

Ironically, the Crew’s last Open Cup game against a Division 3 team was the 2015 game with Richmond. Columbus has lost two Cup games to Div. 3 clubs, the last coming in the 2012 Third Round when they were upset by the Dayton Dutch Lions of USL Pro 2-1. Richmond has lost nine straight Open Cup games to MLS clubs, with their last win coming in the 2011 Quarterfinals, 2-0 over Sporting Kansas City. That was the only time Richmond defeated two MLS clubs in the same tournament.

This game will mark the 38th Open Cup contest played at Richmond’s City Stadium, which recently broke the Modern Era record of 36 held by MUSC Health/Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C., which has since closed. With their win in the last round, the Kickers now have 38 wins which has surpassed D.C. United and Sporting Kansas City with 37 Open Cup wins in the Modern Era (1995-present), 7th best overall.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Richmond made sure they weren’t eliminated two years in a row by an amateur club by handling Northern Virginia FC 2-0. It wasn’t all easy, as Richmond only outshot NoVa 18-11. Josh Kirkland scored in the 31st minute on a breakaway goal, then Lucca Dourado finally gave Richmond some breathing room with the second goal in the 89th minute. HIGHLIGHTS

Richmond left it late in their Second Round upset of Loudoun United of the USL Championship, as Lucca Dourado’s goal in the 7th minute of second-half stoppage time gave the Kickers a 1-0 win. HIGHLIGHTS

Richmond Kickers
USL League One | Richmond, VA
26th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1993
Manager: Darren Sawatzky
Overall: 37-22-5 (2-3 PK)
Home: 30-9-2 (0-2 PK)
vs. MLS: 5-15-1 (0-1 PK)
Best finish: Champions (1995)

Richmond, which was founded in 1993, will make its 22nd straight US Open Cup appearance. Aside from their Open Cup 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.

Columbus Crew SC (MLS)
Major League Soccer | Columbus, OH
22nd US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1996
Manager: Henrik Rydström
Overall: 25-18-3 (0-3)
Away: 8-11-1 (0-1)
vs. Div. 3: 6-2-0 
Best finish: Champions (2002)

Outside of the Crew’s three Open Cup finals appearances (1998, 2002 and 2010) and lifting the trophy in 2002, Columbus’ Open Cup history is not that great. They hold the third-longest streak in the Modern Era in exiting the tournament after two or fewer games. The Crew return to the Open Cup after a two-year absence, and their last appearance in 2023 broke a string of 10 tournaments where they exited after one of two games.

D.C. United (MLS)
vs.
One Knoxville SC (USL-1)
Audi Field – Washington, D.C.
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

Looking to break a Finals drought going on 12 years, D.C. United welcomes One Knoxville of USL League One to Audi Field for a Third Round matchup.

The winner will face either the Richmond Kickers (USL-1) or Columbus Crew (MLS) in the Round of 16.

After reaching the Open Cup Final five times from 1998-2013, D.C. United have not even reached the Semifinals since then, exiting the tournament after two or fewer games from 2014 to 2023.

D.C. United have just two losses out of 14 games against Division 3 opponents in the Open Cup. The last time it happened was way back in the 2014 Fourth Round when they fell to the Rochester Rhinos 1-0.

After never facing a club from Tennessee in their 25-year Open Cup history, this will be D.C’s second consecutive game against a team from the Volunteer State, after their Quarterfinal game versus Nashville FC last year. This is Knoxville’s first-ever Open Cup game against an MLS team.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

One Knoxville SC traveled to Garfield, N.J., to face Vistula Garfield of the USASA’s American Premier Soccer League and won 3-1. After allowing an opening-minute goal, Knoxville took over, scoring twice in the first half through Babacar Diene (14’) and Trinidad & Tobago international Real Gill (21’), and again in the second on a goal from Mikkel Gøling (76’). HIGHLIGHTS

In another Open Cup edition of the Smoky Mountain Series, One Knoxville survived the upset bid by Asheville City, advancing via penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw. Braudilio Rodrigues scored first for Knoxville in the 33rd minute, but the USL League Two side equalized in the 67th minute. After a scoreless extra time, Jonathan Burke saved three of Asheville’s five penalties to help Knoxville win the shootout 3-2. HIGHLIGHTS

D.C. United 
Major League Soccer | Washington, D.C.
25th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1996
Manager: Troy Lesesne
Overall: 36-7-8 (4-4 PK)
Home: 26-6-5 (2-3 PK)
vs. Division 3: 11-2-1 (1-0 PK) 
Best finish: Champion (1996, 2008, 2013)

With three Open Cup titles (1996, 2008, 2013), two additional Finals appearances (1997, 2009), and three Semifinal appearances (2001, 2003, 2006, 2010), D.C. United has one of the better Open Cup resumes. However, since the club’s 2013 US Open Cup title, success has been limited, as United have failed to advance past a second game in eight attempts. 

Washington D.C.’s first known club to participate in the Open Cup was Heurich Brewers, who took part in the Maryland qualifying tournament for the 1937 Open Cup. It wouldn’t be until the late 1960s that teams from the District would become regulars in the tournament. Club Espana claimed the city’s lone pre-Modern Era title in 1987 via penalty kicks over Seattle’s Mitre Eagles, the first Open Cup title decided by penalties.

One Knoxville SC
USL League One | Knoxville, TN
4th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2021
Manager: Ian Fuller
Overall: 5-3-0
Away: 4-2-0
vs. MLS: 0-0-0
Best finish: Third Round (2025)

One Knoxville began as an amateur team in USL League Two with the intent to eventually move to USL League One. After registering an 11-1-2 record and reaching the League Two Quarterfinals in the 2022 season, One Knoxville made the move to League One for the 2023 campaign but missed the playoffs. 2024 saw an improvement to a 9-5-8 record and a playoff berth, allowing a league-low 16 goals but also scoring a league-low 23.

In their third season in USL League One, One Knoxville did the double, taking the USL League One Players’ Shield with a regular season-best 16-5-9 but also winning the USL League One championship with a 2-0 win over Spokane Velocity.

Head Coach Ian Fuller nearly made history in 2008 when he led the Charleston Battery (USL) to the US Open Cup Final. He scored an early equalizer against D.C. United in the Final, but the MLS side would eventually lift the trophy with a 2-1 win.

New York Red Bulls (MLS)
vs.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL-C)
Sports Illustrated Stadium – Harrison, NJ
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds travel to Harrison, N.J., looking to repeat what they did last year: Post a win over a New York MLS side; this time the New York Red Bulls.

The winner will face either Westchester SC (USL-1) or New York City FC (MLS) in the Round of 16.

Last year, the Riverhounds were the only non-MLS team to reach the Round of 16, upsetting New York City FC 1-0 at home on Beto Ydrach’s stoppage-time goal.

The problem is, Pittsburgh has only won one road Open Cup game against an MLS opponent, a 1-0 win in the 2023 Fourth Round over the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. On top of that, the Red Bulls’ only home loss to a Division 2 team was way back in 1999, when they lost 3-2 in golden goal extra time to the A-League’s Staten Island Vipers. New York has a five-game winning streak against Division 2 teams; their last loss was to the New York Cosmos (then with the NASL), a 3-0 defeat in the 2014 Fourth Round.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Pushed back a week due to inclement weather, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the clear favorites entering the game, could be accused of “playing with their food” too much in the 2-1 win over Steel City FC. Up 2-0 on goals from Danny Griffin (6’) and Charles Ahl (66’), Steel City stayed in the game and pulled a goal back via penalty in the 76th minute. The Riverhounds held on to win despite being outshot 12-5 by their amateur opponents.

The Riverhounds squashed the upset hopes of the UPSL’s Virginia Dream with a 2-0 Second Round win. After a scoreless opening half, Daniel Griffin (51’) and Eliot Goldthrop (59’ PK) put Pittsburgh up 2-0 as Pittsburgh advanced to the Third Round.

New York Red Bulls 
Major League Soccer | Harrison, NJ
25th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1996
Manager: Michael Bradley
Overall: 28-22-5 (3-2 PK) 
Home: 13-6-4 (2-2 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 9-5-0 
Best finish: Final (2003, 2017)

As the MetroStars, the club reached the Semifinals three times (1997, 1998, 2000) and made one appearance in the Final (2003). After rebranding as the New York Red Bulls, another deep run did not come until a return to the Final in 2017. Then, in 2022, the Red Bulls made another Semifinal run.

In MLS play, the Red Bulls have yet to win a championship, reaching the MLS Cup Final twice (2008, 2024) and winning the Supporters Shield three times (2013, 2015, 2018). The 1923 Final between Scullin Steel and Paterson FC  was played at Harrison Field, where a parking garage now stands near Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
USL Championship | Pittsburgh, PA
22nd US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1999
Manager: Rob Vincent
Overall: 21-19-3 (1-2 PK)
Away: 5-14-2 (0-2 PK)
vs. MLS: 4-8-0
Best finish: Quarterfinals (2001, 2023)

Founded in 1998, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds are the second-oldest club in the USL Championship, behind only the Charleston Battery (1993). Initial success eluded the Riverhounds, only occasionally reaching the playoffs. With the building of Highmark Stadium in 2013, the club’s fortunes have turned around, making the playoffs nine of the last 12 seasons, including the last seven. 

Pittsburgh’s Open Cup history has been short on success, having been knocked out of the tournament nine times in their opening game (most recently in 2024) and another five times after their second game. However, in 2023, the team matched their Quarterfinal run of 2001, knocking off MLS clubs New England Revolution and Columbus Crew. The five-game run shattered the teams’ previous high of three games in 2001, 2008, and 2015, and took them to their second Quarterfinal appearance in team history.

Teams from the Western Pennsylvania area have won four Open Cup titles, the last coming in 1956, with the Harmarville Hurricanes winning their second title. In the 1940s and 1950s, teams from the area regularly found themselves reaching the Semifinals. From 1942 to 1956, Western Pennsylvania teams reached the Final eight times.

Chattanooga FC (MLSNP)
vs.
Atlanta United FC (MLS)
Finley Stadium – Chattanooga, TN
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

Chattanooga FC, the lone MLS NEXT Pro club, faces an MLS team for just the second time in the Open Cup when Atlanta United comes to Finley Stadium in the Third Round.

The winner will face either Charlotte FC (MLS) or Charlotte Independence (USL-1) in the Round of 16.

Chattanooga’s first MLS opponent in the Open Cup was none other than Atlanta United, and the “The Five Stripes” had an easy time in their 2022 Third Round encounter, winning 6-0. Dom Dwyer led the way with two goals and an assist.

Chattanooga didn’t have much luck with United’s predecessor, the Atlanta Silverbacks of the NASL. Chattanooga first suffered a 5-0 loss in the 2014 Third Round, then were eliminated 2-1 after extra time in the 2015 Third Round. It is important to note that Chattanooga was still an amateur team playing in the NPSL for both games.

Atlanta has only played Division 3 opposition twice in the Open Cup, winning both games. The first was the previously mentioned 2022 win over Chattanooga, and the other was a 3-0 win over Charlotte Independence in the 2024 Fourth Round.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

In Round 1, Chattanooga recovered from an early 1-0 deficit to overcome amateur side Kalonji Pro-Profile of the UPSL 2-1. In the 13th minute, Kalonji’s 14-year-old Braiden Kalonji made history when he scored off a saved penalty kick, becoming the youngest player to score a goal in the Modern Era (according to TheCup.us records). Chattanooga then took over when Darwin Ortiz (45’+1) and Ameziane Sid Mohand (46’) scored on either side of halftime. HIGHLIGHTS

In the Second Round, Chattanooga needed just one goal to defeat the 2025 Spring UPSL champion Tennessee Tempo, 1-0. Nathan Koehler scored in the 44th minute when he headed in a corner kick from Daniel Mangarov. HIGHLIGHTS

Chattanooga have played eleven of their 18 Open Cup games at home in Finley Stadium, where they are 4-4-3, with the three draws resulting in 2 penalty tiebreaker wins and one loss. Chattanooga has a 3-2-3 (2-1 PKs) record against amateur opponents, with the three wins coming after they turn professional.  

Chattanooga FC
MLS NEXT Pro | Chattanooga, TN
10th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid as an independent MLS NEXT Pro club
Founded: 2009
Manager: Richard Dixon
Overall: 6-7-6 (3-3 PK)
Home: 5-4-3 (2-1 PK)
MLS: 0-1-0
Best finish: Third Round (2014, 2015, 2016, 2022, 2023)

Chattanooga FC started as an NPSL club in 2009, reaching the NPSL championship game four times. The club transitioned to a professional team when they joined NISA in 2019, where they became one of that league’s more successful teams despite not winning a league championship. In 2024, the club moved to MLS NEXT Pro, where they barely missed the playoffs. In the 2024 US Open Cup, Chattanooga FC were upset at home by amateur club Miami United FC 1-0.

Chattanooga FC are by far the most experienced MLS NEXT Pro team as far as the Open Cup is concerned, having made nine previous appearances. 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.

Atlanta United FC (MLS)
Major League Soccer | Atlanta, GA
7th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2017
Manager: Gerardo “Tata” Martino
Overall: 9-5-1 (1-0)
Away: 2-2-1 (1-0)
vs. Div. 3: 2-0-0
Best finish: Champions (2019)

Outside of their 2019 title win, Atlanta United’s Open Cup history has been rather ordinary, as they’ve been eliminated after two games in three of their five previous appearances. The last time Atlanta reached the Quarterfinals was during their 2019 championship run. After they needed extra time to beat the Charleston Battery in front of an empty stadium, they beat the Columbus Crew on the road before they defeated Saint Louis FC of the USL Championship 2-0. After shutting out Orlando City on the road, they edged Minnesota United 2-1 in the championship game in front of 35,709 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the largest crowd to ever witness a US Open Cup Final. It was the first time that a Final was held indoors and the first time that a Georgia team had ever lifted the trophy.

The city of Atlanta’s involvement in the Open Cup goes back to 1979. With enough clubs from the South showing interest, the field was split into four regions, Region I (East), Region II (Midwest), Region III (South) & Region IV (West), with the winner of each region getting a spot in the National Semifinals. Atlanta was represented early on in the final four by the Atlanta Wolves (1980) and Datagraphic (1981), but teams from the city were never able to reach the Final. The Atlanta Silverbacks were the first pro team to represent Atlanta, but could only make it to the Quarterfinals in 2014. Finally, in 2019, Atlanta United not only reached the Final but also won the city’s first Open Cup championship. 

Charlotte FC (MLS)
vs.
Charlotte Independence (USL-1)
Mecklenburg County Sportsplex – Matthews, NC
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

After winning the Battle of the Carolinas in the Second Round, Charlotte Independence now aims for supremacy in North Carolina when they travel to face Charlotte FC in the Third Round.

The winner will face either Chattanooga FC (MLS NP) or Atlanta United FC (MLS) in the Round of 16.

Charlotte FC are undefeated at home (2-0-0) and against Division 3 opponents in the Open Cup. All three games were against USL League One clubs with a combined score of 11-3: 2-1 (AET) at Greenville Triumph SC and 5-1 at Richmond Kickers in 2022, and 4-1 over South Georgia Tormenta in 2023.

The Independence has played MLS teams in the Open Cup just three times, with their only win coming in the 2015 Fourth Round over the New England Revolution 1-0.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Charlotte’s First Round game versus Ristozi FC of the NPSL went a bit smoother. Clay Dimick opened the scoring for Charlotte in the 4th minute, but the amateur side from Baltimore equalized heading into halftime. The Independence pulled away in the second half on goals from Enzo Martínez (69’), Fabrice Ngah (87’), and Christopher Jaime (89’) for a 4-1 win.

In the Second Round, the Independence squandered a 2-0 lead with 20 minutes remaining but recovered to defeat the Charleston Battery 3-2 after extra time. Souaibou Marou (37’) and Luis Alvarez (58’) put Charlotte up 2-0, but Charleston scored in the 70th and 77th minutes to tie the game at 2-2 and force extra time. As a penalty tiebreaker loomed, Viggo Ortiz scored the game-winner for Charlotte in the 118th minute.

Charlotte FC 
Major League Soccer | Charlotte, NC
4th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2022
Manager: Dean Smith
Overall: 5-2-1 (0-1 PK)
Home: 2-0-0
vs. Div. 3: 3-0-0
Best finish: Fifth Round (2022, 2023)

Charlotte FC has only played in three tournaments, the first two times they won two games and lost on the road in the Fifth Round, 2025 was the first year they were eliminated after just two games.

Before the Modern Era, the city of Charlotte has had a limited Open Cup history. It’s limited to hosting the USASA Region III Finals in 1991. The Charlotte Eagles have had the best result in the Modern Era, reaching the Quarterfinals in 2012 as a member of USL Pro (Div. 3). The Charlotte Independence have had a couple of tournaments where they advanced three times in a single tournament (2015, 2024).

Charlotte Independence
USL League One | Charlotte, NC
9th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2014
Manager: Mike Jeffries
Overall: 11-8-3 (2-1 PK)
Away: 6-5-0
Home: 1-2-0
Best finish: Fifth Round (2015)

Charlotte has the second-longest Open Cup history of all the USL League One teams, with eight previous appearances. The club’s high point was a run to the Fifth Round (Round of 16) 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 TheCup.us Player of the Round for his performance against New England.

Charlotte reached the USL League One playoffs for the sixth straight season in 2025, finishing 10-7-13. Their 2025 Open Cup run lasted three games, defeating the Long Island Rough Riders (3-2) and Carolina Core (2-1), both in extra time affairs, before losing 3-1 to North Carolina FC in the Third Round.

St. Louis CITY SC (MLS)
vs.
FC Tulsa (USL-C)
Energizer Park – St. Louis, MO
Kickoff: 8 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

St. Louis CITY will try to live up to the history its city has created in the Open Cup when it hosts FC Tulsa in the Third Round.

The winner will face either Detroit City FC (USLC) or Chicago Fire FC (MLS) in the Round of 16.

With only four Open Cup games under their belt, St. Louis CITY is still somewhat of an unknown entity in the competition.

While St. Louis CITY’s Open Cup history is limited to their two games in 2023, the city they represent is rich in Open Cup history. However, St. Louis CITY entered The Crescent City is home to ten different clubs that have won the US Open Cup, appearing in the Final 21 times. 

The last St. Louis club to reach the Final was Busch SC in 1988. St. Louis was first represented in the Cup in 1920, with Ben Miller SC defeating Fore River FC 2-1 for the city’s first championship. St. Louis clubs would reach the final from 1920 to 1924. Stix, Baer & Fuller (aka Central Breweries and Shamrocks SC) reached the Final six straight times from 1932-1937, a feat unmatched in Open Cup history.

Not only is Tulsa 0-3 against MLS teams in the Open Cup, but they’re also 3-7-0 on the road. The good news is that Tulsa has won the last two road games, both of them coming last year.

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

FC Tulsa had a bit of a fight with the Little Rock Rangers of USL League Two, but managed to hold on for a 4-2 win. Rémi Cabral (19’) and Jamie Webber (32’) gave Tulsa a 2-0 advantage at the break, only to see Little Rock make it 2-1 early in the second half. Lamar Batista restored the two-goal lead in the 70th minute, then Nelson Pierre tallied less than a minute after Rangers got their second goal.

In what could be called Battle of the Alamo II, Tulsa outlasted San Antonio FC 1-0 in extra time in the Second Round. The match saw 60 fouls called and 14 cards handed out, including a red for San Antonio in extra time. It was the second-most combined fouls of any Modern Era game, according to TheCup.us records. In the end, it was Rémi Cabral who put Tulsa in front for good with a goal in the 106th minute.

St. Louis CITY FC 
Major League Soccer | St. Louis, MO
3rd US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2023
Manager: Yoann Damet
Overall: 2-2-0
Home: 2-0-0
vs. Div. 2: 0-0-0
Best finish: Fifth Round (2025) 

In the Modern Era, St. Louis’ Open Cup record has been a bit more modest. The St. Louis Lions of the PDL (now USL League Two) appeared in 2008 and 2009, failing to win a game. AC St. Louis was the first pro team in the Modern Era, making just one run in 2010, reaching the Third Round. The most successful club was Saint Louis FC of the USL, making five appearances from 2015-2019, making a run to the Quarterfinals in 2019, where they upset both the Chicago Fire (2-1) and FC Cincinnati  (1-0) before losing to eventual champion Atlanta United FC 2-0.

FC Tulsa
USL Championship | Tulsa, OK
10th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2013
Manager: Luke Spencer
Overall: 9-8-2 (1-1 PK)
Away: 5-7-0
vs. MLS: 0-3-0
Best finish: Fifth Round (2024)

FC Tulsa started out as the Tulsa Roughnecks in 2014, paying homage to the NASL team that played from 1978 to 1984. After the team changed ownership in late 2019, the team was re-named FC Tulsa for the 2020 season. Tulsa has struggled in the bottom half of the standings for its nine seasons, only reaching the playoffs three times.

After missing the playoffs in 2024, FC Tulsa rebounded in a big way, finishing first in the Western Conference with a 16-5-9 record and reaching the USL Championship Final, where they lost to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

While the original NASL avoided the Open Cup during its existence, in 1983, the Tulsa Roughnecks showed interest in entering. While it was too late to join the 1983 tournament, plans were made for 1984. Unfortunately, the league folded before that could happen, and Tulsa’s Open Cup plans had to be scrapped.

Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
vs.
El Paso Locomotive FC (USL-C)
Shell Energy Stadium – Houston, TX
Kickoff: 8 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+

Houston continues to “defend” their 2023 US Open Cup championship and stop the string of bad results when they host El Paso Locomotive in the Third Round.

The winner will face either Louisville City FC (USLC) or Austin FC (MLS) in the Round of 16.

Houston are the last Open Cup Champions to enter the Open Cup, as the last two winners (Los Angeles FC in 2024 and Nashville FC in 2025) have not returned to defend their titles due to CONCACAF Champions Cup commitments. Since winning the Open Cup in 2023, Houston has not had much success in the tournament, being bounced by Detroit City after one game in 2024, and only lasting two games last year.

Houston have been eliminated by a Division 2 opponent just four times in its history. The last time came as the Dynamo were beginning defense of their 2023 Open Cup championship, eliminated via penalties by Detroit City FC after a 3-3 draw. They let a two-goal lead slip away before falling in the tiebreaker. The last outright loss was in the 2012 Third Round when they were upset by San Antonio FC 1-0.

After four years of one-and-done performances in the Open Cup, El Paso finally broke through and made a run to the Fourth Round. After beating amateurs Harpos FC 5-1 for their first-ever Open Cup win, El Paso knocked off Ventura County FC  (MLSNP) 3-0. In the Third Round, El Paso eliminated USL Championship rivals New Mexico United on penalties after a 2-2 draw. The run came to an end after Austin FC (MLS) scored three unanswered goals to overcome a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2.

El Paso found themselves with a challenge in the USL League Two’s Laredo Heat. They came away with a 2-0 win with each team taking 15 shots, El Paso took a 1-0 lead on Diego Abitia’s 51st-minute goal and could finally breathe easy when Rubio Rubín put El Paso up by two in the 89th minute. HIGHLIGHTS

For the second year in a row, El Paso topped their Derby Del Camino Real rivals New Mexico United in the Open Cup, this time by a resounding 4-0 scoreline. Up 1-0 at the half on Alvaro Quezada’s 37th-minute goal, the Locomotive extended their lead with three second-half goals from Alex Mendez (63’), Rubio Rubin (69’), and Eric Calvillo (86’). 

Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) 
Major League Soccer | Houston, TX
18th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2006
Manager: Ben Olsen
Overall: 26-13-3 (1-2 PK)
Home: 19-5-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 9-2-2 (0-2 PK)
Best finish: Champions (2018, 2023)

The Houston Dynamo are like the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. In 1996, the Ravens relocated to Baltimore from Cleveland and promptly won a Super Bowl. Houston left San Jose after the 2005 season, then won back-to-back MLS Cups in 2006 and 2007. The club has been looking for its third championship since then.

The Dynamo have had success in the Open Cup as well, winning championships in 2018 and 2023. Their 2024 title defense was stopped cold by Detroit City FC on penalties after a 3-3 draw. It was just the fourth time in the Modern Era that a defending champ was eliminated in their opening game the following tournament. 

The city of Houston made a mark on the Open Cup before any of its clubs did. The 1983 Open Cup Semifinals and Final were hosted at Houston’s Delmar Stadium, and won by New York Pancyprian Freedoms in a 4-3 goal fest over St. Louis’ Kutis SC.

El Paso Locomotive FC
USL Championship | El Paso, TX
6th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2018
Manager: Junior Gonzalez
Overall: 4-4-2 (1-1)
Away: 3-3-2 (1-1)
vs. MLS: 0-1-0
Best finish: Fourth Round (2025)

El Paso Locomotive began in 2019, filling the void left by the El Paso Patriots (1995 US Open Cup runners-up) when they ceased operations in 2013. Locomotive found success at first, reaching the Western Conference final two years in a row. El Paso gained one of the top two playoff seeds in 2021, only to be upset by the Oakland Roots in the First Round. In 2022, they missed the playoffs and just made the cut in 2023 with a 7th-place conference finish. 2024 was a season to forget for El Paso, finishing in last place with an 8-18-8 record. El Paso did well in the 2025 USL Championship season, going 10-9-11 and finishing 4th in the Western Conference, though they exited the playoffs in the opening round.

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
vs.
Phoenix Rising FC (USL-C)
PayPal Park – San Jose, CA
Kickoff: 10 p.m.
LIVE VIDEO: Paramount+/CBS Sports Golazo Network

The San Jose Earthquakes will renew their quest to finally reach an Open Cup Final when they host the USL Championship’s Phoenix Rising FC.

The winner will face either Sacramento Republic FC (USL-C) or Minnesota United FC (MLS) in the Round of 16.

Outside of a 2017 Semifinal appearance, San Jose’s Open Cup record isn’t very impressive. 12 times they’ve been eliminated after just two games, and four of those were “one and done”. San Jose have the most Open Cup appearances of any MLS team (20) without making an appearance in the Final.

In their 20 previous Open Cup appearances, San Jose has never faced a club from Arizona. Three of San Jose’s last four Open Cup appearances have ended in defeat to a USL Championship team: 2-0 to Sacramento Republic in 2022, 1-0 to Monterey Bay FC in 2023, and 4-3 (AET) again to Sacramento in 2024. 

Phoenix is 0-3 against MLS clubs in the Open Cup, and their last two cup runs were stopped by an MLS club (2-1 vs. Seattle in 2024, 4-1 (AET) to Houston in 2025)

ROAD TO THE ROUND OF 32

Phoenix had an easy opening game, cruising past San Ramon FC of The League for Clubs 4-0. Phoenix led at halftime 2-0 on goals from Hope Avayevu (15’) and Juan Carvajal (45’+2) before topping things off with late goals from Aleksander Vukovic (90’) and Anthony Capetillo (90’+4).

In the final game of the Second Round, Phoenix needed extra time to vanquish USL Championship rivals Orange County SC 2-1. In a game that saw 43 fouls and a Modern Era record-tying 15 yellow cards, Gunnar Studenhofft put Phoenix ahead 1-0 in the 35th minute, only to see Orange County equalize with four minutes remaining. Aleksander Vukovic restored Phoenix’s advantage five minutes into extra time as they held on to win.

San Jose Earthquakes
Major League Soccer | San Jose, CA
21st US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 1996
Manager: Bruce Arena
Overall: 19-15-9 (4-5)
Home: 12-5-3 (1-2 PK)
vs. Div. 2: 11-4-2 (2-0 PK)
Best finish: Semifinals (2004, 2017)

San Jose was once a powerhouse in MLS, winning the MLS Cup in 2001 and 2003 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2002. That all changed after the 2005 season, when the club left the Bay Area for Houston and became the Houston Dynamo. MLS awarded San Jose a new franchise, retaining the records of the original Earthquakes. The only ray of light was winning the Supporters’ Shield in 2013. Since the team was reborn in 2007, the ‘Quakes have reached the MLS Cup playoffs just five times.  

The city of San Jose first dipped their toe into the Open Cup pool during the 1970 tournament, when the San Jose Latinos entered. Throughout the 70s teams like the San Jose Portuguese AC, San Jose Grenadiers, and San Jose Lobos would be regular entrants and would make the occasional deep run. The San Jose Oaks won the Open Cup in 1992, 2-1 over Vasco da Game of Bridgeport, Conn.

The Earthquakes are managed by Bruce Arena, who led D.C. United to an Open Cup title in 1996. After falling short on penalty kicks with D.C. in the 1997 Final (to the Dallas Burn), Arena has not led a team to the championship game since 1997. Only two of his teams (2015 and 2016 LA Galaxy) have survived more than two games in a single tournament. Arena, one of American soccer’s all-time great coaches, has a career Open Cup coaching record of 16-10-2 (1-1 PKs). He has 11 US Open Cup Major titles (MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield, CONCACAF Champions Cup, US Open Cup) to his credit, which is tied with Sigi Schmid for the most.

Phoenix Rising FC
USL Championship | Phoenix, AZ
11th US Open Cup appearance
How they qualified: Automatic Bid
Founded: 2014
Manager: Pa-Modou Kah
Overall: 10-8-3 (1-2 PK)
Away: 5-3-2 (1-1 PK)
vs. MLS:
Best finish: Fifth Round (2024)

Phoenix Rising began in 2014 as Arizona United, and in 2017, new ownership changed the club’s name to Phoenix Rising. In 2017, Côte d’Ivoire legend Didier Drogba signed on with Phoenix as a player-owner, holding a minority stake in the club. Phoenix won the USL Championship in 2023, finished runners-up in 2018, and won the Players’ Shield in 2019. Phoenix has missed the playoffs just once since 2016.

Despite its success in league play, Phoenix has largely struggled in the Open Cup. Only twice have they advanced to a third game (2014, 2022). Last year, after eliminating FC Tulsa on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Third Round, Phoenix fell to 2024 Open Cup champs Houston Dynamo 4-1 after extra time.