The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup will occur in 2024 however it will likely be completely different than earlier editions. Solely eight Main League Soccer groups will make the most of their first groups, the league introduced. The competing MLS groups are the Houston Dynamo, who’re the reigning champions from the 2023 version, and the highest seven U.S. based mostly groups within the Supporters’ Protect standings who did not qualify for Concacaf Champions Cup. Alongside these MLS sides, 11 MLS Subsequent Professional groups will even participate within the match together with 9 MLS associates and two unbiased golf equipment. Participation of these groups can also be based mostly on the 2023 MLS Subsequent Professional ultimate standings, excluding MLS groups both competing in Concacaf Champions Cup or already competing within the U.S. Open Cup.
MLS groups will enter within the spherical of 32 with no less than 4 of these MLS groups having internet hosting rights in that spherical. Subsequent Professional groups will enter within the first spherical of the match. Through the match, MLS groups will solely play lower-division sides till it could not be prevented. The reigning USL Championship league champions, Phoenix Rising FC, and the highest seven groups type the 2023 standings will enter within the spherical of 32 whereas the remaining groups will enter within the first spherical of play.
Operating for the reason that 1913-14 season, the U.S. Open Cup is the longest-running soccer match in American soccer, occurring constantly, outdoors of a pause for COVID in 2020. The winner of the U.S. Open Cup will earn $300,000 in prize cash and a berth within the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. The runner up will earn $100,000 and the group that advances furthest from every decrease division will take dwelling a $25,000 prize.
Who’s competing
MLS: Seattle Sounders, Los Angeles FC, Houston Dynamo, Atlanta United, Actual Salt Lake, FC Dallas, Sporting Kansas Metropolis, San Jose Earthquakes
MLS Subsequent Professional: Austin FC 2, Colorado Rapids 2, Crown Legacy, Crimson Bull New York 2, Chicago Hearth 2, Minnesota United 2, New York Metropolis FFC 2, Portland Timbers 2, LA Galaxy 2, Carolina Core (Impartial), Chattanooga FC (Impartial)
Seeking to ease schedule congestion, MLS initially expressed a want to take away all first groups from the Cup, solely together with Subsequent Professional groups, however that plan was rejected by U.S. Soccer resulting in discussions that led to this compromise. Apart from these modifications, there can be improved economics for all members together with extra journey being coated for away groups and a higher incentive for dwelling groups to host as a result of elimination of internet hosting charges. The inclusion of Subsequent Professional groups will even present these gamers with alternatives for aggressive matches whereas easing burdens on every of their dad or mum groups.
Which means after reaching the ultimate final season, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will not be competing within the match this season. MLS groups can be competing in Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, the U.S. Open Cup, and the Canadian Championship however solely the Vancouver Whitecaps and Houston Dynamo first groups will compete in three of the 4 cup choices. The League did not rule out participation altering throughout 2025.
“Utilizing competitively based mostly standards was what we felt was the fairest and finest method to decide how we’d have MLS illustration in 2024 solely,” Govt Vice President of Sporting Product & Competitors Nelson Rodriguez mentioned. “Once more the whole lot can be up for reevaluation as we work with U.S. Soccer and the opposite constituents in constructing out the Open Cup for the longer term.”
Extra will occur sooner or later however with the primary spherical of the match kicking off on March 19 with beginner golf equipment and 11 members of USL League Two getting into the competitors alongside MLS Subsequent Professional, time was operating out to plan a brand new format.
2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Schedule
First Spherical
Tuesday, March 19 – Thursday, March 21
Second Spherical Tuesday, April 2 – Wednesday, April 3
Third Spherical Tuesday, April 16 – Wednesday, April 17
Spherical of 32 Tuesday, Might 7 – Wednesday, Might 8
Spherical of 16 Tuesday, Might 21 – Wednesday, Might 22
Quarterfinal Tuesday, July 9 – Wednesday, July 10
Semifinal Tuesday, Aug. 27 – Wednesday, Aug. 28
Last Wednesday, Sept. 25
