Major League Soccer Teams Gear Up for Expanded U.S. Open Cup Participation

The 2025 U.S. Open Cup is set to feature an expanded participation from Major League Soccer (MLS) teams, with 16 clubs confirmed to compete. This historic tournament, which has been a staple of American soccer since 1913, will see a total of 96 teams vying for the coveted title, including clubs from various leagues across the country.

Key Takeaways

• Expanded Participation: 16 MLS teams will compete in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup, up from 8 in previous years.
• Diverse Competition: The tournament will include 14 clubs from USL League One, 10 from MLS NEXT Pro, and 24 from the USL Championship.
• Tournament Schedule: The competition kicks off with the First Round from March 18-20, 2025.

The U.S. Open Cup will officially commence with a First Round featuring 32 matches, where amateur teams will face off against professional sides. The tournament structure allows for a mix of competition levels, showcasing the depth of soccer talent across the United States.

U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson emphasized the importance of the tournament, stating, "The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a crucial connection point for all levels of soccer in the United States. We’re pleased to continue working with and collaborating with all U.S. Soccer members to maximize the tournament’s impact on soccer at all levels in this country."

Tournament Structure

The tournament will follow a structured format, with teams entering at different stages based on their seeding:

1. First Round: March 18-20, 2025 – Amateur teams face off against professional teams.
2. Second Round: April 1-2, 2025 – Winners from the First Round continue.
3. Third Round: April 15-16, 2025 – Higher-seeded USL Championship teams enter.
4. Round of 32: May 6-7, 2025 – MLS teams join the competition.
5. Round of 16: May 20-21, 2025.
6. Quarterfinals: July 8-9, 2025.
7. Semifinal: September 16-17, 2025.
8. Final: October 1, 2025.

Among the MLS teams participating are notable clubs such as Austin FC, New York Red Bulls, Houston Dynamo, and the reigning champions, LAFC, who will send their MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, LAFC II, to compete.

Significance of the U.S. Open Cup

The U.S. Open Cup is not just a tournament; it represents a unique opportunity for clubs across different levels to compete for glory. It allows lower-tier teams to challenge higher-ranked opponents, often leading to thrilling upsets and memorable moments in soccer history.

The expanded participation of MLS teams reflects the growing interest and investment in soccer across the United States, as clubs aim to enhance their competitive edge and engage with fans through various tournaments.

As the tournament approaches, anticipation builds among fans and players alike, eager to witness the drama and excitement that the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup promises to deliver in 2025.

Sources

• 16 MLS clubs to participate in 2025 U.S. Open Cup – SBI Soccer, SBI Soccer.
• New England Revolution acquire defender Ilay Feingold | MLSSoccer.com, MLSsoccer.com.
• Revolution will participate in 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup | New England Revolution, revolutionsoccer.net.