The U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 is set to unfold this Tuesday and Wednesday. This stage marks the highly anticipated entry of Major League Soccer (MLS) teams into the competition, where they will face off against opponents from various lower divisions.
This week`s lineup features 16 MLS clubs, including decorated teams like four-time champions Chicago Fire and two recent titleholders, the Houston Dynamo and Orlando City. Their adversaries hail from lower leagues: 12 teams from the USL Championship, three from USL League One, and one from MLS Next Pro. Many pairings feature regional interest, with several matches pitting teams from the same state against each other, such as North Carolina FC taking on Charlotte FC and Austin FC meeting El Paso Locomotive.
CBS Sports platforms will provide comprehensive coverage for all 16 matches in the Round of 32. Broadcasts will be available across CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Golazo Network. Viewers can expect in-studio analysis on both days. Additionally, “The Golazo Show,” a dedicated program showcasing every goal and top highlights from the matches, will be broadcast on Wednesday, focusing on the 11 fixtures scheduled for that day.
Here is the information you need before tuning in:
U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 Schedule
All times U.S./Eastern
| TUESDAY, MAY 6 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Matchup | Time | How to Watch |
| D.C. United vs. Charleston Battery | 7 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| North Carolina FC vs. Charlotte FC | 7 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Nashville SC vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves | 8 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| CBS Sports Golazo Matchday | 9 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Colorado Springs Switchbacks vs. New York Red Bulls | 9:30 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Tacoma Defiance vs. Portland Timbers | 10 p.m. | CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
| WEDNESDAY, MAY 7 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Matchup | Time | How to Watch |
| The Golazo Show | 7 p.m. | CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs. New York City FC | 7 p.m. | CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
| Philadelphia Union vs. Indy Eleven | 7:30 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Louisville City vs. Minnesota United | 7:30 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Rhode Island FC vs. New England Revolution | 7:30 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Orlando City | 7:30 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Chicago Fire vs. Detroit City | 8 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| FC Dallas vs. AV Alta FC | 8 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| St. Louis City vs. Union Omaha | 8 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| Austin FC vs. El Paso Locomotive | 8 p.m. | Paramount+ |
| CBS Sports Golazo Matchday | 10 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
| Phoenix Rising vs. Houston Dynamo | 10 p.m. | CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ |
| San Jose Earthquakes vs. Sacramento Republic | 10:30 p.m. | Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network |
Key Storylines for the Round of 32
1. Sacramento Republic`s Visit to San Jose Earthquakes
If there`s one match that stands out this round, it might be the final fixture: Sacramento Republic traveling to face the San Jose Earthquakes. While the MLS side, led by former U.S. national team coach Bruce Arena, is generally considered the favorite, Sacramento Republic is a formidable competitor in this tournament. They notably made a deep run to the final just three years ago before being defeated by Orlando City, eliminating MLS teams including the Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, and Sporting Kansas City along their path. As the first team from outside MLS to reach the final since 2008, they are a strong contender to make another significant push this year, regardless of the odds.
2. Potential Mismatches with Lower Division Teams
While the majority of games feature MLS teams against USL Championship opponents, a few third-division clubs have also successfully reached the Round of 32. These include AV Alta FC, Chattanooga Red Wolves, and Union Omaha from USL League One, as well as Tacoma Defiance from MLS Next Pro, which is affiliated with the Seattle Sounders. Tacoma Defiance will host a version of a Pacific Northwest derby on Wednesday when the Portland Timbers visit, while the Chattanooga Red Wolves face fellow Tennessee club Nashville SC. In these specific matchups, MLS teams are particularly heavy favorites. However, the inherent nature of single-elimination cup ties means the lower division teams will be highly motivated to achieve an upset.
Dominic Ashworth