The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is now in its third round, and the magic of underdog stories continues to captivate fans. El Farolito has once again earned the honor of being the amateur team that has advanced the furthest in the tournament for the second year in a row. As teams from the USL Championship enter the competition, the journey for some of these feel-good stories from the early rounds might be coming to an end. It remains to be seen if MLS Next Pro teams like Tacoma Defiance and Columbus Crew II can continue their runs and potentially face MLS teams later in the tournament.
Even newly formed teams like Portland Hearts of Pine and FC Naples are making a name for themselves with impressive early victories in the competition. Only eight teams will move on to the fourth round, where MLS teams will begin to participate. These early rounds are crucial as they begin to shape the path to the U.S. Open Cup final. While a lower division team hasn`t reached the final since Sacramento Republic in 2022, this year could be different.
MLS has changed the qualification rules for the cup competition within the league. Teams that qualified for the Concacaf Champions Cup will only compete in that tournament and the Leagues Cup. Teams that only qualified for the Leagues Cup will participate in the Open Cup. Teams that did not qualify for the Leagues Cup will solely participate in the Open Cup. Some of the MLS teams not participating are replaced by their MLS Next Pro teams, which creates opportunities for teams from other divisions to make a significant impact.
Which teams should you watch out for?
Portland Hearts of Pine Aim to Impress in Debut Season
Portland Hearts of Pine, a new team in USL League One, are already making waves in their first season. They are set to face Rhode Island FC, a successful regional rival. Rhode Island FC, under coach Khano Smith, reached the USL Cup in their inaugural season and are aiming for continued success. For Portland, this match is an opportunity to test themselves against regional competition. They have also introduced a new mascot, Moxie the Moose. Just as other mascots have become fan favorites in past Open Cup runs, Moxie could become a new star of this year`s competition.
Next Pro Teams Continue to Advance
Columbus Crew II and Tacoma Defiance, both MLS Next Pro teams, have a good chance to advance beyond the third round. Last season, only Carolina Core reached this stage, but that could change this year. Columbus Crew II striker Chase Adams, known for his performances with the U.S. U-17 team, is showcasing his creative playmaking abilities in the Open Cup with three assists. His contributions are driving Crew II forward as they prepare to face Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Tacoma Defiance will face Oakland Roots, a team known for ending underdog runs, setting up an intriguing match.
Florida Teams Battle for Dominance
FC Naples, another USL League One newcomer, has also reached the third round. They will face the Tampa Bay Rowdies, a historically strong USL team. This match is an opportunity for Naples to make a statement amidst recent changes in Tampa Bay. Following a poor start to the season, the Rowdies have replaced their head coach, Robbie Neilson, with interim coach Steve Coleman for this match. Naples is performing strongly in League One, remaining undefeated in their first six matches, and a victory against in-state rivals Tampa Bay would be a significant achievement.
El Farolito Still in the Competition
The match between El Farolito and Sacramento Republic could be the most exciting of the third round. Sacramento has a history of success in the Open Cup, while El Farolito continues to demonstrate the sustainability of their amateur club. Named after a popular burrito restaurant in San Francisco, El Farolito represents the magic of the cup, showcasing unexpected success stories. As San Francisco C.D. Mexico, this team won the Open Cup in 1993, and Sacramento Republic reached the final in 2022. Both teams will be aiming to advance as far as possible in this year`s tournament.
U.S. Open Cup Schedule
All matches available on Paramount+
Tuesday, April 15
- Columbus Crew II vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds
- Louisville City FC vs. Loudoun United (CBS Sports Network)
- Charlotte Independence vs. North Carolina FC
- Portland Hearts of Pine vs. Rhode Island FC (CBS Sports Golazo Network)
- Charleston Battery vs. Tormenta FC
- Union Omaha vs. San Antonio FC
- AV Alta FC vs. Orange County SC (CBS Sports Golazo Network)
- Tacoma Defiance vs. Oakland Roots
Wednesday, April 16
- FC Naples vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies (CBS Sports Golazo Network)
- Detroit City FC vs. Westchester SC
- Indy Eleven vs. Miami FC
- FC Tulsa vs. Phoenix Rising
- Colorado Springs FC vs. One Knoxville SC
- New Mexico United vs. El Paso Locomotive (CBS Sports Golazo Network)
- Sacramento Republic vs. El Farolito FC (CBS Sports Network)
- Las Vegas Lights vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves
Dominic Ashworth