US Open Cup: What You’ve Missed and What’s to Come

Ah the US Open Cup. That wonderful tradition that dates back to 1914. While the teams in Minnesota either have not started yet (Minnesota United), were disqualified from competition (Minneapolis City SC), or not competing, there is plenty of action to go around.

What you have missed so far:

The first round was high scoring, but largely uneventful. The reigning PDL champions and NPSL Champions (the Michigan Bucks and AFC Cleveland, respectively) moved on to the 2nd round. Amateur Champions (USASA) Christos FC also won in their debut.

The only real notable losses came when La Maquina (who took the LA Galaxy to extra time during last year’s fourth round) and Chattanooga FC (who are the only NPSL team to beat a professional team in the Cup.)

It’s the second round when the NASL and USL join. And things got interesting:

Now, Christos FC is not really an amateur team. They are by definition, but their keeper played professionally overseas, and many of their field players played in the USL with some garnering MLS interest or even drafted by MLS teams. But still, everyone has an underdog to root for in the third round.

With the USL and NASL teams joining in the second round there were three more upsets beyond Christos beating Richmond. The Charlotte Eagles of the PDL dispatched USL team, Charlotte Independence. The aforementioned Michigan Bucks went on to beat our old friend, Indy Eleven. But quite possibly the biggest upset of the night (and one of interest to MNUFC fans) was win Reading United AFC beat the New York Cosmos 3:2.

What to watch for in Round 3

MLS teams (and thus, the Loons) will not be joining in on the fun until Round 4. But there is plenty to watch in Round 3.

Starting with Christos FC. This team is good. With their third round matchup set against Chicago FC United, we have an all-amateur match. We are guaranteed at least one MLS vs. Amateur matchup in the fourth round. You can catch that 3rd round match on May 31.

There are three USL vs. NASL matchups that could be quite fun to watch. The NASL newbies take on the USL newbies (well new name) as the San Francisco Deltas take on Phoenix Rising FC. The Tampa Bay Rowdies (formerly of the NASL and now of the USL) take on their in-state rivals, Miami FC, and the Jacksonville Armada will play host to the Charleston Battery.

You can find the complete schedule here.