The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States, dating back to 1914. What makes it especially unique is its open format, allowing clubs from every level of the U.S. soccer pyramid—from elite professionals to local amateur teams—to compete in a single-elimination tournament. This structure leads to thrilling “David vs. Goliath” matchups and gives small clubs a rare chance to challenge the country’s biggest teams on a national stage.
The U.S. Soccer Pyramid at a Glance
Before diving into how the tournament works, it’s helpful to understand the structure of U.S. soccer:
- Division I: Major League Soccer (MLS) – The top-tier professional league.
- Division II: USL Championship – A strong professional league one level below MLS.
- Division III: USL League One and MLS Next Pro – Professional leagues with a focus on player development and smaller markets.
- Amateur & Semi-Pro Leagues – These include:
- National Premier Soccer League (NPSL)
- United Premier Soccer League (UPSL)
- USL League Two
- Plus countless independent amateur clubs from regional or state leagues.
How the Tournament Works
The U.S. Open Cup is a single-elimination tournament, meaning one loss and a team is out. Here’s how the progression typically works:
1. Qualifying Rounds
- Amateur teams begin their journey months before the main draw through local qualifiers organized by U.S. Soccer.
- Teams from leagues like the UPSL, NPSL, and other state-sanctioned organizations compete for a limited number of spots in the First Round.
2. First Round
- Features successful amateur qualifiers and some semi-professional teams (such as those from USL League Two or UPSL).
- These teams are usually matched regionally to reduce travel costs and build local interest.
3. Second Round
- Division III teams from USL League One and MLS Next Pro enter the competition.
- They are matched against First Round winners or each other, continuing the regional structure.
4. Third Round
- Division II teams from the USL Championship join the fray.
- This round often produces early upsets, as stronger lower-division teams face off with lesser-known or amateur clubs that have built momentum.
5. Round of 32
- Major League Soccer (MLS) teams finally enter the competition.
- Depending on the year and format, not all MLS clubs join at this stage—usually just the ones not participating in other international competitions (like the CONCACAF Champions Cup).
- This is where some of the most exciting “cupsets” (cup upsets) can happen, with lower-tier teams challenging the big boys.
6. Later Rounds (Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Final)
- As teams advance, matchups are determined by a draw, and games become more competitive.
- The final is typically played in late summer or early fall, with the winner earning:
- A trophy and national recognition
- A berth in the next year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup
- Prize money, with bonuses for the furthest-advancing lower-division team
Why It Matters
The U.S. Open Cup is a rare gem in American sports: a competition where a small-town club can take on the giants of MLS on equal footing. It fosters community pride, offers players a chance to showcase their talent on a national stage, and unites the U.S. soccer ecosystem in a way few other events do.
For fans, it’s a celebration of American soccer’s diversity, depth, and drama—one where anything can happen, and sometimes, it does.
