As the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup advances to its third round, available for streaming, the tournament`s magic continues with inspiring underdog stories. El Farolito has earned the distinction of being the amateur team to progress furthest for the second year in a row. Now, with the entry of USL Championship teams, the early feel-good narratives face potential challenges. It remains to be seen if MLS Next Pro teams like Tacoma Defiance and Columbus Crew II can advance further and possibly compete against MLS teams.
Emerging teams such as Portland Hearts of Pine and FC Naples are gaining recognition with victories early in the competition. Only eight teams will proceed to the fourth round, where MLS teams will join, marking a crucial phase in the journey to the U.S. Open Cup final. While a lower division team hasn`t reached the final since Sacramento Republic in 2022, there`s a possibility this year could be different.
Changes in MLS qualification for the cup mean that teams in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup will participate only in those competitions. Leagues Cup qualifiers will play in the Open Cup, while teams not qualifying for Leagues Cup will focus solely on the Open Cup. MLS Next Pro teams are replacing some of the non-participating MLS teams, creating opportunities for lower division teams to make an impact.
Which teams should you watch?
Portland Hearts of Pine Aim for Success in Debut Season
Portland Hearts of Pine, a new USL League One team, will face Rhode Island FC, a successful regional rival. Rhode Island, coached by Khano Smith, reached the USL Cup in their first season and aims for continued success. Portland sees this as a test against regional competition and has introduced a new mascot, Moxie the Moose. Following past Open Cup cult hero mascots, could Moxie become a star in this year`s tournament?
Next Pro Teams Continue to Advance
Columbus Crew II and Tacoma Defiance represent MLS Next Pro`s chances of advancing past the third round. Last year, only Carolina Core progressed this far, but this season could see more. Columbus Crew II`s striker Chase Adams, known for his performance with the U.S. U-17 team, is showcasing his playmaking abilities with three assists in the Open Cup, leading Crew II`s attack and posing a challenge to Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Defiance will face Oakland Roots, a team known for ending underdog runs, setting up an intriguing match.
Florida Teams Vie for Dominance
FC Naples, another USL League One newcomer, has reached the tournament`s third round. They will compete against Tampa Bay Rowdies, a historically strong USL team, offering Naples a chance to shine amidst Tampa Bay`s current instability. Following a poor season start, the Rowdies dismissed Robbie Neilson, with Steve Coleman taking over as interim coach for this match. Naples is performing strongly in League One, undefeated in six games, and this match is an opportunity to prove their arrival by defeating in-state rivals Tampa Bay.
El Farolito Still in the Competition
El Farolito versus Sacramento Republic is a highly anticipated third-round match. Sacramento has a history of Open Cup success, while El Farolito is demonstrating the sustainability of their amateur setup. Named after a popular San Francisco burrito restaurant, El Farolito embodies the magic of the cup. As San Francisco C.D. Mexico, this team won the Open Cup in 1993, and Sacramento Republic reached the final in 2022, both teams are aiming for a deep run this year.
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
- Charlotte Independence vs. North Carolina FC
- Portland Hearts of Pine vs. Rhode Island FC
- Charleston Battery vs. Tormenta FC
- Union Omaha vs. San Antonio FC
- AV Alta FC vs. Orange County SC
- Tacoma Defiance vs. Oakland Roots
Wednesday, April 16
- FC Naples vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies
- 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
- Sacramento Republic vs. El Farolito FC
- Las Vegas Lights vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves
