CHICAGO (April 27, 2023) – The Round of 32 schedule for the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, U.S. Soccer’s National Championship, has been set. Eight matches will be played across the country each night on May 9 and 10. All 16 games in the Round of 32 will be produced. Distribution channels for each match will be announced at a future date.
The Round of 32 welcomes the final eight, higher-seeded Division I (MLS) clubs to the competition where they will face the 24 winners from the Third Round, which saw 16 clubs from MLS and eight USL Championship (Div. II) teams survive the rigors of America’s oldest soccer competition.
The Round of 32 Draw, which was conducted earlier today, delivered numerous appetizing clashes that will stoke rivalry fires and provide the opportunity for more Cupsets. Of the six games that could see Division II squads eliminate Division I opposition, perhaps none are better positioned than three USL Championship clubs who will hosts their MLS foes.
In the Tuesday nightcap, last year’s Finalists and current USL Championship table-toppers Sacramento Republic FC will welcome Colorado Rapids to the rowdy grounds of Heart Health Park, while Monterey Bay F.C. opens the doors of Cardinale Stadium in beautiful Seaside, Calif. to Los Angeles FC, who are navigating a jam-packed schedule of league and cup play. Then to kick things off on Wednesday, Loudoun United hosts the Columbus Crew just outside the nation’s capital at Segra Field.
The other enticing Cupset possibilities include Inter Miami (MLS), fresh off a miraculous escape from the Miami Classico against Miami FC, hosting USL Championship Eastern Conference leaders Charleston Battery in the opening match of the Round of 32 -- and early MLS Supporters Shield contenders New England Revolution receiving a visit from Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USLC) on Tuesday. Austin FC (MLS) will try to avoid a second consecutive exit at the hands of a USL Championship squad when they host New Mexico United on Wednesday at Q2 Stadium.
The Draw produced one all-USL matchup with Birmingham Legion FC facing Memphis 901 FC, who notched a scintillating 2-1 comeback victory on the road in extra-time against 2019 Open Cup winners Atlanta United. The Eastern Conference rivals square off at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Ala. On May 10.
Of the remaining nine fixtures, all feature MLS teams going head to head. In a pair of particularly interesting matches on May 9, current Open Cup title holders Orlando City SC begin their bid to keep their crown on the road against Charlotte FC, while Chicago Fire FC and St. Louis CITY SC get ready to add a new chapter to what is already a spicy rivalry between the two Midwest cities.
Check the schedule at usopencup.com to see the full list of Round of 32 showdowns.