Major League Soccer’s first-team involvement in the U.S. Open Cup originally looked to be coming to an end, but U.S. Soccer has responded in a major way.
U.S. Soccer has denied MLS’ request to remove their first team squads from the 2024 U.S. Open Cup, the federation announced Wednesday. MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced the league’s plan last Friday before notifying U.S. Soccer, but the federation isn’t set on allowing MLS NEXT Pro clubs to replace first teams in the competition.
“Major League Soccer has requested to allow MLS Next Pro teams to represent MLS in the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. After thoughtful consideration, we have informed MLS that the U.S. Soccer staff recommendation, which was adopted by the Pro League Taskforce, is that the request be denied,” USSF said in a statement.
“As we move forward, we will continue our review of the Open Cup to ensure it aligns with the U.S. Soccer strategic pillars. We remain committed to addressing the needs and concerns of all of our members, including MLS, and other stakeholders to enhance and improve the U.S. Open Cup.”
Garber originally hinted at the idea during his State of the League address prior to Dec. 9’s MLS Cup Final. He provided supporting comments last week, further committing himself to the decision.
The U.S. Open Cup was founded in 1914 and provides the only meaningful competition between the country’s first division and the rest of the American soccer ecosystem. Due to the country’s lack of a promotion/relegation structure, the Open Cup provides great experiences for lower-league clubs in the USL and other American leagues.
Independent MLS NEXT Pro clubs have also participated in the tournament, including Rochester New York FC and St. Louis CITY2 in the past. Carolina Core FC and Chattanooga FC will be MLS NEXT Pro’s representatives in 2024.
The Houston Dynamo lifted the U.S. Open Cup in 2023, defeating Inter Miami in the finals.