U.S. Open Cup Third Round: Cinderella Stories Emerge

Sports news » U.S. Open Cup Third Round: Cinderella Stories Emerge

6 months ago 54

Preview U.S. Open Cup Third Round: Cinderella Stories Emerge

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup has reached its third round, available to watch on Paramount+, and the tournament is already full of surprises. El Farolito continues their impressive run as the amateur team advancing the furthest for the second year in a row. Now, with the entry of USL Championship clubs, the journey for some of these underdog stories might face its toughest challenges. It remains to be seen if MLS Next Pro teams, like Tacoma Defiance and Columbus Crew II, can progress further and potentially compete against MLS sides.

Newcomers such as Portland Hearts of Pine and FC Naples are also gaining recognition with victories early in the tournament. Only eight teams will move on to the fourth round, where MLS teams will enter, making this a critical stage in shaping the path 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 feeling this year could be different.

Changes in MLS qualification for the cup mean teams in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup have different participation levels in the Open Cup. This new structure opens up opportunities for lower division teams to make a significant impact. Some MLS teams are replaced by their MLS Next Pro counterparts, creating a more level playing field for other divisions.

Which teams should you be watching?

Page Contents

Portland Hearts of Pine Aim for Impact in Debut Season

Portland Hearts of Pine, a new team in USL League One, are set to face Rhode Island FC, a successful regional rival. Rhode Island, coached by Khano Smith, reached the USL Cup final in their inaugural season and are aiming for continued success. Portland will use this match to measure themselves against regional competition and has also introduced a new mascot, Moxie the Moose. Could Moxie become a surprise star of this Open Cup, similar to past beloved figures?

MLS Next Pro Teams Continue to Advance

Columbus Crew II and Tacoma Defiance represent MLS Next Pro`s chances to advance beyond the third round. Last year, only Carolina Core made it past this stage, but this year could see more success. Columbus Crew II`s striker, Chase Adams, known for his scoring record with the U.S. U-17 team, is showcasing his playmaking ability with three assists in the Open Cup. He`ll lead Crew II against Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Tacoma Defiance will face Oakland Roots, a team known for ending underdog runs, promising a compelling match.

Florida Teams Battle for Dominance

FC Naples, another USL League One newcomer, has reached the third round and will face Tampa Bay Rowdies, historically a top USL team. Naples has a chance to make a statement amidst Tampa Bay`s current instability. Following a disappointing season start, the Rowdies have replaced their head coach, with Steve Coleman taking over as interim coach for this match. Naples, currently unbeaten in League One, will look to upset their in-state rivals, Tampa Bay.

El Farolito`s Cup Magic Continues

El Farolito versus Sacramento Republic is a standout third-round match. Sacramento has a strong Open Cup history, while El Farolito is proving their amateur setup can achieve sustained success. Named after a popular San Francisco burrito restaurant, El Farolito embodies the magic of the cup. As San Francisco C.D. Mexico, they won the Open Cup in 1993, and Sacramento Republic reached the final in 2022, making both teams strong contenders.