With the NYRB U-23 PDL team having qualified for this years cup, Sporting Director Dennis Hamlett explained that they are happy for this, that it is a tremendos exposure given their players as they face pro teams and advance their game, and all hope to be ready for the May opener. Now in their 2nd Cup, missing out last season, 20 of the 98 teams are from the PDL in the total tourney, their last season results in the Mid Atlantic Division winning it with a record of 12-1-1 with a 37 goal differential got them in. Nine of these players are now in the pro ranks between MLS & USL. The U-23's start Cup play May 9 as the first team does the same May 24 in the 4th round. The brackets are set up such that any teams tied with another via material technical support may not face eachother until the final to be played at an on or about date of Sept 26. One team for 2017 switched leagues, an auto out for the next cup, El Farolito wil suffer this fate. Pro teams that are majority owned or otherwise controlled by a higher divison team are also removed, including Atl Utd 2, Bethlehelm Steel FC , LA Galaxy II, NYRB II, Portland Timbers 2, Real Monarchs, Rio Grande Valley FC Toros, Seattle Sounders FC 2, & Swope Park Rangers