Local teams, NPSL & USL teams begin play Mar. 24 & 25 as 2nd round and other pairings are to be set on Jan. 29. 38 teams over 14 states will start the 107th go 'round for the US Soccer National Championship. These teams will be part of 13 local qualifiers, 14 NPSL teams and 11 from USL Two. Over this pair of days, the teams are the top amateurs nation wide, going at different open Div. teams in this single elimination contest. There exists a First Round Provision to reduce travel, as such, more than 20% of the teams are meeting those in the same qualifying pool.
Those 19 who will emerge victorious out of these games then go up versus pro teams Apr. 7-9 , here, 25 DII USL teams, 6 D III USL sides and 8 NISA DIII teams join in. This Cup is unique in that it is the only major American team sports event where local amateurs may take on pro clubs with something more than pride on the line.
Eleven lesser ranked US only MLS teams join in the 3rd Round, Apr. 21-23, the next dozen join in the fun at the Round of 32, May 19-20. ESPN+ is now halfway into their 4 year partnership to broadcast the games.
Local teams in the first games will be FC Motown, a past opponent to the NY Cosmos and the historic team out of NYC, NY Pancyprian Freedoms going at it on Mar. 23 @ 7 p.m. ET from Montclair State.