Local teams get set to get in on the fun, don't miss the date of Aug. 9, at 2 p.m. CT to apply. In it's 107th go 'round, this is the event in the sole tourney that amateur sides have to take on the top tier in the beautiful game in games that have a meaning.
What is the track to get your team in on the Open Division Local Qualifying route? Should your side not be in any of the pro leagues, and not in an amateur league seeking the Open Division National League, both NPSL & USL 2 have gone this route having the year before set the qualifiers, the Qualifying route is for you.
US Soccer's Open Cup Policy must be met to get in, part of an Organizations Members of the USSF in a league with at least 4 teams and 8 games. Go online, usopencup.com, pay the fee and bond and your on your way.
Once a team is good to go, the rosters are processed, games set. US Soccer then gets behind the games behind the scenes and promoting these matches.
Open Qualifying is a one game pathway in the fall you may get up to 4 games, each on the weekend.
After Qualifying, all are on equal footing and need to be able to host games in each round.
Games are set to lessen costs due to travel, a coin toss sets the home team. Teams visiting are on their own for all expenses but the portion covered by the Federation for airlines.
The early '22 slots are set just after the deadline. Final games, Jan '22 following as the pro teams are set up.
Key moments in Cup history:
-2012, Cal FC beats the Wilmington Hammerheads of DIII, ad D1, Timbers then bowed out to 3x defending titlests Seattle Sounders.
-2016, La Maquina made it to the 4th round, then out with a 4-1 loss to the Galaxy in extra time.
-2017, a legend was born, Christos FC took out D2 Richmond Kickers and held a lead over 3x winners, DC United but a trio of late goals sent them home.
-2019, Florida Soccer Soilders took D2 Charlotte Independence out in PK's getting to the 3rd Round.
I have known of this historic tourney and some local teams have won it over the decades. I have been to a few of the games involving the NY Cosmos and they were exciting affairs with great fan involvement.