US Soccer Rejects MLS's Plan to Remove Teams from Open Cup
US Soccer has ruled against Major League Soccer's plan to replace first teams with reserve teams in the US Open Cup.
US Soccer Rejects MLS's Plan
United States Soccer has announced that it has rejected Major League Soccer's plan to remove the league's first teams from the US Open Cup. MLS had intended to replace its first-team squads with teams from its reserve and developmental league, MLS Next Pro. However, US Soccer characterized this as only a request from MLS that had been turned down.
In a statement, US Soccer said, 'Major League Soccer has requested to allow MLS Next Pro teams to represent MLS in the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. After thoughtful consideration, we have informed MLS that the US Soccer staff recommendation, which was adopted by the Pro League Taskforce, is that the request be denied.'
US Soccer also stated that they will continue to review the Open Cup in order to align it with their strategic pillars. They remain committed to addressing the needs and concerns of all members, including MLS, to improve the tournament.'
MLS's Response to the Decision
MLS failed to inform US Soccer about their plans before publicly announcing them on December 15. Following US Soccer's rejection, MLS issued a statement expressing their commitment to finding a viable solution for the 2024 tournament that addresses their goals and concerns. They emphasized their focus on increasing opportunities for up-and-coming players and prioritizing player health and safety.
MLS also highlighted the essential goals and concerns that need to be addressed in connection with the tournament. These include developing young professional players, providing them with meaningful competition opportunities, reducing schedule congestion for MLS clubs, and enhanced investment from US Soccer.
Background on the US Open Cup
The Houston Dynamo emerged as the champions of the 2023 US Open Cup, defeating Inter Miami in the final. This victory earned them a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup for the following year. Notably, Lionel Messi of Miami missed the match due to an injury.
The US Open Cup is the only professional men's national soccer championship in the United States and includes participation from Canadian teams in MLS as well. The tournament has a long history, with its first matches taking place in November 1913, more than 82 years prior to MLS's inaugural season.
US Soccer's professional league standards state that US-based teams must participate in all representative US Soccer and Concacaf competitions for which they are eligible. The Open Cup meets these criteria as it is governed by US Soccer. Prior to the Covid pandemic, the Open Cup was the second-longest continuously running cup competition in the world, following the Irish Cup.
