5 Things to Know About the 2025 US Open Cup Qualifying

US Open Cup Qualifying

The buzz around the 2025 U.S. Open Cup Qualifying is already palpable, as soccer enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the start of the tournament that will determine which lower-division teams will join the prestigious U.S. Open Cup proper. This year’s qualifying rounds promise to be more competitive than ever, with a record number of teams vying for a spot in the main draw. The excitement is building, and the road to the Open Cup is about to get even more thrilling. As the countdown to the qualifying rounds continues, let’s take a closer look at what to expect in 2025.

The U.S. Open Cup is the oldest soccer competition in the United States, dating back to 1914. It is open to all amateur and professional soccer teams in the country, making it one of the most inclusive tournaments in the world. The qualifying rounds for the Open Cup are typically held in the spring, with the main draw taking place in the summer. In 2025, the qualifying rounds will begin on April 15th, and the final will be played on August 9th. A total of 104 teams will compete in the qualifying rounds, with the top 8 teams advancing to the main draw.

The qualifying rounds are always full of surprises, as lower-division teams often pull off upsets against higher-ranked opponents. In recent years, several amateur teams have made it to the main draw of the Open Cup, including the Chattanooga FC in 2015 and the Christos FC in 2017. These Cinderella stories are what make the Open Cup so special, and they add an element of unpredictability to the tournament. In 2025, we can expect to see more of these underdog stories as the qualifying rounds get underway.

The Road to Glory: Qualifiers for the 2025 US Open Cup

The Long and Winding Road to the Open Cup

The road to the 2025 US Open Cup is a long and winding one, with over 100 teams vying for a spot in the prestigious tournament. Clubs from all levels of the American soccer pyramid will have a chance to qualify, from amateur sides to professional teams like LAFC and the New England Revolution.

The first step for most clubs is to qualify through their local or regional soccer association. These associations will hold tournaments or playoffs to determine which teams will advance to the national stage.

Once the regional qualifiers are complete, the remaining teams will be divided into four groups based on their level of play. Group A will feature the top amateur teams, Group B will include Division III college teams, Group C will consist of Division II professional teams, and Group D will be made up of Division I professional teams and the defending US Open Cup champion.

Group	Teams
A	Top amateur teams
B	Division III college teams
C	Division II professional teams
D	Division I professional teams and the defending US Open Cup champion

Amateur Spirit and Professional Aspirations: The US Open Cup Qualifying Tournament

Amateur Spirit

The US Open Cup Qualifying Tournament embodies the amateur spirit of soccer, bringing together a diverse range of teams from amateur clubs, universities, and lower-tier professional leagues. These teams compete for the chance to qualify for the prestigious US Open Cup, the oldest soccer competition in the United States. The tournament provides a platform for amateur players to showcase their talent and aspire to higher levels of competition.

Professional Aspirations

While the tournament celebrates the amateur spirit, it also serves as a pathway to professional aspirations for many players. The US Open Cup Qualifying Tournament offers amateur players the opportunity to compete against professional teams and demonstrate their skills on a national stage. For some, the tournament can be a stepping stone to being noticed by professional scouts and securing a contract with a professional club.

Recent examples of players who have used the US Open Cup Qualifying Tournament as a launchpad for their professional careers include:

Player	Amateur Team	Professional Club
Darlington Nagbe	Michigan Bucks	Portland Timbers
Tyler Adams	New York Red Bulls II	New York Red Bulls
Alejandro Bedoya	Boston College	Philadelphia Union

The US Open Cup Qualifying Tournament provides a unique opportunity for amateur players to compete against professional teams and showcase their talent. For some, the tournament can be a stepping stone to being noticed by professional scouts and securing a contract with a professional club.

Unveiling the Challengers: Meet the Teams Vying for a Spot

The 2025 US Open Cup Qualifying Round promises to be an exciting battleground, with teams from across the country vying for a chance to compete in the prestigious tournament’s main draw. Among the contenders are several intriguing squads with a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars.

Division II and III Powerhouses Join the Fray

The Division II and Division III ranks are well-represented in the qualifying rounds, boasting teams with a proven track record of success. Here are some of the standout squads to watch:

University of North Carolina at Pembroke (Div. II): Back-to-back Division II National Champions with a roster led by All-Americans Aitor Lopez and Ignacio Corona.
Grand Valley State University (Div. II): A perennial contender in Division II, Grand Valley State will rely on their balanced attack and experienced defense.
Williams College (Div. III): The reigning NCAA Division III National Champions, Williams College boasts a talented group of players who excel in both attack and defense.
Messiah University (Div. III): Another Division III powerhouse, Messiah University has won 13 NCAA Division III National Championships and will look to make their mark on the US Open Cup stage.

Team	Division	Notable Players
University of North Carolina at Pembroke	Div. II	Aitor Lopez, Ignacio Corona
Grand Valley State University	Div. II	N/A
Williams College	Div. III	N/A
Messiah University	Div. III	N/A

Regional Battles and Cross-Continent Clashes: A Diverse Qualifying Landscape

The path to the 2025 US Open Cup begins with a series of regional qualifying tournaments. These competitions pit teams from different parts of the country against each other for the chance to advance to the national tournament. The qualifying landscape is diverse, with teams from all levels of the American soccer pyramid competing for a spot in the US Open Cup.

Cross-Continent Clashes

In addition to the regional battles, the US Open Cup qualifying process also includes a number of cross-continent clashes. Teams from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean will compete in regional qualifying tournaments for the chance to earn a spot in the US Open Cup. These cross-continent clashes add an international flair to the qualifying process and give teams from different cultures and playing styles a chance to compete against each other.

Teams to Watch

There are a number of teams to watch in the 2025 US Open Cup qualifying process. Here are a few of the top contenders:

FC Cincinnati (MLS)
Louisville City FC (USL Championship)
Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship)
Toronto FC (MLS)
Club Tijuana (Liga MX)
Montego Bay United FC (Jamaica National Premier League)

Qualification Schedule

The 2025 US Open Cup qualifying tournaments will be held from March to May 2025. The winners of each regional tournament will advance to the national tournament, which will be held in June and July 2025.

Tournament Format

The 2025 US Open Cup will be a single-elimination tournament. The tournament will begin with a round of 32, which will be followed by the round of 16, the quarterfinals, the semifinals, and the final. The winner of the tournament will earn a berth in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions League.

Round	Number of Teams
Round of 32	32
Round of 16	16
Quarterfinals	8
Semifinals	4
Final	2

A Path to Redemption: Lower Division Clubs Looking to Make a Mark

With the 2025 US Open Cup fast approaching, lower division clubs are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to make their mark on the national stage. For many of these clubs, the Open Cup provides a unique chance to showcase their talent, upset higher-division opponents, and potentially earn a place in the tournament’s later rounds.

Five Teams to Watch

Several lower division clubs have emerged as potential contenders in this year’s Open Cup. Here are five teams to keep an eye on:

Detroit City FC (NISA): A perennial powerhouse in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), Detroit City FC boasts a strong squad with a track record of success in the Open Cup.
FC Tucson (USL League One): FC Tucson is a rising star in USL League One and has made a name for itself with its attacking style of play. They are looking to make a deep run in the Open Cup this year.
Forward Madison FC (USL League One): Forward Madison FC is another USL League One club that has impressed in recent seasons. With a passionate fanbase and a talented roster, they are poised for a strong showing in the Open Cup.
South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL League Two): South Georgia Tormenta FC is the only USL League Two club on this list, but they are not to be underestimated. They have a history of upsetting higher-division opponents and are eager to make a statement in the Open Cup.
Vere United FC (USL League Two): Vere United FC is a newcomer to USL League Two, but they have already made a name for themselves with their attacking flair and strong team chemistry. They are looking to make a splash in the Open Cup and show that they can compete with the best.

The Power of Youth: Academies and College Teams in the Mix

Academies Making Their Mark

MLS Academies have emerged as a breeding ground for young talent, and several have made their presence felt in the Open Cup. The Philadelphia Union Academy, for instance, reached the semifinals in 2018, while the FC Dallas Academy advanced to the quarterfinals in 2019.

Scouting and Development

Academies provide MLS clubs with a pipeline of potential first-team players. They scout and develop promising youth, offering them a professional environment to hone their skills and prepare for a career in soccer.

College Teams Impressing

College soccer is also a hotbed for Open Cup success. Teams like Wake Forest University and the University of Maryland have consistently made deep runs in the tournament.

The Power of a Solid Foundation

College soccer provides a competitive environment for young players to develop their individual skills and teamwork. The structured training and coaching nurture their talent and help them prepare for the challenges of the Open Cup.

Pathways to Professionalism

The Open Cup offers college players a rare opportunity to showcase their abilities against professional clubs. Impressing against higher-level opponents can open doors to future professional opportunities.

Bridging the Gap

The Open Cup serves as a bridge between youth soccer and the professional game. It allows young players from academies and college teams to experience the thrill of competing against the best in the country.

2025 Open Cup Qualifying: Teams to Watch

Academy Teams

Team	League
Philadelphia Union Academy	MLS Next
FC Dallas Academy	MLS Next
Sporting KC Academy	MLS Next

College Teams

Team	Conference
Wake Forest University	ACC
University of Maryland	Big Ten
Michigan State University	Big Ten

Strategies and Tactics: Analyzing the Approaches of Qualifying Contenders

1. Controlling Possession: Maintaining Dominance

Teams prioritize possession to dictate the pace of play, reduce turnovers, and create scoring chances. They employ short passes, fluid movement, and strategic positioning.

2. Aggressive Pressing: Disrupting Opponent’s Rhythm

High-energy pressing forces opponents to make errors, creating turnovers and regaining possession quickly. Teams press high up the pitch, cutting off passing lanes and forcing rushed decisions.

3. Counterattacking Prowess: Striking When the Opportunity Arises

Teams capitalize on turnovers to launch swift counterattacks, utilizing speed and skill to exploit open spaces and create scoring chances.

4. Defensive Stability: Preventing Goals and Preserving Leads

Solid defenses focus on preventing shots on goal, marking opponents tightly, and blocking passes. They rely on organization, communication, and timely interventions.

5. Playing to Strengths: Exploiting Team’s Unique Abilities

Teams identify and leverage their strengths, whether it’s technical skill, physicality, or tactical flexibility. They tailor their approach to maximize their advantages and minimize weaknesses.

6. Set-Piece Efficiency: Capitalizing on Dead-Ball Situations

Teams prepare meticulously for free kicks, corners, and penalties, practicing specific routines and assigning designated takers. Set-piece goals can significantly impact the outcome of matches.

7. Adaptability and Flexibility: Adjusting to Different Opponents and Situations

In a competitive tournament, teams must adapt to different styles of play, varying conditions, and unexpected challenges. Flexibility in formations, tactics, and personnel allows them to overcome adversity and find solutions on the pitch.

Streaming and Social Media Coverage: Connecting Fans with the Qualifiers

The 2025 US Open Cup Qualifiers will be widely accessible to fans through a combination of streaming and social media platforms. This enhanced coverage aims to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience for supporters unable to attend matches in person.

Streaming:

Every qualifying match will be streamed live on ESPN+, the official streaming service of the US Open Cup.
Dedicated match pages on ESPN+ will feature live commentary, replays, and player profiles.

Social Media:

The official US Open Cup Twitter account (@usopencup) will provide real-time updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content.
US Open Cup Facebook and Instagram pages will offer extended match previews, exclusive interviews, and fan-generated content.

Connecting Fans with the Qualifiers

The enhanced streaming and social media coverage will connect fans with the qualifiers in unprecedented ways:

Expanded Reach: Streaming on ESPN+ allows fans to watch matches from anywhere in the country.
Enhanced Engagement: Live commentary, replays, and player profiles provide deeper insights into the action.
Community Building: Social media platforms foster fan interaction and create a sense of community around the qualifiers.

By leveraging these platforms, the 2025 US Open Cup Qualifiers will not only showcase the excitement of grassroots soccer but also foster a sense of connection and shared experience among fans nationwide.

The US Open Cup Qualifying Tournament: A Gateway to the Soccer Dream

10. The Battle of the Brackets: Round Three

Round Three of qualifying pits the 16 surviving teams from Round Two against each other, with the winners earning a spot in the 2025 US Open Cup proper. The draw for this round is conducted by US Soccer and follows the same principles as the previous rounds, ensuring geographical balance and avoiding potential conflicts between higher-seeded teams.

This round is where the competition truly intensifies, as the remaining teams represent the cream of the crop from their respective regions. The stakes are high, with the promise of a berth in the prestigious US Open Cup just one game away. The teams that emerge victorious from Round Three will have earned their place among the nation’s best amateur and semi-professional clubs.

Here is a detailed overview of the Round Three bracket:

Team	Qualifying Approach
[Team Name]	[Analytical Summary of Their Qualifying Approach]

Match	Team 1	Score	Team 2
1	[Team 1]	[Score]	[Team 2]
2	[Team 3]	[Score]	[Team 4]
3	[Team 5]	[Score]	[Team 6]
4	[Team 7]	[Score]	[Team 8]
5	[Team 9]	[Score]	[Team 10]
6	[Team 11]	[Score]	[Team 12]
7	[Team 13]	[Score]	[Team 14]
8	[Team 15]	[Score]	[Team 16]

2025 US Open Cup Qualifying: A Comprehensive Overview

The 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Qualifying tournament is set to commence, bringing together amateur, semi-professional, and professional clubs from across the United States in a thrilling competition for a place in the prestigious US Open Cup. This year’s qualifying process will consist of several rounds, with the eventual winners earning the opportunity to compete against the top teams in the country.

The US Open Cup is the oldest and most prestigious soccer tournament in the United States, dating back to 1914. It is open to all amateur, semi-professional, and professional soccer clubs in the country, providing a unique opportunity for teams from all levels to compete against each other.

Qualifying Format

The 2025 US Open Cup Qualifying tournament will consist of multiple rounds, with the number of teams and the structure varying based on the region. Teams will typically be seeded based on their previous performance in the US Open Cup or other relevant competitions.

Round 1

In Round 1, regional tournaments will be held, with the top teams advancing to the next round. The number of teams participating and the tournament format will vary by region.

Round 2

The winners of Round 1 will advance to Round 2, which will consist of a national tournament with regional qualifiers. The top teams from each region will compete for a limited number of spots in the US Open Cup proper.