U.S. Open Cup Third Round: Underdog Teams Take the Spotlight

Sports news » U.S. Open Cup Third Round: Underdog Teams Take the Spotlight

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The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is heating up as it enters the third round, available to watch on Paramount+. This stage of the tournament is known for its captivating underdog stories, and this year is no exception. El Farolito has once again earned the honor of being the amateur team to advance furthest in the competition for the second year running.

Now, with the entrance of USL Championship teams, the journey for some of these feel-good stories might be nearing its end. It remains to be seen if MLS Next Pro teams like Tacoma Defiance and Columbus Crew II can continue their progress and potentially face MLS teams later in the tournament.

Emerging teams such as Portland Hearts of Pine and FC Naples are also making headlines with impressive early victories. With only eight spots available in the fourth round, where MLS teams will enter, these early rounds are crucial in shaping the path to the U.S. Open Cup final. While a lower division team hasn`t reached the final since Sacramento Republic in 2022, there`s a feeling that this could be the year that changes.

Changes in MLS qualification for the cup mean that teams in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup may not participate in the Open Cup, creating opportunities for lower division teams to make a significant impact. Some MLS teams are replaced by their MLS Next Pro counterparts, further opening the field for unexpected contenders.

Which teams should you be watching?

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Portland Hearts of Pine Aim to Impress in Debut Season

Portland Hearts of Pine, a new team in USL League One, are already making waves in their first season. They face a strong regional rival, Rhode Island FC, who reached the USL Cup in their inaugural season. Portland will be looking to prove themselves against regional competition and have also introduced a new mascot, Moxie the Moose. Could Moxie become an Open Cup icon, following in the footsteps of other beloved mascots?

MLS Next Pro Teams Continue to Advance

Columbus Crew II and Tacoma Defiance are strong contenders from MLS Next Pro to advance past the third round. Last year, only Carolina Core reached this stage from this league, but this year could see more success. Columbus Crew II striker Chase Adams, known for his scoring prowess with the U.S. U-17s, is demonstrating his creative abilities in the Open Cup with three assists. He`s been a key player for Crew II as they prepare to face Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Tacoma Defiance will face Oakland Roots, a team known for ending underdog runs, setting up an intriguing match.

Florida Teams Battle for Dominance

FC Naples, another USL League One newcomer, has also reached the third round. They face Tampa Bay Rowdies, a historically strong USL team, offering Naples a chance to make a statement amidst Tampa Bay`s current instability. Following a poor season start, the Rowdies have replaced their head coach, with Steve Coleman taking over as interim coach for this match. Naples is performing well in League One, remaining unbeaten in six games, and this match is an opportunity to upset their in-state rivals in Tampa Bay.

El Farolito Still in the Hunt

El Farolito`s match against Sacramento Republic is a highlight of the third round. Sacramento has a history of success in the Open Cup, while El Farolito continues to demonstrate the sustainability of their amateur setup. Named after a popular San Francisco burrito restaurant, El Farolito embodies the magic of the cup. Under their former name, San Francisco C.D. Mexico, they won the Open Cup in 1993, and Sacramento Republic reached the final in 2022. Both teams will be aiming for a deep run this year.