U.S. Soccer Announces Updates to 2021 U.S. Open Cup Format

U.S. Soccer has announced updates to the format of the 2021 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. View U.S. Soccer’s press release here.

Due to challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Soccer has decided to cancel the Opening Round of the 2021 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and move forward with the contingency plan outlined in early February.

The Opening Round originally would have had 4 teams from the Open Division, which the NPSL falls under, but the cancellation of the Opening Round now decreases that number of teams to 2.

The 2 teams will be chosen from the NPSL’s original group of eligible teams, USL League Two’s original group of eligible teams, the original group of eligible teams via the Local Qualifiers track, and the 2019 USASA National Amateur Cup champion (Newtown Pride FC). A maximum of 1 team per group can qualify.

The draw to determine the 2 Open Division spots will be held on April 7th. Based on the information listed above, it is possible that the NPSL will earn 1 spot in the tournament, and it is also possible that zero NPSL teams will earn a spot.