The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is now in its exciting third round, and the underdog stories are taking center stage. El Farolito continues their impressive run as the amateur team that has advanced the furthest in the tournament for the second year in a row. With USL Championship teams now entering the fray, the early tournament surprises might be coming to an end. We`re watching to see if MLS Next Pro teams like Tacoma Defiance and Columbus Crew II can continue to advance and potentially face MLS teams later on.
Newcomers such as Portland Hearts of Pine and FC Naples are also making a name for themselves with victories early in the competition. Only eight teams will move on to the fourth round, where MLS teams will enter, making these matches crucial for shaping the path to the U.S. Open Cup final. A lower division team hasn`t reached the final since Sacramento Republic in 2022, but this year could be different.
MLS has changed its Open Cup qualification rules, meaning teams in the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup have different levels of participation. This creates opportunities for lower division teams to make a bigger impact. Some MLS teams are replaced by their MLS Next Pro sides, further opening the door for other divisions to shine.
Which teams should you be watching?
Portland Hearts of Pine Aim to Impress in Debut Season
Portland Hearts of Pine, a new team in USL League One, is set to face Rhode Island FC, a successful regional rival. Rhode Island FC, coached by Khano Smith, reached the USL Cup final in their first season and seeks continued success. For Portland, this match is a chance to prove themselves regionally. They`ve also introduced a new mascot, Moxie the Moose. Could Moxie become an unexpected star, similar to past Open Cup mascot heroes?
Next Pro Teams Keep Advancing
Columbus Crew II and Tacoma Defiance, both MLS Next Pro teams, have a good chance to progress beyond the third round. Last year, only Carolina Core made it this far from this league, but that could change. Columbus Crew II`s striker, Chase Adams, known for his scoring ability with the U.S. U-17s, is demonstrating his creative playmaking in the Open Cup with three assists. His performance is driving Crew II forward 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, is also making waves by reaching the third round. They will compete against Tampa Bay Rowdies, a historically strong USL team. This match is an opportunity for Naples to make a statement amid Tampa Bay`s current instability. The Rowdies recently fired their coach, Robbie Neilson, and Steve Coleman will step in as interim coach for this game. Naples is performing strongly in League One, remaining undefeated in six games, and this match is a chance to upset their in-state rivals, Tampa Bay.
El Farolito`s Cinderella Run Continues
El Farolito versus Sacramento Republic is a highly anticipated third-round match. Sacramento has a strong Open Cup history, while El Farolito is proving the sustainability of their amateur setup. Named after a popular San Francisco burrito restaurant, El Farolito embodies the magic of the cup. As San Francisco C.D. Mexico, this team won the Open Cup in 1993, and Sacramento Republic reached the final in 2022, making both teams eager to advance as far as possible.
