U.S. Open Cup: What is going on between MLS and U.S. Soccer?
Though there are details to work out, it looks like MLS teams will participate in the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
On Friday evening, MLS made a shocking announcement when they announced the league's first teams would forgo the tournament and instead would send MLS Next Pro teams to represent MLS.
However, fans heavily criticized the move, and U.S. Soccer has denied the league's request to continue with this plan.
"After thoughtful consideration, we have informed MLS that the U.S. Soccer staff recommendation, which was adopted by the Pro League Taskforce, is the request be denied," U.S. Soccer said in a statement released this morning. "As we move forward, we will continue our review of the Open Cup to ensure it aligns with the U.S. Soccer strategic pillars."
Official U.S. Soccer Statement: pic.twitter.com/Hw0EPTyyVy
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) December 20, 2023
This decision means that MLS Next Pro teams under MLS ownership, including Crew 2, will not be able to participate in the U.S Open Cup. Independently owned MLS Next Pro teams will remain eligible, though.
When MLS first announced it was looking to make this change, the league cited as its reasons the chance to "provide emerging professional player with additional opportunities for meaningful competition" and the desire for "reducing schedule congestion." Following today's decision from U.S. Soccer, the league made their own statement.
"MLS is committed to finding a viable solution for the 2024 tournament and is working to find a pathway that addresses its goals and concerns," MLS said. "Moving forward, MLS will remain focused on increasing opportunities for up-and-coming players, a key component of the league's player development strategy that ultimately benefits the U.S. national team program."
The U.S. Open Cup has played an important role in the history of the Crew. The organization's first ever major title was in 2002, when Columbus won that season's U.S. Open Cup tournament.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: U.S. Soccer denies MLS' Open Cup request
