In a thrilling battle that saw Los Angeles FC emerge victorious in the 109th U.S. Open Cup, Wednesday transitioned into Thursday on the East Coast with French forward Olivier Giroud leading the charge with the opening goal in a 3-1 extra-time win over Sporting Kansas City. This historic victory marked the club’s first triumph in the prestigious tournament, which holds a rich history dating back to 1914.
The build-up to this year’s competition was clouded by discussions surrounding Major League Soccer’s involvement in the U.S. Open Cup, which features a diverse mix of professional and amateur teams. The uncertainty that lingered over the tournament’s future following the previous installment spurred the Open Cup Committee to take a proactive approach towards planning for the 2025 edition.
A source with inside knowledge of the planning discussions revealed that preparations for the upcoming tournament are well underway, with amateur qualifying rounds set to commence on October 5. The source emphasized the collaborative nature of the talks involving all interested parties, including professional clubs, leagues, and amateur organizations. Despite the positive momentum in planning, U.S. Soccer, MLS, and the USL declined to comment on the matter.
Beyond determining the participating teams for the 110th U.S. Open Cup, the committee faces the challenge of coordinating schedules amidst the backdrop of the planned Club World Cup to be hosted in the U.S. next summer. The focus remains on making strategic changes to the tournament’s format to enhance its appeal and ensure broad participation across the professional soccer landscape.
This year’s tournament introduced a fresh dynamic with the inclusion of Next Pro affiliates, injecting a new dimension into the traditional narrative of underdogs facing established opponents. While developmental teams often entered matches as underdogs, they served as a testament to MLS’s initial attempt to phase out first teams from the competition.
Notably, New York City FC II, an affiliate of Next Pro, made a deep run to the round of 16, underscoring the competitiveness of lower-division teams. The success of clubs like Indy Eleven, New Mexico United, and Sacramento Republic further highlighted the strength of lower-tier teams in the U.S. soccer pyramid.
Amidst speculation on the future of Next Pro affiliates in the tournament, the potential for continued participation is a topic of intrigue. With plans for expansion in the USL and NISA’s third division, the inclusion of a greater number of third-division clubs could offer a strategic advantage in shaping the tournament’s format while enhancing overall competitiveness.
In the lead-up to the final, LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo emphasized the significance of competing for trophies, epitomizing the team’s determination to secure victory in the U.S. Open Cup. His rival, Sporting Kansas City coach Peter Vermes, chose his words carefully when asked about the tournament’s legacy, hinting at the esteemed history and tradition that define the competition.
As the dust settles on the 109th U.S. Open Cup, the spotlight now shifts towards the future of the tournament, with stakeholders and fans eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the revamped format for the 2025 edition. The legacy of this historic competition continues to thrive, fueled by the passion and resilience of teams vying for soccer supremacy in the United States.
