U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 Kicks Off With Exciting Matches

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania — The U.S. Open Cup continues Tuesday and Wednesday with the round of 32 featuring Major League Soccer (MLS) teams. This stage marks the entry of 16 MLS teams competing against lower-division squads, promising an exciting matchup.

Among the MLS teams are the Chicago Fire, who have won the tournament four times, as well as recent champions, the Houston Dynamo and Orlando City. Each will face off against competitors from lower divisions, including 12 USL Championship teams, three US League One sides, and one MLS Next Pro team.

Matches will feature several regional matchups, such as North Carolina FC‘s game against Charlotte FC and Austin FC battling El Paso Locomotive. CBS Sports will air all 16 matches, offering comprehensive coverage throughout.

Some highlights include Tuesday’s games at 7 p.m. ET featuring D.C. United against Charleston Battery and North Carolina FC against Charlotte FC. At 9:30 p.m. ET, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks will go up against the New York Red Bulls.

On Wednesday, the action picks up again at 7 p.m. ET with Pittsburgh Riverhounds facing New York City FC and Philadelphia Union taking on Indy Eleven. Notable is the clash between Sacramento Republic and San Jose Earthquakes at 10:30 p.m. ET, which is considered a must-watch.

The Sacramento Republic nearly claimed the title just three years ago, making it to the final and will seek to upset the heavily favored Earthquakes led by coach Bruce Arena. The importance of these cup fixtures cannot be underestimated as lower league sides aim to prove their worth against more established teams.

With thrilling potential for upsets, fans are eagerly anticipating the kickoff of these matches this week.