MLS
Why won’t MLS teams be taking part in the 2024 US Open Cup?
On Friday, Major League Soccer announced that its first teams are to be withdrawn from the US Open Cup, with MLS Next Pro sides entering instead.
Major League Soccer says its first teams won’t be competing in the 2024 US Open Cup, with reserve sides from the MLS Next Pro development league taking their place.
MLS chief critical of US Open Cup
The move comes after MLS commissioner Don Garber criticised the US Open Cup in May, calling it “a very poor reflection on what it is that we’re trying to do with soccer at the highest level.”
Earlier this month, Garber then doubled down on his negative appraisal of the knockout cup competition, which has been played since 1913.
“I believe if we’re going to have our professional teams competing in a tournament - that is the oldest tournament of its type anywhere in the country - we all need to embrace it, from our federation to our respective leagues, and give it the profile and the support it needs,” he said in his annual MLS State of the League remarks.
“If we can’t do that then we should meet and decide that there needs to be a new plan.”
MLS out to ease fixture congestion
In a statement on Friday, MLS added that the withdrawal of its first teams from the US Open Cup would help to ease the fixture demands placed on clubs in the North American elite league.
“This decision will provide emerging professional players with additional opportunities for meaningful competition,” MLS said. “The move also benefits the MLS regular season by reducing schedule congestion, freeing up to six midweek match dates.”
Fixture congestion has become a particular concern following this year’s revamp of the Leagues Cup, an inter-league tournament that has been expanded to involve every team from MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX. Previously, only four or five sides from each league participated.
What has US Soccer said about MLS snub?
US Soccer, which organises the US Open Cup, said in a statement shared by ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura that it was “reviewing” MLS’ decision.
“Major League Soccer notified US Soccer today of their Board of Governors vote regarding the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup,” the federation said. “Our staff is currently reviewing.
“US Soccer and our members remain committed to the success of the historic US Open Cup and look forward to engaging with all our stakeholders on the future of the tournament.”
MLS teams have taken part in the US Open Cup every year since the league’s inception in 1996, with Houston Dynamo the trophy’s holders after beating Inter Miami in September’s 2023 final.