Major League Soccer Shifts Focus to MLS Next Pro for U.S. Open Cup Participation
MLS announces decision to send teams from its development league, MLS Next Pro, to compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, signaling a shift in the league’s approach to the historic tournament.
In a surprising move, Major League Soccer (MLS) has announced that it will not be sending its first teams to compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2024. Instead, the league will enter teams from its development league, MLS Next Pro, into the country’s oldest soccer tournament. This decision comes after MLS commissioner Don Garber criticized the state of the tournament, calling for a new plan to give it the support and profile it deserves. The move has sparked discussions about the future of the Open Cup and its significance in the American soccer landscape.
MLS’s Relationship with the U.S. Open Cup:
During his state of the league address before MLS Cup, Commissioner Garber addressed the league’s relationship with the U.S. Open Cup. He emphasized the need for all stakeholders, including the federation and respective leagues, to embrace the tournament and provide it with the necessary support. Garber’s comments were a response to his earlier criticism of the tournament during a U.S. Soccer Federation board meeting, where he expressed concerns about the tournament’s current state.
MLS’s Decision and U.S. Soccer’s Response:
MLS’s decision to send MLS Next Pro teams to the U.S. Open Cup in 2024 has been met with mixed reactions. While MLS believes that the decision takes into account negative feedback from clubs regarding fixture congestion, U.S. Soccer has stated that it is currently reviewing the decision. The federation remains committed to the success of the historic tournament and is open to engaging with stakeholders to determine its future.
The Diminishing Prestige of the Open Cup:
There has been a growing sentiment within MLS that the prestige of the U.S. Open Cup has diminished over the years. Despite its long history, some clubs have expressed concerns about fixture congestion, especially after the of the expanded Leagues Cup competition with Liga MX. This sentiment has led to discussions between MLS and U.S. Soccer to shape the future role of MLS teams in the tournament and find ways to evolve and elevate the Open Cup.
The Impact on the United Soccer League (USL):
The U.S. Open Cup has traditionally provided an opportunity for teams from the United Soccer League (USL) to test themselves against the best in the country. With 36 professional teams in the USL Championship and USL League 1 in 2023, the Open Cup served as a platform for these teams and players. The USL has expressed surprise at MLS’s decision and plans to discuss the matter with U.S. Soccer and its owners before making further public comments.
The Future of the Open Cup and Concacaf Champions League:
One of the key implications of MLS’s decision is the future of the Open Cup’s winner’s place in the Concacaf Champions League. Traditionally, the winner of the tournament earned a spot in the prestigious competition. However, with MLS teams already opting out of fielding their strongest lineups in recent years, it remains unclear how this decision will impact the allocation of Champions League spots.
Conclusion:
MLS’s decision to send MLS Next Pro teams to compete in the U.S. Open Cup marks a significant shift in the league’s approach to the historic tournament. While the decision has sparked discussions and raised questions about the future of the Open Cup, MLS remains committed to working with U.S. Soccer to evolve and elevate the tournament. As the 2024 season approaches, the soccer community eagerly awaits further developments and the potential implications for the U.S. Open Cup and American soccer as a whole.