The 2024 edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup opened this week with the first thirty-two pairings. After a less than stellar first night, the MLS NextPro participants rebounded on nights two and three to help improve the record of the league.
March 19th Games:
Chattanooga FC (MLSNP) 0 – 1 Miami United FC (USSSA/USSL): Miami United pulled off a surprising upset with a free-kick goal early in the match.
Savannah Clovers FC (NISA) 2 – 0 SC Brave (USL League Two): Savannah Clovers secured a comfortable victory with two goals against their lower-ranked opponent.
Duluth FC (NPSL) 0 – 2 Forward Madison FC (USL League One): Forward Madison dominated the match with a brace from Christian Chaney.
Lexington SC (USL League One) 3 – 4 Vermont Green FC (USL League Two): Vermont Green edged out Lexington in a high-scoring thriller despite a late comeback attempt by Lexington.
Maryland Bobcats FC (NISA) 2 – 0 West Chester United SC (NPSL): Maryland Bobcats secured a win with two goals against West Chester United.
FC America CFL Spurs (USSL) 0 – 1 South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL League One): South Georgia Tormenta shut out FC America to advance to the next round.
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL League One) 4 – 1 Tulsa Athletic (NPSL): Northern Colorado extended their winning streak with a convincing victory over Tulsa Athletic.
FORO SC (UPSL) 2 (4) – 1 (3) Austin FC II (MLSNP): FORO emerged victorious in a penalty shootout after a tie in regulation time.
El Farolito SC (NPSL) 2 – 1 Portland Timbers 2 (MLSNP): El Farolito caused a major upset, defeating a ten-man Timbers 2 side with two second-half goals.
March 20th Games:
Christos FC (MSSL) 0 – 1 Richmond Kickers (USL League One): Richmond secured a narrow victory with a goal in the first half.
Club de Lyon FC (NISA) 3 – 2 AS Frenzi (UPSL): Club de Lyon edged out AS Frenzi in a close match.
Greenville Triumph SC (USL League One) 1 – 0 South Carolina United FC (USL League Two): Greenville secured a win with a single goal against South Carolina United.
One Knoxville SC (USL League One) 2 – 0 Asheville City SC (USL League Two): One Knoxville defeated Asheville City with two goals to advance.
Georgia Lions SC (NISA) – (Forfeit) Apotheos FC (NPSL): Georgia Lions SC forfeited the match, handing a win to Apotheos FC.
Hudson Valley Hammers (USL League Two) 1 – 5 New York Red Bulls II (MLSNP): New York Red Bulls II cruised to a dominant victory over Hudson Valley Hammers.
March 21st Games:
Michigan Stars FC (NISA) 1 – 0 Steel City FC (NPSL): Michigan Stars edged out Steel City with a single goal.
NYCFC II (MLSNP) 3 – 0 FC Motown (NPSL): NYCFC II dominated FC Motown to advance to the next round.
Brockton FC United (UPSL) 2 – 4 (AET) Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL-1): Chattanooga Red Wolves needed extra time to overcome a determined Brockton FC United side.
South Carolina United Heat (UPSL) 1 – 0 Crown Legacy FC (MLSNP): South Carolina United Heat pulled off an upset victory against Crown Legacy.
Union Omaha (USL-1) 4 – 0 Western Mass Pioneers (USL-2): Union Omaha cruised to a comfortable win against Western Mass Pioneers.
Charlotte Independence (USL-1) 2 – 0 Vereinigung Erzgebirge (USLPA): Charlotte Independence secured a shutout victory over Vereinigung Erzgebirge.
NOVA FC (USL-2) 2 – 3 Carolina Core FC (MLSNP): Carolina Core edged out NOVA FC in a close match.
Arizona Monsoon FC (NISA) – Lubbock Matadors (NPSL): Result not available at this time.
Azteca FC (Colo PL) 0 – 3 Colorado Rapids 2 (MLSNP): Colorado Rapids 2 dominated Azteca FC.
**Irvine Zeta FC II (UPSL) – Ventura County FC (MLSNP): The match was canceled until a future date.
The 2024 US Open Cup will continue with the second round, which is set to take place April 2-3. Once the first-round matches are completed the second-round pairings will be announced on March 22. New Mexico United and 15 other USL Championship clubs will enter in the third round, which will take place April 16-17.