The 2nd round pairings are out for the 2018 U.S. Open Cup. https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/20...ound-pairings-host-scenarios-2018-us-open-cup Indy Eleven has been put into the Southeast Regions and will play the winner of New Orleans Jesters (NPSL)/Mississippi Brilla FC (PDL) on April 16. That game will be on the road at either New Orleans or Clinton, MS. Just a guess on the 3rd round: There are 5 match-ups in the Southeast and 5 in the Central Region so if Indy advances they might play the winner of Nashville SC (USL)/Charlotte Eagles (PDL)/Inter Nashville FC (NPSL) or they might be matched up with the winner of Saint Louis FC (USL)/Duluth FC (NPSL)/Dakota Fusion FC (NPSL) from the Central. We'll see what happens.
Indianapolis is in the southeast? Clearly, the US Open Cup officials have learned their geography from the NFL. The second round matchup is hardly ideal. I hope that you're right about a possible third round matchup with St. Louis. It's a shame to have another USL team so geographically close but not play them in league play.
Mississippi Brilla beat the New Orleans Jesters on pks, 2-3, after the game was tied 1-1 through overtime. That means Indy Eleven will travel to Clinton, MS on May 16 for their 2nd round game.
I believe that for the Open Cup games, you have to apply to host. I'm guessing it doesn't make financial sense to rent LOS to play Mississippi Brilla on a Wednesday night. Travel expenses for the guys is still a better option.
If Indy gets past Mississippi Brilla they will travel to Nashville to face the winner there in the 3rd Round. Nashville SC (USL)/Inter Nashville FC (NPSL) winner v. Mississippi Brilla FC (PDL)/Indy Eleven (USL) winner
Here are all the 3rd round scenarios: https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/20...st-scenarios-for-2018-us-open-cup-third-round
Going to be a tough one--a long trip, and Indy is sure to be prioritizing its weekend league home game.
Bethlehem has a league game on Wednesday and not an USOC game, so they will be managing their roster too...and not against a PDL team like the Eleven.
So here is the upcoming schedule with possible USOC games on advancement: Wed, May 16 at Mississippi Brilla Sat, May 19 BETHLEHEM Wed, May 23 PENDING at Nashville SC/Inter Nashville FC Sun, May 27 at NYRBII Wed, May 30 CHARLESTON Wed, Jun 6 PENDING USOC 4th Round Sat, Jun 9 ATLANTA 2
Wow, that is potentially a very tough stretch. That being said, it would be nice to make some progress in the Cup this year, after last year's dismal failure.
Here is the Match Center for the 2nd Round Open Cup games. There should be streams on this page for the games tonight. https://www.ussoccer.com/lamar-hunt...ments/2018-usoc/2018-us-open-cup-second-round A preview of the Mississippi-Indy match: https://www.indyeleven.com/news_article/show/917824?referrer_id=3577980