2024 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP TOURNAMENT PROPER First Round Tuesday, March 19 - Thursday, March 21 Second Round Tuesday, April 2 - Wednesday, April 3 Third Round Tuesday, April 16 - Wednesday, April 17 Round of 32 Tuesday, May 7 - Wednesday, May 8 Round of 16 Tuesday, May 21 - Wednesday, May 22 Quarterfinal Tuesday, July 9 - Wednesday, July 10 Semifinal Tuesday, Aug. 27 - Wednesday, Aug. 28 Final Wednesday, Sept. 25 First round matchups will be announced at a later date. https://www.ussoccer.com/us-open-cup/schedule
That is the exact schedule that was announced on December 11. 2024 U.S. Open Cup/Canadian Championship
This is a typical response. You disagree with me so your not knowledgeable, you don't understand the culture, or my personal favorite, you are not a true fan.
So I people were dragging MLS hard saying they needed to play better competition. Many suggested that we play in the Copa Libertadores. While a few teams could participate in that the whole idea is to make the entire league better by providing higher levels of competition than can be found in the USA. The Leagues cup was a logical step, all MLS teams get to participate in a high level competition with tangible rewards on the line including CCL spots and money for your team, so they will play their best and send their best. I like the open cup but we ended up just playing each other for the championship every year and many teams send reserves for the opening rounds. Players and teams can't play an unlimited amount of games. MLS does need to expand their rosters and increase the cap but there is still a limit. Sending reserve teams to open cup is another logical step you play in the more competitive tourney which can lead to more high level competition. You send your reserve teams to the less competitive tourney. What surprises me the most is the guys saying you need to play better competition etc and the same guys crying about the open cup. MLS teams sending reserve teams to open cup won't stop me from watching. I support Detroit City football club in the open cup as opposed to an MLS team. I like that they have a real chance of winning now.