TheUS Open Cup is the oldest club competition in the United States, in which teams from every team affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) across the country can participate, including amateur, semi-pro, USL, and MLS teams, and compete to win it.

However, recent developments have put the competition’s prestige and competitive nature in jeopardy, mainly because of a recent decision made by the MLS owners that could ruin the Cup in the following seasons.

MLS clubs made a controversial decision

MLS owners decided to ‘effectively’ ditch the US Open Cup according to Yahoo! Sports in a move that even took the USSF by surprise, as they voted to remain in the competition, but under the condition that the reserve teams will play in it, not the first squads.

The decision came after the owners privately decided that the US Open Cup was not a priority, as it was harder to make money off it and it is the least important competition right now for the clubs, as they already compete for the MLS Cup, the Concacaf Champions Cup and the Leagues Cup.

Also, the power struggle between the MLS and the other professional soccer leagues in the United States like the USL or NISA played a huge role in the decision, according to sources.

The US Open Cup has a long tradition

The US Open Cup was founded in 1914 and is the oldest soccer competition in the United States. It is a knockout tournament similar in style to domestic cup competitions in Europe like the FA Cup in England, Copa del Rey in Spain, or the DFB Pokal in Germany.

Up to 100 teams participate in each edition, and the champion wins a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup and up to $300 K in prize money.