Opinion: The U.S. Open Cup deserves respect (and why it doesn't get it)

A combination of factors have made it American soccer's best-kept secret

May 22, 2025

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New York Red Bulls celebrate before a sparse crowd after advancing to the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals. Photo by Clemente Lisi

The U.S. Open Cup should be one of the most revered competitions in the country. Dating back to 1914, it’s the oldest national soccer tournament in the United States and open to any affiliated team from local amateurs to MLS.

In…

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