2020 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup
Everyone in the Buffalo Family knows that we have a love-hate relationship with the US Open Cup.
On one hand, in 2016 we were disqualified because of a rule we had no way of following. A rule that ended up being revised 2 years later (still hurts).Then in 2018 after qualifying for the 1st round, we were told we had to play an additional game in a made-up "play-in round" because of NASL (a league that used to be division II but folded). But no matter the year, we have always had to play games with barely a week of practice because of the dates our players are able to start arriving.
On the other hand, it is the most exciting, challenging, David vs. Goliath competition we can ever hope for. Every season we strive to qualify and to put our best foot forward especially when the chances arise for our team to play against professional clubs. It is hectic and a long shot but we really love it! Now to 2020. US Soccer just announced a "major restructuring" of the competition.
11 MLS teams at the bottom of the standing (during 2019) will begin to play in round 3 and the remaining MLS teams will join in round 4. In the past, all MLS (in the US) joined in round 4. This will give lower league teams the opportunity to play against MLS teams one round earlier than before.
Amateur teams - 1st roundDivision II and Division II - 2nd round 11 MLS bottom of the standings - 3rd roundRemaining MLS teams - 4th round
Now to the change that impacts us the most. The calendar is expanding.
The 1st round will be played on March 24-25.
The earliest start since 1995.
The 2nd round will be played on April 7-9.
The 3rd round will be played on April 21-23
In the years past the 1st round didn't begin until the first week of May. The new dates push us back 2 months before our league season is set to start. The majority of our players arrive at the beginning of May.
This has been a discussion for months between US Soccer and USL League Two. Many teams in our division have said there is no way they can participate after this change.
In all honesty, this has hit our staff hard. USL League Two is our league but we really enjoy playing in the US Open Cup.
One thing I will say, the Buffalo doesn't give up easily. Coach Anderson and his coaching staff are working hard to try to get players and even partner with other clubs so that we can field a team in the early rounds. The mindset is that every round w e get through buys us a little more time.
No one said it would be easy. All we can do is try. Go Buffalo!
