NIGHT ONE OF U.S. OPEN CUP THIRD ROUND DELIVERS DRAMATIC FINISHES ACROSS FIVE MATCHES
The Third Round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, U.S. Soccer’s Club Championship, got off to a flying start with five thrilling matches across the country on Tuesday night.
Chief among the exciting outcomes was USL League One (Division III) outfit Charlotte Independence advancing over USL Championship debutants Rhode Island FC (Div. II) via shootout after a 4-4 barn burner.
Of the three Open Division sides that entered the Third Round, two exited the competition tonight. El Farolito’s magical run ended for a second straight year at the hands of USL Championship side Oakland Roots after a 2-1 loss after extra time. Similarly, the hard charging Lubbock Matadors take their leave after a 3-1 road defeat to New Mexico United (USLC).
Earlier in the evening, Louisville City (USLC) needed a last-minute insurance goal to pull away from Div. III foe Greenville Triumph, advancing 3-1 at home. Fellow USL Championship club Detroit City FC also enjoyed a home win, escaping a testy standoff, 1-0, against Great Lakes State rival Michigan Stars FC (NISA).
The 16 victors from the Third Round will test their mettle against the remaining eight, seeded USL Championship teams (Div. II) as well as the eight MLS entrants (Div. I) in the Round of 32 on May 7-8. The Round of 32 Draw will be held this Thursday, April 18, at 1:00 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the pairings as they’re drawn live on www.usopencup.com and U.S. Soccer’s YouTube channel.
2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Second Round Results – Tuesday, April 2
Charlotte Independence (USL1) 4-4 (5-4 PKs) Rhode Island FC (USLC)
Louisville City FC (USLC) 3-1 Greenville Triumph SC (USL1)
Detroit City FC (USLC) 1-0 Michigan Stars FC (NISA)
New Mexico United (USLC) 3-1 Lubbock Matadors (NPSL)
Oakland Roots SC (USLC) 2-1 (aet) El Farolito (NPSL)
U.S. Open Cup Third Round Calendar – Wednesday, April 17
7:00 p.m. ET | Richmond Kickers (USL1) vs. Loudoun United FC (USLC)
7:00 p.m. ET | Hartford Athletic (USLC) vs. New York City FC II (MLSNP)
7:00 p.m. ET | North Carolina FC (USLC) vs. Carolina Core FC (MLSNP)
7:30 p.m. ET | Memphis 901 FC (USLC) vs. Miami United FC (USSSA-S / USSL)
7:30 p.m. ET | Miami FC (USLC) vs. South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL1)
8:00 p.m. ET | Birmingham Legion FC (USLC) vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL1)
8:00 p.m. ET | Union Omaha (USL1) vs. El Paso Locomotive FC (USLC)
8:00 p.m. ET | Chicago Fire FC II (MLSNP) vs. Indy Eleven (USLC)
8:00 p.m. ET | FC Tulsa (USLC) vs. Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (USL1)
10:30 p.m. ET | Monterey Bay FC (USLC) vs. Irvine Zeta FC (NISA)
10:30 p.m. ET | Las Vegas Lights FC (USLC) vs. Spokane Velocity FC (USL1)
