US Soccer Temporarily Suspends Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
March 13, 2020 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Reno 1868 FC News Release
RENO, Nev. - U.S. Soccer's Open Cup Committee has temporarily suspended the 2020 Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup. Statements from the Open Cup Committee and Reno 1868 FC are below:
U.S. SOCCER TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS 2020 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP DUE TO COVID-19 OUTBREAK
Decision Comes as Majority of Participant Leagues Have Suspended Regular Season Schedules for 30 Days
CHICAGO - Due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic across the world, U.S. Soccer's Open Cup Committee has temporarily suspended the 2020 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, U.S. Soccer's National Championship.
"The health and safety of players, coaches, staff and fans is our main priority," said U.S. Open Cup Commissioner Paul Marstaller. "Given the unique nature of the competition, which encompasses clubs from multiple leagues that have suspended their seasons, we are taking this action and will look to determine future dates to allow the 2020 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to be played."
The decision comes as participating professional leagues Major League Soccer, USL Championship, USL League One and National Independent Soccer Association have suspended their regular season schedules for a two-week to 30-day minimum, while the amateur National Premier Soccer League has also partially suspended league play until April 4.
The first three rounds of the 2020 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup were scheduled for March 24-25, April 7-9 and April 21-23.
The competition (known as the National Challenge Cup at the time) faced a similar circumstance during the pandemic of 1918-1920. During this period, the Open Cup ultimately played through, with record five-time champion Bethlehem Steel winning their third and fourth titles in the spring of 1918 and 1919, respectively, while Saint Louis club Ben Miller FC won in the spring of 1920.
-usopencup.com-
Reno 1868 FC Statement
Reno 1868 FC is fully in support of the Open Cup Committee's decision to suspend the competition. Reno's first 2020 Open Cup game was set to be on April 8, which would have fallen in the 30-day suspension of USL competition announced yesterday. Reno 1868 FC's priority is still the health and safety of the Northern Nevada community, including the club's players, staff and fans.
• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...
United Soccer League Championship Stories from March 13, 2020
- US Soccer Temporarily Suspends Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup - Reno 1868 FC
- Hartford Athletic Signs Conor McGlynn - Hartford Athletic
- Hometown Pizza Coming to Lynn Family Stadium - Louisville City FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
