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United Soccer League Championship

USL Kicks off in U.S. Open Cup

March 22, 2024 - United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release


The U.S. Open Cup put all the winter angst in the rearview mirror and kicked off this week with an exciting and hard-fought First Round. Thirty-two matches between pro and amateur teams provided plenty of drama for the clubs that represented USL League One and USL League Two.

A cupset for the ages: In front of 4,000 fans who braved a chilly night, USL-2 club Vermont Green FC beat USL-1 side Lexington SC, 4-3, in a thrilling back-and-forth match. This was first U.S. Open Cup game ever in Vermont, which had Senator Bernie Sanders very excited and garnered lots of attention around the world. Read more.

USL League One rolls: Other than Lexington loss in Vermont, the rest of USL-1 did the business and went through to the Second Round. In total, USL-1 saw a record 11 clubs advance from the First Round. Read more.

Sacha Kljestan shows up: The most talked about cupset of the First Round was Des Moines Menace's shootout victory over NISA side Copa FC. The Menace were captained by former US international Sacha Kljestan, who came out of retirement in support of the Open Cup and put away the decisive penalty. Read more.

What comes next: The Second Round is scheduled for April 2-4. Visit the USL website to learn the matchups.

On Saturday, April 6, the United Soccer League will experience a groundbreaking moment: the first network television broadcast in its history.

Kicking off at 4 p.m. ET on the CBS Television Network - that's big CBS - the broadcast will showcase the best of the USL to its biggest audience ever, and it's no coincidence that this historic moment will feature the unique rivalry between Louisville City FC and Indy Eleven.

What makes the LouCity-Indy rivalry - nicknamed the LIPAFC - so special? Find out from longtime USL expert Nicholas Murray.

The USL Kickoff, presented by Terminix, rolls on this weekend in the USL Championship and USL League One.

Check outthis week's viewing guide, which has all the national and local TV listings.

Home openers galore: This week sees Louisville City, Indy Eleven, Detroit City, and Charleston host their home openers.

Featured match: The featured match on CBS Sports Golazo Network is Orange County SC's home opener vs. Miami FC. Championship Stadium will be sold out and rockin'!

USL League One clubs are ready for "a shot at glory," when the newly christened USL Jägermeister Cup kicks off on April 27. The USL League One announced a multiyear partnership with the historic brand this week.

A fan's shot at glory: Throughout the tournament, USL and Jagermeister will offer fans their own "shot at glory" with the official USL Jägermeister Cup Bracket Challenge. Keep an eye out for the bracket launch closer to the first matchday.

Exclusively on ESPN+: The USL Jägermeister Cup will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN+, including the final the weekend of September 28-29.

The USL Super League saw another club come to life as Carolina Ascent FC revealed its name, its colors, and its crest. The club will reach for new heights when the league kicks off this August.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from March 22, 2024


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.


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