Major League Soccer’s request to replace its teams with Next Pro developmental squads in the U.S. Open Cup has been denied by the U.S. Soccer Federation. USSF confirmed the news in a statement released on Wednesday.
“After thoughtful consideration, we have informed MLS that the U.S. Soccer staff recommendation, which was adopted by the Pro League Taskforce, is that the request be denied,” said the statement.
MLS announced a plan to withdraw teams from the U.S. Open Cup, the oldest continuous soccer competition in the United States, last week. According to the league’s announcement, teams from MLS Next Pro, which is essentially a developmental league for MLS, would take their place.
The move was explained by fixture congestion due to the increased number of games in the league and the emergence of other competitions like the Leagues Cup. Reportedly, MLS also isn’t too happy with the fact that the U.S. Open Cup attracts fewer fans and that they are not in charge of important elements of the competition.
It remains to be seen how MLS will react after USSF denied their original request. Sources told The Athletic that the league will field their first teams in the U.S. Open Cup at least for the 2024 edition.
The U.S. Open Cup was founded in 1914. It features professional clubs from all tiers of the U.S. soccer pyramid competing in a knockout format. The defending champions are Houston Dynamo, who beat Inter Miami 1-2 in the 2023 Finals.
