The Top Five Matches in the U.S. Open Cup First Round

US Open Cup

There were starts and stops, but we’re finally here. Despite Major League Soccer’s (likely) wishes, the U.S. Open Cup is moving forward for 2024 and it will look a little different once we get into the later rounds. But for now, we’re excited about the March games and the possible magic that will ensue.

From cup derbies to David vs. Goliath matchups, here is our list of the top five games to watch during the U.S. Open Cup first round.

Asheville City SC vs. One Knoxville SC

The Smoky Mountain Series will take center stage on March 20 as Knoxville supporters make the two-hour drive through the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina to visit Asheville. Now that One Knoxville competes in USL League One, the opportunities for these two rivals to meet only happen in tournaments and friendlies. That’s what makes this a big one for bragging rights. For years, Asheville City has had a really strong supporter culture and now Knoxville is looking to dethrone them as a major player in the region. Both clubs and supporters have high ambitions and their first match in 2022 was epitomized the beauty of local soccer in the south. This 2024 match will be another milestone for the boom of local soccer in the two cities and states.

Vereinigung Erzgebirge vs. Charlotte Independence

In one of the best David vs. Goliath matchups of the first round, Charlotte Independence will be traveling north to Pennsylvania to face Vereinigung Erzgebirge. Charlotte will be setting its sights on a successful 2024 after narrowly losing last year’s USL League One finals. On the flip side, Vereinigung Erzgebirge qualified for this year’s tournament after winning a game that was cut short because the field was getting too dark once the sun started to set.

FC Motown vs. New York City FC II

Welcome to the new age of the U.S. Open Cup where Major League Soccer sends its Next Pro teams. We’re not sure what to expect from the New York City squad but we know there will be quite a lot of soccer fans hoping that FC Motown takes down one of MLS’s biggest brands.

Ballard FC vs. Spokane Velocity FC

Ballard FC is one of the most successful clubs and brands in USL League Two. In only two years, they have already earned a league championship and their kits are some of the most anticipated each season. Across the state to the east, Spokane Velocity is at the start of its journey and will be looking to prove itself on the field.

Capo FC vs. Iowa Des Moines Menace

This one has a fun wrinkle to increase the allure. It was announced just days before the match that famed U.S. soccer star Sacha Kljestan would be joining Des Moines Menace for the club’s first Open Cup match. How did it happen? It’s a bit of a happenstance story that involves a spin class in California. But Sacha is a self-proclaimed proponent of the inclusive nature of the U.S. Open Cup and will be a great representative for protecting those values if Des Moines Menace can make a run through the first couple rounds.