All 27 U.S.-based MLS clubs will participate in the 2027 U.S. Open Cup, U.S. Soccer announced Wednesday morning. MLS participation in the competition has shrunk in recent years. A full slate of teams participated in 2023, but just 16 appeared in 2026. Participation might fit as an ideal run-up to the fall-spring calendar switch set for the 2027-28 campaign.
The 20-year-old South African defender will be disappointed again as he could not help the Men in Red see out a chaotic game where his team were unable to capitalize on a man advantage, nor profit from a 90th minute penalty, as they conceded at the death to to slip to defeat at Soldier Field.
The 20-year-old South African defender will be disappointed he could not help his team see out the game and secure the win over their Western Conference rivals that would have seen them through to the quarterfinals of America's premier cup competition.
The 20-year-old South African defender was rested ahead of a challenging run of cup and league matches and watched from the bench as his fellow countryman got his first start of the season. Dithejane joined Mbokazi on the bench after a disappointing hour of play with his side one goal to the good.
The 20-year-old South African defender will be disappointed he could not help his team see out the game and secure the points that would have put them right in the middle of the title race. Instead, they fall into a clutch of five teams all trying to chase down the Boys in Gold, who have only lost once all season, to Mbokazi's Chicago Fire.
The 20-year-old was superb as The Fire put in a resolute defensive display to protect their 1-0 lead to the final whistle. Afterwards, Mbokazi was officially awarded the best player accolade for his performance on the pitch and will head into their next assignment brimming with confidence.
The 20-year-old was part of a resolute defensive display as The Fire, fuelled by a record-breaking start at Soldier Field, put in a resolute defensive display to protect their 1-0 lead to the final whistle. Afterwards, Mbokazi was singled out by both the coach and his goalkeeper for his efforts after only returning to the United States late on Friday after international duty with Bafana Bafana.
USL players will wear t-shirts calling for professional standards prior to U.S. Open Cup games Tuesday night, in a coordinated effort to put pressure on the U.S. Soccer amid tense negotiations with the league on a Collective Bargaining Agreement. The USLPA has been engaged in talks with the League office for months, and with no deal near, they have decided to take action.
Portland Hearts of Pine and Vermont Green are two of New England’s most compelling community-built clubs, and their U.S. Open Cup meeting brings a battle of brands to the pitch.
Nashville SC captured the first championship in Tennessee professional sports history on Wednesday night, edging Austin FC 2-1 in the U.S. Open Cup final. Sam Surridge’s second-half strike made the difference in a rather testy contest, with Nashville digging deep to protect their lead at Austin's Q2 Stadium and seal a landmark title.
Austin FC and Nashville SC each booked their first U.S. Open Cup Final appearances on a dramatic semifinal night. In St. Paul, CJ Fodrey’s 120th-minute strike gave Austin a 2-1 extra-time win over Minnesota United, while in Nashville, Sam Surridge fired a hat trick to lead the Boys in Gold past Philadelphia Union 3-1 at GEODIS Park.