Kings of the Cup

  Last month the US Soccer Federation made drastic changes to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup tournament. But did the federation fall short of really legitimizing the tournament.
  The tournament was changed from 40 to 64 teams. It includes all MLS squads. It also expands the number of lower league teams too. The new format seems a little more like it's European counterparts (FA Cup, Deutscher Pokal, etc). With all MLS teams invited this will remove the play-in game format from years past.
  The Open Cup also changed home field rules. Up to the quarter finals home games will be determined randomly. All teams, as long a their stadium meets US Soccer requirements, will have a chance to host games.
  Some of the changes that have been made will be very nice to see. Now that all MLS teams are participating more of them might take it seriously than before (i.e. New York). With the inclusion of more lower level teams it increases the chances for a NASL or USL Pro teams to make it to the later rounds. The new home field advantage rules will also help. Smaller clubs have the chance to bring in a MLS squad. This helps exposure for the league but also helps revenue streams for the lower clubs.
  Although the changes are nice why couldn't US Soccer go "all-in". The semi's and finals home field advantage will still be determined by a bid process. Also the tournament will still not conclude until August.
  With the finals not ending until August teams have to wait an entire year until CCL. With two transfer windows and 12 months the team that won the Open Cup could be drastically different by the start of Champions League. If the team could move the Open Cup finals up to July teams could go into CCL competition a few weeks later. With the quick Champions League berth MLS teams might be a little more competitive.
  The idea that a team can buy home field advantage for the final stages of the tournament is ridiculous. I'm not saying that it should be played at a nuetral site. Why can't we, at least, get a lottery for the finals and semi's? Or even a home and away option. This , in my mind, compromises all integrity of the tournament.
  While some of the changes are very nice to see, there is still a lot to be desired. Perhaps someday they will get it right,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,maybe?

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