2021 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup: The Tournament That Never Was
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a storied knockout cup competition in American soccer, designed to bring together clubs from every level of the U.S. soccer pyramid. The 2021 edition was intended to be the 107th iteration of the tournament. However, following the suspension and eventual cancellation of the 2020 competition due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 event faced a series of logistical hurdles that ultimately led to its total cancellation.
Initially, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) planned to invite back all 100 teams that had qualified for the canceled 2020 tournament. This would have seen a massive field of competitors vying for the title, following Atlanta United FC's victory in the 2019 final against Minnesota United FC.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
The Road to Cancellation
As the 2021 season approached, the scale of the tournament was repeatedly scaled back to accommodate the ongoing health crisis. On February 8, 2021, U.S. Soccer announced an abbreviated format limited to 24 teams. By March 29, this number was further reduced to 16 teams competing across four rounds.
The proposed 16-team format was designed to be inclusive of various professional tiers, featuring:
- Eight Major League Soccer (MLS) teams
- Four USL Championship teams
- One National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) team
- One USL League One team
- Two teams from the Open Division, selected via random draw
Despite these adjustments, the opening round was canceled as the Open Cup Committee struggled to find a viable path forward. The United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) eventually recommended a full cancellation, citing the prohibitive travel expenses and the financial burden placed on amateur teams attempting to comply with COVID-19 safety and distancing requirements.
In April 2021, U.S. Soccer confirmed the tournament would not take place in the spring. After evaluating the possibility of a late-year schedule, the federation officially announced on July 20, 2021, that the tournament was canceled for the year and would resume in 2022.
Key Facts
- Total Eligible Teams: 102 teams, including 64 professional sides.
- Geographic Reach: Teams represented 34 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
- Primary Cause of Cancellation: COVID-19 pandemic logistics and financial burdens on amateur clubs.
- Broadcasting Plan: All matches were expected to be streamed on ESPN+ under a four-year deal signed in 2019.
- Previous Champion: Atlanta United FC (2019).
Qualification and Eligible Teams
Although the tournament never kicked off, a comprehensive list of 102 eligible teams had been established. This list included clubs from the Open Division (amateur/semi-pro), Division III (NISA and USL League One), Division II (USL Championship), and Division I (MLS).
Notably, the 2021 eligibility list saw the addition of Rio Grande Valley FC Toros and FC Tucson, while Reno 1868 FC and Saint Louis FC folded. Had the tournament proceeded, it would have marked the first time since 2017 that two professional leagues from the same tier (NISA and USL League One) both competed.
The four USL Championship slots were designated for the 2020 semifinal playoff teams: El Paso Locomotive FC, Louisville City FC, Phoenix Rising FC, and Tampa Bay Rowdies.
| Division | League/Organization | Number of Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Division I | Major League Soccer (MLS) | 24 |
| Division II | USL Championship | 24 |
| Division III | NISA / USL League One | 17 |
| Open Division | NPSL / USL League Two / USASA / etc. | 37 |
| Total | - | 102 |
Regional Representation
The eligible field showed a strong concentration of talent on the West Coast and in the South. California led the nation with 17 eligible teams, followed by Texas with 11 and Florida with 7. Conversely, 16 states—including Alaska, Hawaii, and several New England and Midwestern states—had no eligible teams for the 2021 cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the 2021 U.S. Open Cup canceled?
The tournament was canceled due to a combination of financial and logistical issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically the high cost of travel and safety compliance for amateur teams.
How many teams were originally eligible to play?
There were 102 eligible teams, which included 64 professional sides from various divisions of the American soccer system.
Which teams were slated to represent the USL Championship?
The four 2020 semifinal playoff teams—El Paso Locomotive FC, Louisville City FC, Phoenix Rising FC, and Tampa Bay Rowdies—were the designated participants from the USL Championship.
Who was the defending champion heading into 2021?
Atlanta United FC was the defending champion, having won the 2019 tournament by defeating Minnesota United FC in the final.
Where would the matches have been broadcast?
All matches, from the first round through the final, were expected to be streamed on ESPN+ as part of a multi-year agreement.