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In a shocking turn of events, the Houston Dynamo claimed victory in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup, marking a historic win. But for 2024, the first team will sit out of the thrilling action, leaving fans disappointed.
The decision from MLS to abandon the 2024 U.S. Open Cup left many in the soccer community stunned and angry, rocking American soccer and prompting fierce backlash. Fans took to social media to express their outrage, calling the decision “disgraceful,” “awful,” and “pathetic.”
U.S. Soccer Federation was taken by surprise by MLS’s decision, and non-MLS clubs were left frustrated by the one-sided power struggle over control of soccer in America.
The U.S. Open Cup has a rich history as the longest-running soccer competition in the country. It has provided opportunity for amateur and semi-pro teams to dream and compete against top league pros.
However, MLS owners have voted to enter their reserve teams, rather than first teams, in the 2024 tournament, sparking anger across the soccer community. The decision caught many off guard, and the timing was clearly designed to cause maximum impact. The move benefits the MLS regular season by reducing schedule congestion, freeing up to six midweek match dates but deeply hurts almost everyone else involved.
While MLS sees the glory in its decision, the impact on the soccer ecosystem is far-reaching, risking the growth of non-MLS markets. It could potentially harm second-tier leagues, deprive clubs of much-needed visibility, and strain the broader soccer community in the U.S.
As a result, MLS’s move is causing a deep divide in American soccer, potentially separating the league from the rest of the community. What this means for the future of U.S. soccer is yet to unfold, but one thing is clear – the decision has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious questions.