Which MLS groups have the perfect probability of profitable the U.S. Open Cup?

The 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup has hit the Spherical of 32, and the competitors resumes with 16 matches. For the primary time on this yr’s version of the event, the MLS groups will enter the competitors, however solely 8 of them will struggle for the oldest trophy in American soccer.

Atlanta United, Houston Dynamo, FC Dallas, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders, LAFC, Sporting Kansas Metropolis, and Actual Salt Lake will be a part of the lone remaining MLS Subsequent Professional group, New York Metropolis FC II, within the Spherical of 32. Awaiting them are 23 different groups from the USL Championship and USL League One who hope to take them out as punishment for the league deciding to not absolutely compete within the event.

So, which MLS groups have the perfect probability of getting out of their division and making a run for all of it? Let’s first check out the divisions for the Spherical of 32:

Make no mistake, the MLS-affiliated groups have some work to do, and the remainder of the sphere is not going to make it straightforward for them. So let’s rank the MLS-affiliated groups with the perfect probability at lifting the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy.

9. New York Metropolis FC II

NYCFC II has the hardest time because the lone MLS Subsequent Professional group left. They’re additionally grouped with MLS facet Actual Salt Lake and so they line up towards the Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL-C) of their first match. New Mexico United (USL-C) can also be of their division, which suggests they not solely should journey ought to they win, they are going to be stretched very skinny with their roster.

8. Seattle Sounders

Seattle has a extremely powerful group, as they face Louisville Metropolis (USL-C) of their first match. Ought to they win, North Carolina FC (USL-C) or Phoenix Rising (USL-C) await them within the Spherical of 16.

7. FC Dallas

FC Dallas could be the weakest MLS group within the area, and the draw did them no favors in setting them up with some tough groups who take the U.S. Open Cup severely. They host Memphis 901 (USL-C) within the Spherical of 32, and both Birmingham Legion (USL-C) or the Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL-C) await within the Spherical of 16.

6. Houston Dynamo

The defending U.S. Open Cup champions drew a tough division, the place they face sizzling Detroit Metropolis (USL-C) within the Spherical of 32. Indy Eleven (USL-C) and San Antonio FC (USL-C) could possibly be their Spherical of 16 matchup, so you will have 3 groups with expertise beating MLS groups within the event and eager to take out the defending champs.

5. Sporting Kansas Metropolis

Sporting Kansas Metropolis have their work reduce out for them, as they face Union Omaha (USL-1) subsequent week and will see both FC Tulsa (USL-C) or the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-C) within the Spherical of 16.

4. San Jose Earthquakes

The Quakes have a tough group, however they’re one of many MLS groups that gained’t need to journey very far. They host the Oakland Roots (USL-C) after which face the winner of Sacramento Republic (USL-C) and Monterey Bay FC (USL-1), so even when they hit the street, they’re taking part in a group that could possibly be thought of a decrease division rival and they’ll stay targeted because of this.

3. Actual Salt Lake

Actual Salt Lake has been on a tear recently and so they have an actual probability to run the desk within the U.S. Open Cup. They tackle New Mexico United (USL-C) on the street, however additionally they have NYCFC II (MLSNP) and Colorado Springs Switchbacks (USL-C) of their group, and they need to proceed their run and set themselves as much as go for the trophy.

2. LAFC

LAFC is among the MLS groups that need to open on the street, however they accomplish that towards the Las Vegas Lights (USL-C), who that they had an affiliation with for years. With Loudoun United (USL-C) and Orange County SC (USL-C) additionally of their bracket, LAFC is the category of this division and arguably the perfect group within the area.

1. Atlanta United

Atlanta has the perfect mixture of being an excellent group in a division that they need to be capable of deal with. They tackle the Charlotte Independence (USL-C) and would face the winner of Charleston Battery (USL-C) and South Georgia Tormenta (USL-1). Their roster ought to be constructed to make the longest run on this event and probably elevate the trophy for a 2nd time.

The Spherical of 32 ought to be one thing particular, and whereas many are rooting for the Cupsets, followers of those 9 groups are hoping for Open Cup glory when their groups take the sphere.