The stage is set for the most anticipated round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, as regional rivalries ignite and underdogs chase their million-dollar dreams. Brace yourself for an exhilarating journey through the battlegrounds that will determine the path to the coveted Concacaf Champions Cup.
Want to know what people are really saying? Don’t miss the buzz from Reddit at the end!
Clash of Titans: Regional Rivalries Ignite
The Round of 16 promises to be a spectacle of epic proportions, with regional rivalries taking center stage. Fans can expect nothing less than a clash of titans as Austin FC and FC Dallas reignite their Texas derby, while D.C. United and Charlotte FC reignite their I-85 rivalry. Elsewhere, Orlando City SC and Nashville SC will battle for Southeastern supremacy, and Minnesota United FC and St. Louis CITY SC will engage in a Midwestern showdown. These age-old rivalries will undoubtedly add an extra layer of intensity and drama to the already high-stakes matches.
Underdogs’ Pursuit: Chasing the Million-Dollar Dream
While the MLS heavyweights dominate the field, the presence of Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, the lone representative from the USL Championship, serves as a reminder that the U.S. Open Cup is a tournament where underdogs can rise to greatness. With a record $1 million purse on the line, including a staggering $600,000 for the champion, the Riverhounds and other lower-division teams have an unprecedented opportunity to etch their names in history and secure a life-changing payday. Their pursuit of the million-dollar dream adds an extra layer of intrigue and excitement to the competition.
Unveiling the Battlegrounds
The Round of 16 matches will unfold across the nation, with fans eagerly anticipating the battles that will shape the path to glory. On Tuesday, May 20, the action kicks off with [list of Tuesday’s matches with home team listed first]. The following day, Wednesday, May 21, promises to be an absolute spectacle, with [list of Wednesday’s matches with home team listed first] taking center stage. Every goal, every save, and every moment of brilliance will be captured live on Paramount+, with select matches simulcasting on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network, ensuring that fans never miss a beat.
Destiny Awaits: The Path to Concacaf Champions Cup
As the 110th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup unfolds, the stakes have never been higher. The winner not only claims the coveted Dewar Challenge Trophy and the title of U.S. Soccer’s national champion but also secures a coveted berth in the prestigious 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. With Los Angeles Football Club relinquishing their crown to compete in the Champions Cup, a new champion will emerge, etching their name in the annals of American soccer history. The road to glory is paved with intense battles, unwavering determination, and the dreams of underdogs seeking to dethrone the giants of the game.
Internet Reactions to the 2025 U.S. Open Cup Round of 16
While the Round of 16 matchups for the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup promise intense regional rivalries and the pursuit of a million-dollar dream, the reactions from the online soccer community have been a mixed bag. As one Reddit user, u/Weezerwhitecap, lamented, “Sucks that there was only one upset.” This sentiment reflects a desire for more Cinderella stories and underdogs challenging the MLS giants. However, another commenter, u/Coltons13, highlighted the exciting scheduling, noting, “Two games Tuesday, everything else Wednesday with a whiparound show again.” This suggests that fans are eager to consume the wealth of action across the various matchups.
Intriguingly, some Redditors have expressed a nuanced view on the regional matchups. U/Mini-Fridge23 noted, “The regional matchups are awesome when it’s MLS vs USL because it builds rivalries. They definitely aren’t as cool when it’s 99% MLS teams though.” This suggests that while fans appreciate the regional clashes, they may be less enthusiastic when the field is dominated by top-tier clubs. Additionally, a sense of nostalgia and empathy can be seen in the comment from u/RCTID1975, who jokingly remarked, “SJ? Oh no!!! too soon, too soon,” likely referring to a recent heartbreak for their team. Meanwhile, u/jaymaslar expressed disappointment in the narrow defeat of their hometown club, Indy Eleven, stating, “Indy Eleven were so freaking close!” These comments capture the emotional investment and identification that fans have with their local teams, regardless of their stature.