The Second Round of the 2023 U.S. Open Cup kicks off Tuesday with clubs from the third (USL1/NISA) and second (USLC) divisions now joining the fray — there will be cupsets.
After a two-year hiatus because of the pandemic, 2022 was one of the competition's best years with Union Omaha (USL1) reaching the quarterfinals and Sacramento Republic (USLC) going all the way to the final before MLS side Orlando City won its first piece of major silverware.
This year marks the tournament's 108th edition, and things are more serious than ever with a record 71 professional sides entering. However, we still have a bunch of Cinderella clubs from the Open Division looking to make a national statement in the Second Round, and they'll be dreaming of advancing and playing an MLS club next.
2023 U.S. Open Cup Second Round: 3 to watch
Detroit City FC vs. Gold Star FC Detroit
Date: Tuesday, April 4 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Keyworth Stadium | Stream: B/R Football YouTube channel
One of the greatest sights across the U.S. Open Cup is a match at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck. Last year, Detroit City (USLC) made it to the Round of 32 with a home victory over the Columbus Crew. Over 6,000 DCFC supporters crowded the stadium, making the MLS side uncomfortable in the din of noise, smoke and general revelry.
The Cup returns to Hamtramck this week
— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) April 3, 2023
On Tuesday night, it's a local derby between Le Rouge and Livonia-based Gold Star FC Detroit (NISA). This is Gold Star's inaugural season and only their second competitive match. It'll be a baptism by fire.
New Mexico United vs. UDA Soccer at NMSU
Date: Tuesday, April 4 | Time: 9 p.m. ET
Location: Rio Rancho High School Stadium | Stream: New Mexico United YouTube channel
New Mexico United made the USLC quarterfinals last year and advanced to the Third Round of the Open Cup, so they've established themselves in the lower division.
But their opponents, UDA at New Mexico State University, made history by becoming the first team affiliated with a college to advance beyond the First Round in the modern era. More than 500 fans (their largest crowd ever) watched UDA's win, and there should be a big crowd in Rio Rancho for this one.
This says it all! pic.twitter.com/OzITJELp7j
— UDA Soccer Academies - UK and USA (@UDAUKSOCCER) March 23, 2023
Louisville City vs. Lexington SC
Date: Wednesday, April 5 | Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Lynn Family Stadium | Stream: B/R Football YouTube channel
Louisville City is an established force of the American second division. They averaged over 10,000 fans per match last year at the beautiful Lynn Family Stadium near downtown and finished runners-up in the USLC while reaching the Open Cup last-16.
Located 80 miles east are the upstarts Lexington SC. Lexington are playing their inaugural season in USL1 and will be looking to emulate the success of their Kentucky rivals over the years to come — knocking them out of the Cup would be one way to start.
Other matches available to stream
Tuesday, April 4
Miami FC vs. Jacksonville Armada | 7 p.m. ET | Miami FC YouTube channel
Hartford Athletic vs. Lansdowne Yonkers | 7 p.m. ET | New Logical YouTube channel
Oakland Roots vs. El Farolito | 10 p.m. ET | B/R Football YouTube channel
Wednesday, April 5
South Georgia Tormenta vs. Rio Grande Valley Toros | 7:30 p.m. ET | Tormenta FC YouTube channel
Des Moines Menace vs. Chattanooga FC | 8 p.m. ET | B/R Football YouTube channel
Colorado Springs Switchbacks vs. Northern Colorado Hailstorm | 9 p.m. ET | B/R Football YouTube channel
Orange County SC vs. Capo FC | 10 p.m. ET | B/R Football YouTube channel
Phoenix Rising vs. Greenville Triumph | 10:30 p.m. ET | B/R Football YouTube channel
Tuesday, April 11
Forward Madison vs. Chicago House | 7 p.m. ET | Forward Madison YouTube channel
