Chicago, IL – (Tuesday, May 18, 2010) – U.S. Soccer Federation recently announced the format for the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. A total of 40 teams, including 23 professional and 17 amateur clubs will compete when the tournament kicks off in June for the 97th consecutive year.
The Richmond Kickers receive an automatic berth into the first round of competition, alongside the five other USL Second Division teams. First-round pairings will be determined by dividing the clubs geographically into eight groups of four, with random drawings for each group. On June 22 in the second round, the 16 first-round winners will face off with eight victors moving into the third round to square off against eight MLS teams on June 29. The quarterfinals will be played July 6-7, the semifinals will be played Aug. 31 or Sept. 1, and the final will be played Oct. 5.
The 2010 season marks the 12th time the Richmond Kickers have qualified for the U.S. Open Cup over the past 17 seasons and hold an overall record of 17-10 during tournament play. The Kickers claimed the U.S. Open Cup title the first year of the “Professional Era” in 1995 and have since made it to the quarterfinal round four times (1995, 2001, 2004, 2007), ousting three Major League Soccer teams along the way including Colorado Rapids in 2000, DC United in 2004 and LA Galaxy in 2007. With 60 total goals scored during the Open Cup, the Kickers set several franchise records as well as a Professional Era U.S. Open Cup record for most goals (12) during the 8-4 rout over the Ocean City Barons in 2005.
About the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, which is recognized as U.S. Soccer’s National Championship, is an single-elimination tournament open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The tournament has crowned a champion for 96 consecutive years dating back to 1914. The team that advances the furthest from each level except Division I will earn a $10,000 cash prize. The runner-up will take home $50,000, while the champion will collect $100,000. In addition, the winner will have its name engraved on the historic Dewar Challenge Trophy, the oldest trophy competed for nationally in American team sports.
2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Schedule
May 31 Qualifying Deadline
June 15 First Round: 32 lower division teams enter tournament
June 22 Second Round: 16 First Round winners face off
June 29 Third Round: Round 2 winners face eight MLS teams
July 6-7 Quarterfinals: Round 3 winners
Aug. 31-Sept. 1 Semifinals: Quarterfinal winners
Oct. 5 Final: Semifinal winners
Number of participating teams (by division):
8 - Major League Soccer (Division I)
9 - USSF D-2 Pro League (Division II)
6 - United Soccer Leagues Second Division (Division III)
8 - USL Premier Development League (Amateur)
8.5 - USASA (Amateur)
.5 - U.S. Club Soccer (Amateur)
Total Number of Teams: 40
Total Number of Games: 39
