The US Open Cup is back and the first round proper is upon us - to celebrate, we reached out to several of our favorite bloggers and podcasters to help us assemble a list of games we think you’ll want to scour YouTube for their respective streams.

While we want you to watch every game you can, we understand that there might not be enough time to soak it all in… if that is the case, feel free to check in here to get the gist of these popular games in Round One.

Sarasota Paradise (USLL2) vs FC Naples (USLL1)

Tues. 03/18, 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, FL

This game will be a momentous occasion for both clubs. Each of them is making their US Open Cup debut, with the away team taking part in their first ever professional season in 2025. Then, in 2026, the home side will join Naples in USL League One for their first professional campaign. That makes this the maiden match between two clubs from southwest Florida, with nothing less than passage to the next round of the oldest cup competition in America on the line!

James Knowles - RBLR Sports

New Jersey Alliance FC (UPSL) vs Chattanooga Red Wolves (USLL1)

Tues. 03/18, 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET at Lubetkin Field in Newark, NJ

One of the longest road trips of the first road belongs to the Red Wolves as they head to the beautiful city of Newark. The Alliance are in their first USOC tournament off a stellar qualifying campaign, including a shootout win over Steel Pulse FC. With a mix of high caliber talent, such as former New York Red Bulls academy player Emiland Elezaj, NJAFC are going to be trouble for a Red Wolves team that hasn’t escaped the pit of the USL League One table in the last two seasons and just parted ways with their GM and president. Fun fact, Newark doesn’t hold a USOC title but maybe Alliance will try to channel the energy of 1894–95 American Cup champions Newark Caledonians.

Michael Battista - Hudson River Blue

Texoma FC (USLL1) vs Foro SC (UPSL)

Tues. 03/18, 5:00pm PT / 8:00pm ET at Bearcat Stadium in Sherman, TX

It’s a match up of the new kids on the block in Texas Soccer with Texoma FC against the one of the best teams not in the USL system from the DFW in Foro SC.

Texoma have made some pretty decent signings for their inaugural season and Foro are know for doing great in cup competitions. This is a fascinating game to keep eye on and be really interesting to see Texoma play and also to see how Foro can match up against them.

Ben Brannigan - Protagonist

FC Motown (NPSL) vs Westchester SC (USLL1)

Tues. 03/18, 4:30pm PT / 7:30pm ET at MSU Soccer Park in Montclair, NJ

Yes, this is a League1 (D3 team) taking on an amateur side, but there’s so much meat on the bone here, given the pedigree of FC Motown. FCM is a perennial threat in the NPSL and always finishes in the playoffs, most of the time well into the playoffs. Given that Westchester is still sorting things out in preparation for this inaugural season, I think an upset isn’t out of the question in this matchup.

Dan Vaughn - Editor, Protagonist Soccer

Asheville SC (USLL2) vs Greenville Triumph SC (USLL1)

Tues. 03/18, 4:30pm PT / 7:30pm ET at Greenwood Field in Asheville, NC

Last year Asheville were knocked out of the Cup at this stage when they faced One Knox SC - this year they play USL League One competition again and will look to get past this hurdle. Asheville City have won the South Central Division for two years running and made it to the USL League Two Semifinals last year - although they were knocked out by the eventual league champions, it was enough to qualify for the US Open Cup Proper. Greenville Triumph’s baseline of playoff appearances and even a league title, make them a tough opponent for the opening round - similarly, they finished high in the regular season and were knocked out of their respective playoffs at the Semifinals. Triumph did advance from the first round last year, then beat that pesky One Knox in Round Two, but succumbed to one of the most talented squads in the Championship when they were knocked out by Louisville City. This could be a fun little matchup between sides from the Carolinas.

Josh Duder - Protagonist Soccer / One League Under the C

Tulsa Athletic (UPSL) vs FC Tulsa (USLC)

Tues. 03/18, 5:30pm PT / 8:30pm ET at Athletic Community Stadium, Hicks Park in Tulsa, OK

The Tulsa Tango reaches its USOC rubber match in 2025. The professional side survived their cross-town opponents, 2-1, in 2022. The amateurs got one back in a 1-0 upset the following year. Thankfully the break from hostilities in the city that sleeps was for 2024 only and the

Ryan Stallings - Protagonist Soccer / The 2how

Ventura County FC (MLSNP) vs Laguna United (UPSL)

Tues. 03/18, 7:30pm PT / 10:30pm ET at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA

In what has been called a “historic moment” by LUFC coach Sam Nicholson, the team is excited to enter this year’s Open Cup, an achievement that is “10 years in the making”. Young players such as Eduardo Moreno and Mikey Barraza are names to keep an eye on as the team hopes to upset the MLS Next Pro side Ventura County FC. As with any MLS affiliated team, it can be difficult to predict how committed Ventura will be to the cup, but they do have the experience advantage having advanced out of the first round in 2024, eliminating Irvine Zeta FC 2. Both teams enter the competition early in their 2025 seasons. LUFC has a win and loss (this will change after their match on 3/15) while Ventura has 1 win and 1 loss. It will be a tough match for the South Orange County side, but it should be an exciting match.

Ray Samora - Orange & Black SoccerCast

Appalachian FC (NPSL) vs One Knox SC (USLL1)

Wed. 03/19, 7:00pm PT / 10:00pm ET at Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex in Boone, NC

Appalachian FC made their USOC debut in 2023, where they knocked-out NC Fusion in the first round but were themselves eliminated in Round Two by Charlotte Independence of USL League One. While we didn’t see them in the Cup last year, the Squatchy side are back and they’re looking to get their fully amateur side past professional outfit, One Knox SC. The USL League One side from Knoxville also made their USOC debut in 2023, were also knocked out in Round Two and while they did participate in the Cup last year, One Knox were knocked out in Round Two for a second year running. Their hope this year is to get past the hosts this week then advance further than they had in their brief history as a club - but they really shouldn’t look past this fun team from the NPSL who could make a name for themselves with a “cupset.”

Josh Duder - Protagonist Soccer / One League Under the C

Richmond Kickers (USLL1) vs Virginia Dream (USASA)

Wed. 03/19, 7:00pm PT / 10:00pm ET at City Stadium in Richmond, VA

Virginia Dream advanced after defeating several amateur foes with the backing of former DC United and 2013 US Open Cup winner Bill Hamid in goal. This round, they won’t be so lucky, with Hamid moving back into the professional ranks for 2025. It will also be the de facto home opener for the Kickers, after having two regular season road matches ahead of it. With Richmond celebrating the 30th anniversary of its 1995 Cup win, the pressure will be on to avoid a cupset to a northern Virginia rival in the making.

Alex Ashton - League One Updater

Lexington SC (USLL1) vs Southern Indiana FC (UPSL)

Wed. 03/19, 7:30pm PT / 10:30pm ET at Lexington SC Stadium in Lexington, KY

This will be Southern Indiana FC’s first USOC appearance, but marks Lexington’s third attempt to advance beyond the initial round of entry. Lexington put on a respectable showing against Lou City in year one, losing only 1-0 at Lynn Family stadium, but year two of USOC left very little to boast about for the young club. After building a seemingly strong squad, Lexington was on the wrong side of victory against USL2 favorites, Vermont Green FC. Lexington SC will be looking to make the most of this year’s USOC run while Southern Indiana FC, along with former LSC defender Diallo Irakoze, is set on delivering another storybook upset to feed USOC lore.

Tyler Crane - Crane Kicks Lex

Little Rock Rangers (USLL2) vs Birmingham Legion (USLC)

Wed. 03/19, 6:00pm PT / 9:00pm ET at Episcopal Collegiate School, Wildcat Stadium in Little Rock, AR

Little Rock makes their second appearance in the USOC after their 2019 heartbreaker first round exit where they lost the lead in added time, then the match in PKs, to NTX Rayados. This year’s entry also mark’s the second time any team from the state of Arkansas has featured in the USOC, as well as the first time in history that a professional side has played any match in the Natural State. The Stags have been handed one of the steeper tests for the amateur sides in this round, hosting USLC club Birmingham Legion. Still, Little Rock will like their chances, fielding a veteran side and catching Bomingham midweek between the visitors’ important league clashes with Louisville City and Detroit City.

For the Legion, if luck is needed at all, it may be found in playing Little Rock outside their primary home confines of War Memorial Stadium, where the Rangers have seen crowds of 7500+ on more than one occasion. Instead, the match will be played at Episcopal Collegiate school with an allowed capacity crowd of just 1000.
The 2024 USL2 Golden Glove winner, Tommy Wroblewski, will have to be in mid-season form to keep the hosts in this. If he and the Stags’ backline can survive the Legion’s onslaught early, the Rangers are more than capable of finding a goal or two in this one on the counter.

Ryan Stallings - Protagonist Soccer / The 2how

A Second Shout: Birmingham is going back to their PDL (now League Two) roots and taking on one of the biggest semi pro clubs in the United States. The Little Rock Rangers are a mainstay in the lower league community with a fantastic fanbase, and it has led to success in league play. How will it translate on the pitch versus a Championship side that is considered a dark horse for the USL Cup? I would wager pretty well. We all know that the home team has the massive advantage, and with the support that the Rangers garner, I would put Legion on upset alert early.

Kaylor Hodges - The USL Show

El Paso Locomotive (USLC) vs Harpos FC (Colorado Prem)

Wed. 03/19, 6:00pm PT / 9:00pm ET at Southwest University Park in El Paso, Tx

What’s not to love about an amateur club traveling to my hometown to face a USL Championship side? Harpos has a long history of qualifying for the Open Cup and playing in El Paso will be nothing new for them. On the other hand, Locomotive is looking to have a better year than last and a win against Harpos would go a long way to starting 2025 right.

Dan Vaughn - Editor, Protagonist Soccer

Real Monarchs (MLSNP) vs El Farolito FC (NPSL)

Wed. 03/19, 7:30pm PT / 10:30pm ET at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, UT

Last year’s Open Cup darlings, El Farolito FC are back… I’d say this is becoming a habit, but for a team who has actually won the US Open Cup, this is just their pedigree. “The Burrito Team” won the NPSL last season and have earned a return trip to the First Round Proper and take on a team from MLS Next Pro. Last year they beat the Timbers’ B team and this year it's the RSL B team. Real Monarchs just kicked off their regular season and have 1 win from 1 played - they scored 3 and gave up 2 goals. Real Monarchs weren’t in the cup last year because their parent team, Real Salt Lake were and prior to that Next Pro appearances were sparse. An iconic, storied American soccer club vs a manufactured filler team - if you’re a soccer romantic, you know who to cheer for.

Josh Duder - Protagonist Soccer / One League Under the C

Ballard FC (USLL2) vs Spokane Velocity (USLL1)

Wed. 03/19, 7:30pm PT / 10:30pm ET at Interbay Stadium in Seattle, WA

This matchup is a battle of the PNW. These teams met last year, with a tough battle ending with a 1-0 Spokane Velocity late winner. The 2023 League Two Winners will battle the League one playoff team early in the competition. It should be a hard fought game. It’s a good rivalry for the area, and a battle of dope kits

Eboni Christmas - Walkin’ 90 Podcast / Shea Butter FC

A Second Shout: Oh, the narratives. Rematch. East vs. West. So sayeth the Bridge Keepers, “Fuck the East Side!” In 2024, Ballard FC were forced to host their 1st round Open Cup game against the Velocity FC debutantes from Memorial Stadium due to upkeep at Interbay. It was one of the first handful of competitive matches for Velocity and it showed. Ballard were very young, very direct, and probably deserved to move on in the tournament. Andre Lewis had other ideas though and his dagger in the 97th minute off of a Romain Metanire long throw in turned Memorial from a rock show into a church in seconds. Ballard will be back at their home stadium but Velocity will come equipped with a far more experienced squad that went to the championship final of USL League One last November. This one cannot be missed. Oh, and the 509 Syndicate will be showing up this time, too.

Benji Wade - Spokane Soccer Show

Portland Hearts of Pine (USLL1) vs CD Faialense (BSSL)

Thurs. 03/20, 3:30pm PT / 6:30pm ET at Franklin Athletic Complex in Lewiston, ME

The back-to-back Bay State Soccer League Champions, CD Faialense might have done more to earn their spot in the First Round Proper than most teams in the 2025 US Open Cup. Last summer they entered into the qualifying rounds and first beat Boston Street FC 4-1; then away again, they knocked out Project Football of the UPSL 4-1; in the fourth qualifying round, Faialense defeated FCY NY, also from the USPL, 3-1 and qualified for the Cup by outsourcing their opponents 10-1. They did the same thing during league play, winning BSSL First Division by 10 points and destroyed the league with a +38 GD. Meanwhile, while the freshman USL League One team, Portland Hearts of Pine, have loaded up with great talent, outfitted themselves with fantastic kits, and recruited what will prove to be one of the best fanbases in the league - they have not yet kicked a ball in anger. They open their regular season nine days after this Open Cup match and while that is not ideal, it doesn’t mean coach Bobby Murphy won’t have them ready to put on a show in their US Open Cup debut. Look for this to be a lot more dramatic than folks are expecting - ahoy, there be goals in the offing.

Josh Duder - Protagonist / One League Under the C

Forward Madison (USLL1) vs Duluth FC (USLL1)

Thurs. 03/20, 7:00pm PT / 10:00pm ET at Breese Stevens Field in Madison, WI

These two teams matched up last year in the competition, with Forward Madison winning 2-0. Christian Chaney scored a brace in that match but has now left Madison and joined Charlotte Independence. Madison will need Garret McLaughlin and Juan Galindrez to fill in his place, leading the line for the Mingos. Duluth comes into the season with a new coach; Thomas Pazo will lead the team after Sean Morgan stepped down last year. The BlueGreens won the Midwest NPSL and made it to the semi-final, where they lost to eventual Champions El Farolito

Kyle Carr - Walkin’ 90 Podcast

Long Island Rough Riders (USLL2) vs Charlotte Independence (USLL1)

Thurs. 03/20, 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET at Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale, NY

Chris Armas, Mark Briggs, Edson Buddle, Wilmer Cabrera, Mike Grella, Tony Meola, Gio Savarese… the list of players who have come through Long Island Rough Riders is, arguably, the greatest for any club at their level. Founded in 1994, this will be the tenth time the amateur club from Uniondale, NY has qualified for the US Open Cup. Their highest finish was the quarterfinals in 1997 when they lost to the NY/NJ MetroStars. This year they host Charlotte Independence of USL League One who made a nice little run of their own last year, making it past Rhode Island FC in the Third Round before going out to MLS franchise, and 2019 USOC winners, Atlanta United. If Long Island were able to pull together a strong squad this early in the season, they could put up a good fight against Charlotte - fingers and toes all crossed.

Josh Duder - Protagonist / One League Under the C

FC Cincinnati 2 (MLSNP) vs NY Pancyprian Freedoms (EPSL)

Thurs. 03/20, 4:30pm PT / 7:30pm ET at NKU Soccer Stadium in Highland Heights, KY

The Panc/yprian-Freedoms are in their 51st year as a club, have one three U.S. Open Cup titles and have taken part in three CONCACAF Champions’ Cup tournaments. The team automatically qualified for this year’s USOC by winning the 2024 U.S. National Amateur Cup.

The three-year-old FC Cincinnati made the playoff for the first time last season. It is the reserve team of Football Club Cincinnati. Each MLSNP reserve team can use players on their roster and players on their MLS parent team’s supplemental roster (i.e., MLS roster slots 21 and up). In addition, up to three MLS senior team players or roster slots 1 through 20 can be loaned to their MLSNP reserve team if exceptional circumstances require it and approved by US Soccer.

I’m interested to see how the MLSNP teams (along with their parent MLS clubs) utilize the additional roster flexibility available to them. Will we see a competitive bump for the MLSNP teams versus USL League One teams?

Dan Creel - Protagonist / One League Under the C /This Week In Soccer

Flatirons FC (USLL2) vs Union Omaha (USLL1)

Thurs. 03/20, 6:00pm PT / 9:00pm ET at Stermole Soccer Stadium in Golden, CO

Entering the US Open Cup as a tournament debutante, Flatirons FC hosts Union Omaha in a match loaded with intrigue befitting the historic national tournament. The 2024 USL League Two Mountain Division winner will take on the 2024 USL League One Regular Season and Playoff Champion, a team whose losses in the tournament have only come from MLS clubs. Since the US Open Cup returned in 2022, only one USL League Two club has ever defeated a USL League One club at home. Keep your eyes peeled for another winged victory in the First Round of the US Open Cup.

Rich Flemings - League One on the Rocks Pod

by Protagonist Staff and Guests - Thank you all, we cannot do large projects like this without you!