Connect with us

Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union back in U.S. Open Cup, will host for first time since 2018

Published

on

The Philadelphia Union are back in the U.S. Open Cup after a year hiatus and for the first time since 2018 will host a game at Subaru Park.

The Union are one of 16 MLS teams entered into the 2025 edition of the oldest tournament in U.S. soccer history, first contested in 1913.

They’ll host a Round of 32 match on either May 6 or 7 against a non-MLS opponent. West Chester United is the only other local team in the 96-team field. The Predators qualified for the competition through local qualifying. The first round kicks off March 18-20.

In addition to 16 MLS teams, the tournament will feature 10 MLS Next Pro sides, 24 teams from the USL Championship and 14 teams from USL League One.

The Union qualified for the U.S. Open Cup based on the 2024 MLS standings. Teams that didn’t qualify for Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup qualified for U.S. Open Cup. The top nine teams in each conference qualified for Leagues Cup. The Union finished 12th last season.

“The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a crucial connection point for all levels of soccer in the United States,” U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson said in a news release.  “U.S. Soccer exists in service to soccer and this historic tournament allows us to lift up the people who are leading the charge to support soccer in their communities. We’re pleased to continue working with and collaborating with all U.S. Soccer members to maximize the tournament’s impact on soccer at all levels in this country.”

The Union last hosted an Open Cup match in 2018 when they beat Chicago Fire 3-0 in the semifinal to advance to the third final in club history. The Union lost in extra time in their only match in the competition in 2019 and after two straight cancelations of the competition went one and done at Orlando City in 2022 and at Minnesota United in 2023.

2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Schedule
First Round                  March 18-20
Second Round             April 1-2
Third Round                 April 15-16
Round of 32                 May 6-7
Round of 16                 May 20-21
Quarterfinals                July 8-9
Semifinal                     Sept. 16-17
Final                            Oct. 1

 

 

Matthew Ralph is the managing editor of Philadelphia Soccer Now. He's covered soccer at all levels for a decade in the Philadelphia region and has also written for TheCup.us, NPSL, PrepSoccer and other publications. He lives with his wife and two young children in Broomall, Pa., but grew up in South Jersey and is originally from Kansas.

Copyright © 2025 Philadelphia Soccer Now and Brotherly Game

Be the First to Know When Philadelphia Soccer News Happens!

Sign-up now to get all of our stories sent directly to your inbox, as soon as they're published.

Thank you for subscribing.

Something went wrong.