U.S. Open Cup to double MLS participation this year

But does anyone, except Seattle – the Sounders are winners of three straight cups – care?

I’m sure Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena is thrilled (not): After all it’s not like the club has much on its plate this year.

Here’s more from AP on the U.S. Soccer decision announced today:

CHICAGO (AP) — All 16 eligible Major League Soccer teams will compete in the U.S. Open Cup, which is expanding from 40 to 64 teams this year.

The tournament will start May 15, with the second round May 22 and the MLS teams from the United States entering in the third round May 29, the U.S. Soccer Federation said Wednesday.

MLS had entered eight teams in recent years, with six qualifying automatically and two emerging from play-in rounds.

MLS teams must win five games in the single-elimination tournament to earn the title. The final will be Aug. 7 or 8.

Seattle will attempt to become the first team to win four years in a row.

The three Canadian-based MLS clubs are ineligible for the competition, in case you were wondering.

Full details here.

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About Nick Green

South Bay-based Los Angeles News Group soccer columnist and blogger Nick Green writes at the 100 Percent Soccer blog at www.insidesocal.com/soccer and craft beer at the Beer Goggles blog at www.insidesocal.com/beer. Cheers!