Circle the Date: 2026 US Open Cup - Round One Proper
We’re so grateful for the volunteer previews of matches in First Round Proper of the 2026 US Open Cup - we’ll start our coverage with a pair of Tuesday games then add to it as the week progresses.
by Dan Vaughn
Vermont Green vs Portland Hearts of Pine
Tuesday, 03/17, 7pm ET at Virtue Field in Burlington, VT
There’s so much to love about this matchup of two of the hottest brands in lower league soccer. Both have tapped into their local markets in ways that are showing the path forward for every other team in the country. Vermont added on-field success last year, winning the USL2 title, while Hearts of Pine is still early in their build towards playoff glory. This is a layered matchup between professional and amateur teams, but I wouldn’t count out Vermont just yet.
by Dan Vaughn
Detroit City FC vs Michigan Rangers
Tuesday, 03/17, 7:30pm ET at Legacy Center in Brighton, MI
Indoor soccer, here we come! When this news broke, I will admit I was excited about the Open Cup under a roof and asked thecup.us how many times an official USOC match took place indoors. According to the experts, that number is eleven. Love it! As far as the match, amateur vs division two feels like an easy prediction, especially with DCFC coming off a season-opening win.
by Dan Vaughn
Chattanooga FC vs Kalonji Pro-Profile
Wednesday, 03/18, 6:30pm ET at Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, TN
Since moving to MLSNP some years ago, I’ve lost track of this club that I loved to follow for so many years in the NPSL and NISA. Regardless of my attention, the Blues have thrived and continue to grow in their community. Kalonji Pro-Profile had grown in a powerhouse in the UPSL over the last few years, making it to the national semifinals in the UPSL Fall season. Regardless, a division two team should have no problem against even the best amateur team.
by Brett Mullenix
Indy Eleven vs Des Moines Menace
Tuesday, 03/17, 8pm ET at Grand Park Events Center in Westchester, IN
Indy Eleven did not start off the season well. Going on the road to expansion side Brooklyn FC, expectations were a win. The squad was without important players - like Jack Black, and Pat Hogan. Maybe an extra few days rest leading up to their Open Cup match could benefit the squad. Missing Blake did hurt, but as coach McAuley put it “disappointed we didn’t convert our chances”. Something fans from 2025 got very accustomed to hearing.
Des Moines comes into their 2026 Open Cup match without all the flair of years past - no big or flashy signings, just the Menace from the 2025 USL League Two season. Where the Menace took care of the Great Plains Division, going 10-1-1 with a +28 GD. Even after losing in the first round of the playoffs, this Menace team had one of the best regular seasons. The Eleven look vulnerable to start 2026, Des Moines will cause some problems on Tuesday Night.
by Dan Vaughn
FC Motown vs Hartford Athletic
Wednesday, 03/18, 7pm ET at Lubetkin Field (NJIT) in Newark, NJ
There’s few teams in the amateur leagues that can claim the kind of pedigree that FC Motown has. From last year’s NPSL championship match against El Farolito to their newfound competition in the USL League Two, FC Motown has produced so much talent since its founding in 2012. Hartford, on the other hand, has been a mediocre participant in the Championship since joining the league. Granted, last year they qualified for the playoffs, which for this team was a massive step forward. I feel like this is a potential upset match. Eyes on Newark!
More must watch USOC games will be edited in as the week progresses.
by Joshua Duder