Sixteen teams were knocked out in Round Two and sixteen new teams enter into the Round of 32 - after this round, no new teams will join and we will see the field cut in half. There are some sizzling matchups with solid narrative; legacy teams like D.C. United hosting Charleston Battery; a Cascadia Derby of sorts; a Colonial Clash in Rhode Island; and a Texas-sized Tango in Austin.

Come on you Open Cup Sickos! It’s time to read what our Protagonist Podcasters, Writers, and our favorite guests, picked out from this round to get hyped about - they’ll tell you what to look for in these Round of 32 USOC clashes.

North Carolina FC (USLC) vs Charlotte FC (MLS)

Tues. 05/06, 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC

A budding rivalry, this is sure to be a dogfight. These two teams met in the preseason, with NCFC being the victor on the night. A short history, and an MLS bid away from an in-state rivalry. Charlotte is on a hot start in the east, and look to continue that in Raleigh. NCFC just split a home and away series with Charlotte Independence, however, they looked the stronger of the teams both times. NCFC has a hard time staying consistent game to game with their performance. They’ll need to grind out a big result if they don’t want another early exit 2 years in a row

Eboni Christmas - Walkin’ 90 Podast

D.C. United (MLS) vs Charleston Battery (USLC)

Tues. 05/06, 4:00pm PT / 7:00pm ET at Audi Filed in Washington, DC

D.C. United and Charleston Battery, not only are these two organizations US Soccer Legacy Teams, they have actually faced each other in the 2008 US Open Cup Final - D.C. United went on to win 2-1 with goals from Luciano Emílio and Helbert Frederico Carreiro da Silva… you might know him as Fred. Ian Fuller, current head coach for One Knox SC, scored the lone goal for the Battery.

D.C. United are one of the winningest teams in US Soccer History, with 4 MLS Cups, 4 MLS Supporters’ Shields, 3 US Open Cup wins (including the aforementioned 2008 win), twice USOC runners-up, 1 CONCACAF Champions Cups, and 1 Copa Interamericana. Its a lot to live up to.

Charleston Battery were founded a year before United and made it to the USOC Quarters 3 times, Semis 2 times, and have that one runners-up. They’ve also had some big names come through the club, like Open Cup Winners, Ozzie Alonso and Lamar Neagle, as well as the legendary Eric Wynalda, who scored the first goal in MLS history and years later led amateur underdogs Cal FC to the Fourth Round of the Open Cup as a coach. Interestingly enough, current United head coach,Troy Lesesne made 23 appearances for the Battery back in 2006. These two old-guard soccer teams have deep roots and some connections which comes with over 30 years of crossing paths.

Currently, D.C. United are 4th-bottom in MLS’ Eastern Conference, have only won 3 of 11 played and have a -10 GD. After this game, they have to hop on a flight to Toronto to duke it out with fellow cellar dwellers. Conversely, the Battery are 3rd-top in their Eastern Conference, have won 5 of 7 league games, and enjoyed a 4-0 win over Tormenta FC in the last round of the USOC. If form holds, and head coach Ben Pirmann keeps them organized, the Battery could get their long-awaited revenge.

Joshua Duder - Protagonist Soccer / One League Under the C / The C

Nashville SC (MLS) vs Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USLL1)

Tues. 05/06, 5:00pm PT / 8:00pm ET at Geodis Park in Nashville, TN

USL League One’s agents of chaos Chattanooga Red Wolves earned a shot at cross-state MLS club Nashville SC by taking down an amatuer side, a cross-town MLS Next Pro club and finally USL Championship club Las Vegas Lights. All matches were decided in penalty kicks. Defense will be key for Chattanooga against a Nashville side that has shown inconsistency this season, but is prone to high scoring bursts. Nashville will need to take this one seriously to avoid the upset, and a few early goals might do the trick. If they take Chattanooga into extra time, beware.

Alex Ashton - League One Updater

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USLC) vs NY Red Bulls (MLS)

Tues. 05/06, 6:30pm PT / 9:30pm ET at Weidner Field in Colorado Springs, C

The defending USLC champs host the defending MLS Cup finalists, kinda poetic don’t you think? The Red Bulls will face the longest road trip of the round thanks to drawing the shortest stick of Northeast Major League Soccer teams. The Switchbacks are currently in a cup hangover in USL Championship play but did enough to beat USL League One side One Knoxville SC in extra time in Round 3. These two teams have never met, obviously, but Colorado Springs is seeking its first MLS Cupset while New York is hoping to avoid its first lower division USOC loss since 2014 (3-0 vs the New York Cosmos).

Mike Battista - Hudson River Blue

Tacoma Defiance (MLSNP) vs Portland Timbers (MLS)

Tues. 05/06, 7:00pm PT / 10:00pm ET at Starfire Complex in Tukwila, WA

In 1974, the original Seattle Sounders were founded in the NASL; the Portland Timbers began play a year later, declared Portland as Soccer City USA, then knocked the Sounders out of the NASL quarterfinals on their way to the Soccer Bowl. These two have been through multiple iterations, multiple re-births in various leagues, and have played each other 142 times (Sounders have 66 wins, Timbers 57 wins, and there have been 19 draws all time).

Interestingly enough, in the 7 years they crossed paths during the late 1970s and into the early 80s, they never faced one another in the US Open Cup, because NASL didn’t participate in the Cup. However, when the two re-instigated their Cascadia Derby in the early oughts, they added the Cup to the repertoire. Sounder and Timbers first clashed in the Cup in 2005 and there have been some doozies; do yourself a favor and google “Sounders Red Card Wedding.” Since then, the Sounders organization has gone on to win the US Open Cup four times and the Portland Timbers… none.

It’s a point of contention for some Timbers fans, while others feign like the Cup doesn’t matter and they’re actually sick of playing the Sounders every year. One of the drawbacks to being the biggest show in the Pacific Northwest for the last 20 years, was that these two teams were the only show. Over time, there are clubs which make a run in the qualifiers, or get a shock win in the opening couple of rounds, but by and large, by this stage of the Cup - its Timbers vs Sounders. Except this year it isn’t… Well, it kinda is.

Timbers head up to the hated Starfire in Tukwila to play the baby Sounders who front themselves as the Tacoma Defiance; however, as the team progresses in the Cup, they loan down more first team players each round. Who knows, by Tuesday night, it may be a full blown Cascadia Derby - be sure to watch, though, because it's going to be Red Card Divorce feisty.

Joshua Duder - Protagonist Soccer / One League Under the C / The C

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USLC) vs NY City FC (MLS)

Wed. 05/07, 5:00pm PT / 8:00pm ET at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA

After watching another USL Championship side fall to MLS Next Pro upstarts Columbus Crew 2, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds saw off the Capybaras, 1-0, to avoid becoming another Cupset victim in Round 3. Now they face a steeper challenge, with New York City FC of big MLS coming to town in the Round of 32.

With the Hounds still struggling to find their footing in 2025, NYCFC and their potent, Alonso Martinez-led attack should be firm favorites at Highmark Stadium. But beware, the Hounds and head coach Bob Lilley are no strangers to overturning the odds - having conquered two MLS opponents (Columbus Crew and New England Revolution) en route to the Quarterfinals in 2023. Is another trip to the quarters on the slate for the Hounds this year? Or can the Pigeons see off the upset-minded hosts and advance?

Colton Coreschi - Pittsburgh Soccer Now

Rhode Island FC (USLC) vs New England Revolution (MLS)

Wed. 05/07, 4:30pm PT / 7:30pm ET at CentrevilleBank Stadium in Pawtucket, RI

While this will be the first time these clubs ever face each other in the US Open Cup, it is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated matches in the Round of 32, feeling like divine providence that the closest geographical proximity of a USL Championship and MLS side will face off at the newly christened Centreville Bank Stadium in just its second-ever hosted match on Wednesday night.

RIFC, currently beleaguered with injuries, will be looking to extend their run against a Revolution side where Coach Caleb Porter has already indicated that he intends to use the tournament as an opportunity to rotate players.

RIFC has not hit the ground running like many thought the USL Cup runner-ups would experience now sitting on a 1/1/3 record in regular play hampered by a long 7-game road leg. Mixed into those performances have been admirable tournament runs where RIFC has scored 6 of its 11 goals in just two Cup matches.

Head Coach Khano Smith, a former winner of the US Open Cup in 2007 while playing with the Revolution, will be hard pressed with the players available to find success in this midweek against a Revolution side who has recently come to life currently on a 3-game win streak. The Revs (4/1/4) started the season shaky themselves having lost their first four matches as they struggled with injuries and returning players. Things seem to be improving, but they’ve only found the back of the net 7 times earning them the fourth worst offense in the MLS.

Regardless of the outcome, tensions are already high between the fan bases as a battle for the soul of New England takes the pitch on May 7th.

Matthew Entrekin - Raising Anchor Podcast

Philadelphia Union (MLS) vs Indy Eleven (USLC)

Wed 05/07, 4:30pm PT / 7:30pm ET at Subaru Park in Chester, PA

This is a matchup between two teams in very different forms from league play. While the Indy Eleven have had an inconsistent start to their USL-Championship campaign, the Philadelphia Union are currently riding high at 3rd place in the East after picking up 19 points in 10 matches. Philly has a 4-1-1 record at home, and a GD of +10 led by a stout defense anchored by Andre Blake in net. Will Indy’s defense contain Philly and beat the odds while igniting their 2025 campaign like they did in last year’s Open Cup run? Or will the team continue their unimpressive form and fall short of yet another lofty goal set for the club?

Brett Mullenix - KIT SZN / The USL Show

Louisville City FC (USLC) vs Minnesota United (MLS)

Wed 05/07, 4:30pm PT / 7:30pm ET at Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, KY

The Boys in Purple are hot right now; Lou City are the second best team in the whole USL Championship, only behind Loudoun United - the team they knocked out of the US Open Cup last round. They won last week, shutting out Lexington 2-0, to start a three game homestand, which includes this Round of 32 fixture with MLS’ Minnesota United. Once upon a time, Louisville City’s boss, Danny Cruz, played for the Loons as well as the Philadelphia Union, D.C. United, and Houston Dynamo… he knows a thing or two about what makes MLS teams tick and how to get in and out of a US Open Cup game. With a solid squad, no travel, and a good crowd at Lynn Family Stadium, Cruz will be inspiring his side to keep their head and they may be able to get that good ol’ “cupset.”

Minnesota are no pushovers, however, and are second in their respective league’s Western Conference - 5 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses; they are also second-lowest in the conference with goals allowed. Dayne St Clair has led a staunch defense and the Loons are coming off a road shutout, beating Austin 3-0 away in Texas. They flew home, then headed out to Kentucky for this match, and have to fly back for a home game this weekend - all that travel spells out squad rotation to me. It’s possible they underestimate this USL team, give their big weapons like Robin Lod and Will Trapp a rest, and get caught out by the Boys in Purple.

Joshua Duder - Protagonist Soccer / One League Under the C / The C

Tampa Bay Rowdies (USLC) vs Orlando City SC (MLS)

Wed 05/07, 4:30pm PT / 7:30pm ET at Al Lang Stadium in St Petersburg, FL

The Open Cup is the only place where Tampa Bay and Orlando City ever meet up now, but it seems to happen frequently. As always, no love lost between fans means fireworks are likely on and off the field. The Rowdies have had a tough start to 2025, firing their manager along the way. Meanwhile, the Lions have re-upped their own head coach. With the two meeting up at Al Lang, the second division squad seem to have a mountain to climb to beat their hated rivals.

James Knowles - RBLR Sports

Chicago Fire (MLS) vs Detroit City FC (USLC)

Wed 05/07, 5:00pm PT / 8:00pm ET at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgewater, IL

As soon as fans of soccer in the Midwest saw this matchup announced, they knew they were in for a fun night. Chicago is the established outfit, an MLS side who have improved since the hiring of former USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter. While Detroit is now in the USL system, they’re still seen as the rebels looking to make a statement. Both sets of supporters are passionate about this tournament and this matchup, so the atmosphere at SeatGeek Stadium should be fantastic.

Adnan Bašić - Independent Writer

St. Louis City SC (MLS) vs Union Omaha (USLL1)

Wed 05/07, 5:00pm PT / 8:00pm ET at Energizer Park in St Louis, MO

Alright, who ordered up a Cupset with a side of redemption? Union Omaha returns to St. Louis for US Open Cup action with hungry eyes. Put aside the 5-1 loss back in 2023. That was then. St. Louis CITY enters this match riding seven straight matches without a single win, four of which involved getting shut out. Oh, and Union Omaha has more wins in this year’s US Open Cup than St. Louis CITY has in their entire 2025 season. With only two goals scored in their five home matches so far this season, look for St. Louis CITY to be the perfect night time snack for the Owls.

Rich Flemings - League One on the Rocks Podcast

FC Dallas (MLS) vs AV Alta FC (USLL1)

Wed 05/07, 5:00pm PT / 8:00pm ET at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX

A two-time Open Cup champion (1997 & 2016), FC Dallas enters the competition having handed Leo Messi and Inter Miami its first league loss this season. Los Toros advanced to the quarterfinal round last year. AV Alta FC, still in its first season despite this long tournament run, is the lowest-seeded team remaining in the tournament. Brian Kleiban’s expansion side has proven itself capable, and 24-year-old Haitian winger Jerry Desdunes is having a moment.

Dennis Pope - Independent Writer / Root & Branch Pod

Austin FC (MLS) vs El Paso Locomotive (USLC)

Wed 005/07, 5:30pm PT / 8:30pm ET at Q2 Stadium in Austin, TX

El Paso’s first year of any Open Cup success (0-4 coming into this year) is starting to turn into a genuine Cup run as they enter the Round of 32 against an MLS team that actually has less history than El Paso. Andy Cabrera’s 97th minute equalizer and winning penalty in Albuquerque sent El Paso here but they’ll need a big performance to overcome their first MLS opposition who are looking like genuine playoff contenders.h!

Phil Baki - The USL Show / Seriously Loco Podcast

Phoenix Rising FC (USLC) vs Houston Dynamo (MLS)

Wed 05/07, 7:00pm PT / 10:00pm ET at Rising Stadium in Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix Rising will look to make history as the club takes on Houston Dynamo in a fourth round Open Cup clash. This is the third time that Phoenix has taken on an MLS team in competitive play, and both of the previous occasions ended in 2-1 losses.

Despite a slow start to the league season, Rising coach Pa-Modou Kah has made no secrets of his view that cup competitions are not of secondary importance. Still, with Rémi Cabral suspended, Pape Mar Boye injured and Ascel Essengue, a player that represents necessary cover for an injury-depleted back line, cup-tied after featuring in the earlier rounds for Ventura County, Rising will enter the match without key players.

Meanwhile, Houston has also suffered a shaky start to its league campaign. With former Rising head coach Juan Guerra in tow as an assistant, the 2023 Open Cup champions will need to get shots on goal to challenge Rising at their weakest point, and hope that Ezequiel Ponce or Ondrej Lingr can find the scoresheet. Yet, if Dynamo puts out a weakened team, don’t be surprised if Rising’s front line causes them some problems.

Owain Evans - PHNX Sports

San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) vs Sacramento Republic (USLC)

Wed 05/07, 7:30pm PT / 10:30pm ET at PayPal Park in San Jose, CA

This sixth rendition of the NorCal Derby will carry some extra weight, as the long standing sports rivalry between Sacramento and the Bay has intensified in the last year with San Jose Earthquakes’ owner John Fisher moving his MLB club to Sacramento. The rivalry is punctuated by the hosting team thus far having won every match - and Republic’s 2022 run to the Final really started when they beat San Jose in the Round of 32. Republic’s extra-time come from behind victory over San Jose in last year’s tournament will surely be fresh in the minds of fans of both clubs, but the Quails will have an uphill battle on the road against a revamped and retooled San Jose squad led by legendary U.S. coach Bruce Arena.

Valor Nash - Quail City Soccer

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