Chicago House v MNUFC2

Langhorst Field | Elmhurst, Illinois

3.20.2024 | U.S. Open Cup First Round

7:00 p.m. CT | Streaming on ussoccer.com

Another round of U.S. Open Cup action is upon us, and though it looks a bit different this year, it’s the same glorious tournament nonetheless. This season, MNUFC2 is taking on the rest of the U.S., with the first stop taking them to the Windy City for a showdown with Chicago House AC of the Midwest Premier League.

This First Round matchup will give Loons fans a chance to see what grassroots soccer in the States really looks like, and it couldn’t be against a better example. The House, as I’d like to call them, have made waves in the Open Cup over the last two years, advancing to the Third Round in 2023 before getting eliminated by the Chicago Fire in a Chi-town derby. This year, Matt Poland’s men will be looking to push even further, but they’ll have to get past MNUFC2 to do so.

This match comes off the back of a 4-1 loss to LAFC2 in the opening match of their MLS NEXT Pro season, a match that featured several first-team players. While the St. Pat’s friendly and international call-ups will stretch the squad during these midweek matches, there are plenty of quality reinforcements for MNUFC2 to utilize.

The Twos are calling on the Academy to fill out the roster for Wednesday’s match, presenting a great opportunity for some young Loons to get valuable minutes in this historic competition. This is an extension of a club-wide desire to give young players a chance to shine, and many of the Academy players that will take part in this game also featured in MNUFC2’s opener. Despite their youth, this is a talented squad, with the likes of Loïc Mesanvi, Kage Romanshyn, and several more promising names making for what should be an entertaining match in America’s oldest soccer tournament.

The 2024 edition of the U.S. Open Cup represents a break from tradition, with just eight MLS clubs representing the nation’s top level of soccer instead of the entire league. 11 MLS NEXT Pro sides are participating as well, nine of whom are direct affiliates of MLS clubs. 

While the MLS clubs won’t be entering the competition until the Round of 32, all 11 MLS NEXT Pro teams are joining in the first round. They’ve been drawn against amateur qualifiers as well as clubs from NISA, USL League’s One and Two, the NPSL, and the UPSL. Teams from up and down the soccer pyramid will join in subsequent rounds, with representatives from the USL Championship being added as early as the Third Round. 

As they enter their first foray into this national tournament, MNUFC2 will be coached by Jeremy Hall. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, with streaming available on ussoccer.com. Tune in to see the Twos leave their mark on this special tournament and take a look at some of the most promising youngsters in the club’s player pathway.