The 102nd edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup will have a slightly different look. In 2015, there will be a record number of teams involved and a new format for the late-rounds of the tournament.
U.S. Soccer announced the format of the tournament on Wednesday, noting the expanded field that now includes 91 teams and the change in the Round of 16, where teams will be split into four regional pods.
Real Salt Lake and the 16 other U.S.-based MLS clubs will enter the tournament in the fourth round on June 16-17. In the inaugural season of Real Monarchs SLC, the USL Pro club will enter in the second round on May 20. However, if Real Monarchs advance into the fourth round, they will be split for RSL’s bracket to avoid conflict.
In the new tournament format, the 16 winners from the fourth round will be divided geographically into groups of four. A random draw, scheduled for June 18, will determine the pairings within each group for the fifth round. The two winners from each group will face each other in the quarterfinal round. Each group will also be paired geographically with another group to pre-determine the pairings for the semifinal round. Should two ownership-affiliated teams reach the semifinal round and be scheduled to face each other, the matches will be re-drawn.
In addition to the two Salt Lake-based clubs, the BYU Cougars qualified through one of 10 at-large berths granted to PDL clubs. The Cougars will play in the first round on May 13.
The tournament final is scheduled for September 29 or 30.
