Deep runs in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup are rare from clubs outside Major League Soccer. But Loudoun United FC look to make club-history at Segra Field when they take on Columbus Crew on Wednesday, May 10 at 7 p.m. EST. Tickets are available here.
What is the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup?
In a single-game elimination tournament, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup invites clubs from all levels to take their shot at the big dogs. MLS teams have dominated the Cup since they first entered the competition in 1996. Only the Rochester Rhinos has lifted the trophy as a lower-league team. In the last decade, only two teams from outside the MLS have made the finals, Charleston Battery (2008) and Sacramento Republic FC (2022). There is definitely a March Madness feel to the tournament in terms of mixing and matching of tiers, especially when the lower tiered team wins…or what fans like to call it a ‘cupset’.
What is the prize of winning the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup?
The 2023 U.S. Open Cup winner will earn $300,000 in prize money, a berth in the 2024 Concacaf Champions League and have its name engraved on the Dewar Challenge Trophy.
The runner-up will earn $100,000, while the team that advances the furthest from each lower division will take home a $25,000 cash prize.
Setting the Stage
Loudoun United FC have made club-history this season as they embarked on their first Open Cup run. The Red-and-White have defeated North Carolina FC and Flower City Union on their way to the Round of 32. In addition, United is one of the eight USL Championship teams that remain in the tournament.
The Columbus Crew has been in the MLS since the league’s inception in 1996, making it one of the 10 charter clubs of the league. The Crew’s history runs deep throughout professional soccer in the U.S. In fact, Loudoun United FC Head Coach Ryan Martin grew up in Columbus, Ohio rooting for the Crew.
Ryan Martin pictured with two brothers and two friends on the day Columbus Crew announced a team and logo. The hard hats were the Crew’s first symbol.
Columbus Crew are used to playing in Lower.com Field, a 19,968-seat capacity soccer-specific stadium. The Crew have won six major trophies: the MLS Cup in 2008 and 2020; the Supporters’ Shield in 2004, 2008, and 2009; and the 2002 U.S. Open Cup. The Black-and-Gold have qualified for the CONCACAF Champions League four times, reaching the quarterfinals on the first three occasions. Despite all the accolades, achievements and history, the magic of the Open Cup will bring the two-time MLS Cup Champions to Leesburg, Virginia to face the Red-and-White at Segra Field, a humble 5,000 seat capacity stadium.
Head Coach Ryan Martin and his Red-and-White will have a chance to take on his boyhood club. Coach Martin spent time with the Columbus Crew in 2015 as Head Coach of their Under-23s, learning from ex-USMNT Head Coach Greg Berhalter who was at the helm of the senior squad. In addition, Martin attended the Crew’s first-ever match; playing against D.C. United on April 13, 1996.
“It’s exciting that we are hosting Columbus Crew at Segra Field, out of all places,” Loudoun United Head Coach Ryan Martin said. “As a first-year team competing in the Open Cup, it’s an amazing opportunity host an MLS-team with Columbus’ history and quality.”
Ryan Martin trained with the Columbus Crew during his time at Ohio Wesleyan University, even playing against the Crew in preseason.
Ryan Martin pictured with Ohio Wesleyan University before taking on Columbus Crew in preseason match.
Fast forward to the present, the Crew currently sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer standings while Loudoun sit in seventh place in the USL standings. Lucas Zelarayán leads Columbus with four goals to his name, while United’s Zach Ryan has netted seven goals in all competitions.
LUFC head into Wednesday’s match knowing it will be an uphill battle, but the goal still remains the same – win and advance to the next round.
Promotions
Fans are invited to arrive early to enjoy music by DJ Randy and the Kids Zone featuring games and facepainting! Red-and-White fans over the age of 21 will also be able to purchase $2 Coors Light and Miller Lite through halftime!
More Information
Loudoun United FC 2023 single-match tickets are on sale now! For more information about ticket pricing, call 202-938-2178 or email info@loudoununitedfc.com.
Group Tickets and Fan Experience Packages
Individual and corporate groups can plan a memorable experience at Segra Field! Check out our group ticket options available here. Discounted group tickets and fan experiences are available for a minimum purchase of 12 tickets, contact us to learn how you can be a part of match day at Segra Field!
Follow Loudoun United FC
To keep up with news and information on the team, follow @loudoununitedfc on Twitter and Instagram.
