Austin FC II will take the field in the First Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night, hosting UPSL side Foro SC at Parmer Field at St. David’s Performance Center. The match will kick off at 8:00 p.m. CT and is also available to stream on ussoccer.com and MLSSoccer.com.
About the Open Cup
The U.S. Open Cup is American soccer’s most historic tournament, first played in 1914. The Open Cup sees teams from professional, semi-pro, and amateur levels compete against one another in a single-elimination format. Austin FC II enters the 2024 edition of the tournament in the First Round as part of a field which comprises 96 teams.
In total, ATXFC II will need to win eight matches to win the Open Cup. Draws are conducted for each round to determine matchups. If Austin FC II advances past Foro SC, its Second Round match would be played on April 2 or 3.
Austin FC II Outlook
ATXFC II dropped its season opener to Tacoma Defiance, but now turns to a clean slate and a big opportunity to progress in one of American soccer’s most prestigious tournaments. The team has won all four (4) knockout matches in which it has taken part, all of which occurred during the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs en route to winning MLS NEXT Pro Cup.
The team also has plenty of experience in penalty kick shootouts, should one be necessary following a tie after regulation and extra time. Head Coach Brett Uttley’s team won five shootouts last season, including both that took place at Parmer Field.
A bright spot from Friday night’s season opener was Bryan Arellano’s 83rd minute strike. The 18-year-old Austin FC Academy product curled in a left-footed strike from the right side of the box for the first open play goal of his young professional career.
Foro SC Outlook
Dallas-based Foro SC are the reigning UPSL Central Region Champions, and won the UPSL National Championship in 2021. They are coached by former FC Dallas midfielder Michel Garbini.
They reached the First Round Proper of this year’s Open Cup by beating Tenfifteen FC, Athletic Katy FC, and Alamo City Soccer Club in the qualifying rounds last October and November.
