After months of uncertainty, US Soccer officially cancelled the 2020 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup due to COVID-19. Founded in 1914, the tournament had run 106 consecutive years which includes play during both World Wars and the 1918 Flu Pandemic.
After winning the 2019 NPSL Golden Gate Conference, FC Davis became the first team ever from our local area to qualify for the historic tournament which includes all teams from MLS and USL.
With COVID-19 disrupting sports world wide, clubs across the country were left in limbo waiting to see if their qualification spot would carry over to the 2021 edition.
Late last week, the Lions received news everyone hoped for. US Open Cup commissioner Paul Marstaller sent notification that teams who qualified in 2020 will rollover into the 2021 tournament.
"It was a big relief" said FC Davis owner Adam Lewin. "There is so much that goes into qualifying for the US Open Cup both on and off the field. Hosting an MLS or USL team in Davis would be a massive event for our town alongside showcasing our community on a national stage. We now get a chance to complete this goal after a period of uncertainty".
It was a lofty goal to begin with, as FC Davis qualified for the most prestigious American soccer tournament after only two years of existence.
Davis was scheduled to face historic San Francisco side Olympic Club in March. A first round victory against Olympic Club would have seen the Lions host USL side Reno 1868 on ESPN+.
Pairs for the 2021 US Open Cup will be released at later date. Potential match-ups that would take place in Davis include Sacramento Republic, Oakland Roots and Reno 1868.
More information on 2021 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup will be made available later this year as scheduling begins to take place.
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