U.S. Open Cup Third Round Set: Underdog Stories, broadcast Details, and a million-Dollar Prize
the pairings, hosting scenarios, and broadcast details for the highly anticipated Third Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup have been unveiled. Sixteen USL Championship teams enter the fray, facing off against Second Round victors from across the professional and amateur soccer landscape. Wiht a streamlined broadcast strategy and a substantial prize purse, this year’s tournament promises high stakes and compelling narratives.
Third Round Heats Up as USL Championship Teams Enter the Fray
The 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is intensifying as the Third Round approaches, scheduled for April 15-16.this round marks the entry of 16 teams from the USL Championship, the second division of American soccer, injecting a new level of competition into the tournament. thes professional teams will clash with the victors from the Second Round, which included a mix of squads from USL Championship (4), USL League One (9), and MLS NEXT pro (2), highlighting the diverse landscape of American soccer.
Adding to the excitement, El farolito, hailing from the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), continues their impressive run as the last amateur club standing for the second consecutive year. Their presence underscores the Open Cup’s unique appeal, offering amateur teams a chance to compete against professional clubs on a national stage. This David-vs-Goliath dynamic is a core element of the tournament’s enduring popularity.
The modern U.S. Open Cup is designed to foster competition and opportunity across all levels of American soccer, in contrast to the closed league systems more common across the sports landscape in the United States. For smaller clubs, a deep Open Cup run can be transformative, both financially and for team morale. A victory can raise a team’s profile and attract new fans and sponsors.
CBS sports and Paramount+ to deliver Comprehensive Coverage
CBS Sports is set to provide extensive live coverage of the Open Cup across its various platforms. Every match from the Third Round onward, leading up to the Oct. 1 Final, will be streamed live on Paramount+. Select matches will also be simulcast on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network, ensuring broad accessibility for fans across the country.
This comprehensive coverage reflects the growing interest in American soccer and the U.S. Open Cup. The decision to stream every match allows fans to follow their local teams and witness potential upsets, no matter their location.It also reflects a broader trend in sports broadcasting, with streaming services becoming increasingly critically importent in delivering live events to cord-cutters and younger audiences.
This broadcast enhancement is the direct result of a new agreement:
U.S. Soccer, CBS Sports Reach Multimedia Rights Agreement for 2025 & 2026 U.S. Open Cup.
Third Round Matchups: Dates, Times, and Streaming Facts
Here’s a look at the Third Round pairings, with home teams listed first. Be sure to check the official U.S. Open Cup schedule for the latest updates, including venues and broadcast links.
Tuesday, April 15
- Columbus Crew 2 (NP) v. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USLC) | 6:00 pm ET | Paramount+
- Louisville City FC (USLC) v. Loudoun United FC (USLC) | 7:00 pm ET | Paramount+ & CBS Sports Network
- charlotte Independence (USLL1) v. North Carolina FC (USLC) | 7:00 pm ET | Paramount+
- portland Hearts of Pine (USLL1) v. Rhode Island FC (USLC) | 7:00 pm ET | Paramount+ & CBS sports Golazo Network
- Charleston battery (USLC) v. South Georgia Tormenta FC (USLL1) | 7:30 pm ET | Paramount+
- Union Omaha (USLL1) v. San Antonio FC (USLC) | 8:00 pm ET | Paramount+
- AV ALTA FC (USLL1) v. Orange County SC (USLC) | 10:00 pm ET | Paramount+ & CBS Sports Golazo Network
- Tacoma Defiance (NP) v. Oakland Roots SC (USLC) | 10:30 pm ET | Paramount+
Wednesday, April 16
- Detroit City FC (USLC) v.Westchester SC (USLL1) | 7:00 pm ET | Paramount+
- FC Naples (USLL1) v. Tampa Bay Rowdies (USLC) | 7:00 pm ET | paramount+ & CBS sports Golazo Network
- Indy Eleven (USLC) v. Miami FC (USLC) | 7:30 pm ET | Paramount+
- FC Tulsa (USLC) v. Phoenix Rising FC (USLC) | 8:00 pm ET | Paramount+
- Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (USLC) v. One Knoxville SC (USLL1) | 9:00 pm ET | Paramount+
- New Mexico United (USLC) v. El Paso locomotive (USLC) | 9:30 pm ET | Paramount+ & CBS Sports golazo Network
- Sacramento Republic FC (USLC) v. El Farolito (NPSL) | 10:00 pm ET | Paramount+ & CBS Sports Network
- Las Vegas Lights (USLC) v. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USLL1) | 10:30 pm ET | Paramount+
Third Round Participants by League/Division
the U.S. Open Cup showcases teams from across the American soccer pyramid. Here’s a breakdown of the Third Round participants by league:
| League/Division | Number of Teams | Key Teams |
|---|---|---|
| USL Championship (Div. II) | 20 | Charleston Battery, Louisville City FC, Sacramento Republic FC |
| USL League One (Div. III) | 9 | Union Omaha, Charlotte Independence, South Georgia Tormenta FC |
| MLS NEXT Pro (Div. III) | 2 | Columbus Crew 2, Tacoma Defiance |
| Open Division (Amateur) | 1 | El Farolito (NPSL) |
Draw Procedure and Hosting Scenarios
The Third Round draw involved a meticulous process to ensure fairness and minimize conflicts. Teams were geographically pooled into groups of four after the Second Round. The eight seeded USL Championship teams were pre-designated as hosts, while the eight lowest-seeded USL Championship teams were assigned as away teams. Teams that did not apply to host were automatically placed into away slots.
The selection process also considered league schedule conflicts and allowed for two rest days between league and Cup matches. In cases where multiple teams were from the same proximity, pairings were steadfast by random selection. Teams that are restricted from playing each other until the Final were kept separate during the draw.
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup: A Storied History
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, now in its 110th edition, has been crowning U.S.Soccer’s national champion since 1914. This historic tournament operates on a single-game-knockout basis, providing a platform for both professional and amateur teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer to compete for national glory. In 1999, the competition was renamed to honor Lamar Hunt, a pivotal figure in the development of American soccer.
The winner of the 2025 U.S. Open Cup will not only have their name engraved on the Dewar Challenge Trophy – a symbol of American soccer heritage displayed at the National Soccer Hall of Fame – but will also earn a coveted spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. Furthermore, the champion will receive a substantial $600,000 share of the total $1 million prize purse.
Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) is the defending champion, having defeated Sporting Kansas City 3-1 in the 2024 final to claim their first Open Cup title. Their victory underscores the unpredictable nature of the tournament, where any team can rise to the occasion and challenge the established order.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and information on the U.S.Open Cup by visiting the official website at ussoccer.com/us-open-cup. You can also follow the competition on Twitter and Instagram @OpenCup,and Facebook @OfficialOpenCup.
How does the new broadcasting agreement between U.S. Soccer Player Association (USSPA) and CBS sports shape the future of U.S. Open Cup coverage?
U.S. Open Cup Third Round Set: Underdog Stories, Broadcast Details, and a Million-Dollar Prize
The pairings, hosting scenarios, and broadcast details for the highly anticipated Third Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup have been unveiled. Sixteen USL Championship teams enter the fray, facing off against Second Round victors from across the professional and amateur soccer landscape. With a streamlined broadcast strategy and a significant prize purse, this year’s tournament promises high stakes and compelling narratives.
An Archyde Exclusive: Talking U.S. Open Cup with Soccer Analyst, Amelia Santos
Archyde News: Welcome, Amelia! The Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup is upon us. The excitement is palpable. What are your initial thoughts on the matchups and the landscape of this year’s competition?
Amelia Santos: thanks for having me! I think the Third Round has a great mix of potential upsets and intriguing storylines. having the USL Championship teams enter now really raises the stakes.
Archyde News: Absolutely. The broadcast details are particularly noteworthy this year. Every match on Paramount+, with select games on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network.That’s a major step forward,right?
Amelia Santos: It is. It’s a huge win for fans. More access means more visibility, and that’s critical for the long-term growth of American soccer. Streaming is the future,and this move by CBS is a smart one.
Archyde News: Indeed. The declaration mentions the broadcasting agreement between U.S. Soccer and CBS Sports. How might this shape the future of U.S. Open Cup coverage?
Amelia Santos: This agreement is significant as it gives the U.S. Open cup a broader audience and more opportunities for revenue. With increased investment, more high-profile matches can be broadcast. It helps make it a premier competition.
Archyde News: Looking at the matchups, are there any specific games that stand out as must-watch? Are there any potential “giant killers” you have your eye on?
Amelia santos: I’m really interested in the Louisville City FC vs. Loudoun United FC match. And, definitely keep an eye on any USL League One team that faces a USL Championship team. Teams like One Knoxville SC, they could definitely cause an upset!
Archyde news: this year’s winning team is also earning a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup and a $600,000 prize. How important is that, and what kind of impact will it have on the teams competing?
Amelia santos: The prize purse is substantial, no doubt. It makes every game a significant possibility for not just prestige but real financial gain. For smaller clubs, that monetary injection can make a big impact in terms of improvements to training facilities and investment in the club itself.
Archyde news: The U.S. Open Cup is known for its underdog stories. Which teams could be the “Cinderella” team of this year’s tournament, and why?
Amelia Santos: That’s the beauty of the Open Cup, isn’t it? There’s such a level playing field in a single-game-knockout format. I think a team like El Farolito from the NPSL is a good bet. They already made it this far. They’re looking to make history.
Archyde News: the draw procedure and hosting decisions are crucial to set a level playing field. How well do you think the selection process considered scheduling and fairness?
Amelia Santos: The draw process appears to be set to balance fairness and minimize conflicts. Placing seeded teams as hosts and applying random selection for any conflicts seems logical. But of course,the actual results will dictate the effectiveness.
Archyde News: Now for the question that is on the minds of many soccer fans. What is the one key thing you think a team needs to do to make a deep run in this tournament?
Amelia Santos: Belief. They will need to genuinely believe they can win. It has to be both tactical and mental. If they don’t believe, what have they got?
Archyde News: Amelia, thank you for your insights. Where can our readers go to obtain updated coverage and to follow the matches.
Amelia Santos: You can visit the official U.S. Open Cup website at ussoccer.com/us-open-cup and follow the competition on social media: Twitter, Instagram @OpenCup, and also on facebook @officialopencup.
Archyde News: Great, Amelia. Thank you!
