Main League Soccer not too long ago introduced plans to withdraw from US Open Cup and as an alternative get replaced by MLS Subsequent Professional sides within the 2024 version of the competitors.
It was an announcement that left many shaking their heads, particularly when 24 hours earlier the league revealed the upcoming ‘adjustments’ for the 2024 season.
These adjustments have been minuscule within the roster constructing facet of issues, as many followers who need to proceed to see the league develop with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi have been left with the sensation that not a lot has modified for the reason that 2022 World Cup winner’s arrival.
Followers have been hoping for issues like one other Designated Participant spot, a better wage cap and for the league to general loosen the restrictions on roster constructing actions. However that wasn’t the case, and within the league’s protection, they did make some adjustments to boost the matchday expertise for followers that features displaying stoppage time and cracking down on time-wasting.
“Main League Soccer introduced at present that at its latest Board of Governors assembly, its golf equipment voted to have groups signify the group within the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. MLS will coordinate with U.S. Soccer relating to participation within the event,” a league assertion learn.
Briefly, MLS first groups won’t play within the US Open Cup in 2024 however as an alternative get replaced by their MLS Subsequent Professional associates, who play within the third tier of soccer under the second groups. MLS Subsequent Professional is a developmental league that prepares younger gamers as they blossom into potential second and first crew gamers.
However why would Main League Soccer primarily flip their backs on the oldest soccer competitors in the USA?
Like many different questions on this planet, it may be answered with one phrase: Cash. Whereas the US Open Cup is prestigious in each method, it would not herald sufficient income whether or not it’s within the type of media offers or ticket gross sales when in comparison with one thing like Leagues Cup. For instance, US Open Cup was broadcast without spending a dime on YouTube for the early phases of the competitors earlier than the later phases when CBS Sports activities Community aired the decisive video games.
However, a contest likes Leagues Cup attracts in tons of viewers not simply from the US but additionally Mexico and Canada as it’s a conflict between groups from MLS and Liga MX. Leagues Cup was additionally broadcast on Apple TV, which is a useless giveaway as to why a event like Leagues Cup could be prioritized over US Open.
As MLS will not participate within the event this coming season, that does not imply they will not participate in it in 2025 and years past. Whereas cash is certainly a motivating issue within the choice, there’s additionally the side of fixture congestion as properly.
Groups in MLS are already anticipated to play 34 common season video games (plus postseason relying on how they carry out), participate in Leagues Cup, some that includes in CONCACAF Champions Cup whereas additionally fielding an XI for US Open.
Whereas groups need to give their greatest shot in any respect competitions, many will prioritize league play and Leagues Cup given the potential prize winnings — as MLS roster constructing guidelines and laws make it troublesome to discipline a squad able to taking up so many competitions directly. This will likely have been possible had MLS made vital adjustments to stated guidelines and laws, however that isn’t the case as of proper now.
The choice to not characteristic within the event that started in 1914 will not be a shock to some after MLS Commissioner Don Garber’s feedback again in Could, as he primarily acknowledged that lots of the lower-level groups within the US did not have the correct services to play host.
There are some minor execs to the league’s disappointing choice, as it could hold gamers from selecting up accidents and see MLS’ general play rise as groups now have one much less competitors to fret about.
Having MLS Subsequent Professional sides participate will permit younger, up-and-coming gamers to face off with high quality opponents that can solely support their growth.
Nevertheless, above all it was disappointing to listen to the information that MLS sides won’t be competing within the upcoming Open Cup. The back-to-back bulletins after followers have been hoping for vital roster constructing adjustments makes the choice to again out of the competitors that rather more disappointing.
With Copa America coming to the US subsequent summer time and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon in North America, MLS must be taking steps to capitalize on the likes of Messi and Co. — however the choice to not make significant adjustments to roster constructing tips and now leaving Open Cup for the next season leaves followers with little confidence for the post-Messi period of MLS.
