The 2020 U.S. Open Cup is reportedly cancelled

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a staple in America’s football culture. Having been established in 1914, the USOC is the United States’ oldest ongoing football competition.

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the competition has reportedly been cancelled for the first time in it’s 106-year history. Sports Illustrated’s Brian Straus reported this development during Bayern Munich’s 8-2 thrashing of Barcelona yesterday.

“After trying for several months to figure out when or how to stage it, or to hold off on making a decision until the pandemic became more predictable, the U.S. Soccer Federation has opted to cancel this year’s U.S. Open Cup tournament, multiple sources confirmed to Sports Illustrated on Friday,” Staus said in his report.

This bad news comes on the heels of big developments, such as MLS resuming play this week or CONCACAF announcing that the federation intends on finishing the 2020 CONCACAF Champions League. Unfortunately for the USOC, many eligible teams in leagues such as USL League Two and the NPSL have had their seasons cancelled outright in the midst of the pandemic which could lead to complications.

One, however, could view the MLS is Back Tournament — which was won by the Portland Timbers a few days ago — as the de facto replacement for the USOC due to it’s similar prize pools which includes a berth into the 2021 CCL. You could also view it as one less disappointment for New York City FC to endure. Completely up to you.