New York City FC have a troubled history with the US Open Cup, the oldest soccer tournament in the United States.
Also known as the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the competition returns this year after a COVID-induced break with a new format that works in NYCFC’s favor: While most MLS teams join in the Third Round and will play games today or tomorrow, MLS Cup-winning New York City, Supporters’ Shield-winning New England Revolution, and six other top-performing MLS teams will join in the Round of 32, and play the second week in May. (Note that CF Montréal, Toronto FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps participate in the Canadian Championship, not in the US Open Cup.)
To put it another way, the NYCFC squad will show up late at the VIP entrance and know that their names are on the list. Tomorrow night, when the New Jersey Red Bulls make the longer-than-you-think drive to play Hartford Athletic at Trinity Health Stadium, New York City’s players will be cozy in their homes and apartments sipping antioxidant protein smoothies and watching Toronto FC game tape.
NYCFC should enjoy the respite, because the team have an abysmal record in the US Open Cup, with just two wins in five years. It's not just that the team have lost, it’s how NYCFC have flamed out. And to whom: NYCFC have exited the US Open Cup at the hands of third-tier side New York Cosmos (twice), Red Bulls (twice), and Orlando City SC.
With most of MLS-land buzzing with US Open Cup hype these next two days, now is the time to crank up the Wayback Machine and look back at the dumpster fire performances NYCFC have put in over the years.
