It is once again one of my favorite times of year: the US Open Cup starts its 104th edition tonight with a single game, but jumping into full gear tomorrow. A record 99 teams will compete for the Sir Thomas Dewar Cup and, while MLS has dominated the tournament in recent years, it is an exciting competition that allows the lower leagues to size themselves up against competition across the US soccer pyramid.
A brief history
The US Open Cup began in the 1913-1914 season as the National Challenge Cup; Brooklyn Field Club beat Brooklyn Celtic in Pawtucket, Rhode Island to claim the first trophy.