U.S. Soccer formally released the format for the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Thursday, giving fans a glimpse of what is to come in the 106th edition of the world’s third-oldest continuously running open competition.
The competition format remains largely unchanged from last year’s tournament, though USSF has noted that a record 52 of the 84 teams in this year’s tournament are professional clubs. Each round will be a single match, hosted by a randomly determined team provided both clubs’ stadiums meet the necessary venue requirements.
The Seattle Sounders, like the 20 other MLS clubs, will enter in the fourth round of play on June 12, with a draw determining their opponent May 30, one day after the end of the third round.