Tag

Developmental Teams

All articles tagged with #developmental teams

sports2 years ago

MLS's Controversial Decision: Opting Out of U.S. Open Cup Sparks Backlash and Uncertainty

The U.S. Soccer Federation has denied a request from Major League Soccer (MLS) to allow its franchises to field developmental Next Pro teams in the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. MLS had previously decided to pull its first teams from the competition, citing fixture congestion and other factors. MLS is now working to find a solution for the 2024 tournament, including potentially fielding both first teams and developmental sides. The denial of the request may violate U.S. Soccer's Professional League Standards.

sports2 years ago

MLS Shifts Focus: Developmental Clubs to Replace First Teams in 2024 U.S. Open Cup

Major League Soccer (MLS) teams will not participate in the 2024 U.S. Open Cup, with MLS developmental teams from the third-division MLS Next Pro taking their place. The decision aims to reduce schedule congestion and will be reassessed after the 2024 season. MLS commissioner Don Garber previously criticized the tournament but now emphasizes unity in the domestic soccer landscape. The move raises questions about compliance with the Professional League Standards, which require U.S.-based teams to participate in representative U.S. Soccer and CONCACAF competitions. The USL Championship will now be the highest-ranking league participating in the U.S. Open Cup.