The Round of 32 pairings for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup were revealed Thursday morning, with the draw setting up a historic run for one USL League One side.
Four teams were grouped in to the North Central region following Wednesday’s results — two from USL League One (Union Omaha, Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC) and two from MLS (Minnesota United, Colorado Rapids).
And the matchups fall in line with each club’s league affiliation, with the Rapids heading to Allianz Field on May 10 or 11 to face Minnesota United for the second time in a matter of weeks, and Northern Colorado traveling to Union Omaha.
What could have been a Centennial State clash between Northern Colorado and the Rapids did not materialize as fans had hoped, but is still potentially in the cards for the Round of 16.
Northern Colorado and Omaha are both coming off third-round “cupsets” of MLS opponents. The Hailstorm took down Real Salt Lake 1-0 on Wednesday night in Salt Lake City, while Union Omaha shocked Chicago Fire 5-4 in a penalty kick shootout. With the draw finalized, it will guarantee a USL League One side will reach the last 16, a feat which has never happened in league history.
The Rapids are one of eight MLS teams to enter at the fourth round thanks to a strong 2021 season. It is the first time the Rapids will play in the Open Cup since 2019, when they were upset by New Mexico United. The Open Cup was canceled for the last two years due to the pandemic. Minnesota United beat League One’s Forward Madison 2-0 on Wednesday in Wisconsin.
The Hailstorm, meanwhile, is all of four games into club history, but is looking to continue to play the role of giant killer. Northern Colorado took out in-state rival Colorado Springs Switchbacks in what was unofficially dubbed “The Centennial Cup” prior to upsetting RSL on Wednesday night.
The full Round of 32 draw will be posted on U.S. Soccer’s website later Thursday.
