U.S. Open Cup

Every year about this time, I have to say something about the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This year the Quakes are playing RSL (oh boy) in a play-in game on April 14th. Last season we played in a play-in game also - but we fielded a bunch of reserves against the NY Red Bulls - and lost.

Why don't the Quakes (and other MLS teams) take this competition seriously? The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is the oldest cup competition in the U.S. (established 1914) and is equivalent to the FA Cup in England and other domestic cups around the world. The unique competition includes teams from all amateur and professional levels in the U.S.

I understand that most MLS teams do not field their starters in fear that an injury could occur and have a negative impact on the team for the entire MLS season. The MLS Cup is the primary goal for MLS teams and it is understandable. It is the league title.

Let's look at teams in Europe - they play in multiple cup competitions during their regular season. For example: English Premier League team Manchester United played in the UEFA Champions League, Carling Cup, and FA Cup competitions while still pursuing the Premiership title. Yes - some star players do get rested in some of the cup games, but the teams do field teams with the goal to win these multiple competitions.

For the Earthquakes, I unfortunately think that we are still several years away from competing for a MLS Cup. So why not play a team that can at least givce us a chance for the US Open Cup? The Seattle Sounders FC won the US Open Cup in their first MLS season - at least they have something in their trophy case. We have 2 MLS Cups, but they were won by the now Houston Dynamos.

C'mon Quakes - the US Open Cup would be a great boost to supporters as well as to the team. At least don't field a team that shows you could care less. Winning a US Open Cup will provide that taste of winning a championship that our current team only dreams about. It certainly would help shift the momentum towards winning. The Heritage Cup is nice, but not really something to brag about.

C'MOM QUAKES - LET'S GO AFTER THE U.S. OPEN CUP!