IN THE FIRST ROUND OF THE 2022 LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP, THE MENACE WELCOMES MINNEAPOLIS CITY SC.

Des Moines, Iowa – Wednesday, February 2, 2022 – The soon to be Deep North Division (USL2) rival has entered the tournament via the National Premier Soccer League pathway.

In the first round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the Des Moines Menace hosts Minneapolis City SC on Wednesday, March 23. The match will be played at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines and will kickoff at 7pm.

One hundred and three teams will take part in the 2022 Open Cup, an increase of 19 from 2019, the last year the tournament was held. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the 2022 edition sets a modern-era (1995-present) record with 103 teams, eclipsing the previous high of 99 set in 2017.

Des Moines, one of 10 USL League Two teams in this year’s field, enters the season under the leadership of new head coach Dean Johnson. The team’s league schedule opens with a May 8 away match at…you guessed it, Minneapolis City SC.

2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Competition Schedule

 March 22-23      First Round (Open Division teams enter)

 April 5-7              Second Round (Division II and III teams enter)

 April 8                  Third Round Draw

 April 19-21         Third Round (17 lower-seeded Division I teams enter)

 April 22                Round of 32 Draw (Eight higher-seeded Division I teams enter)

 May 10-11          Round of 32

 May 12                 Round of 16/Quarterfinal draw

 May 24-25          Round of 16

 June 21-22          Quarterfinals

 July 26-27           Semifinals

 Sept 6                   Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• Each round will be conducted in a single-game-knockout format, with matches that are tied after 90 minutes of regulation time proceeding to a full 30 minutes of extra time. If still tied after 120 minutes, the advancing team will be determined by kicks from the penalty spot.
• In the final part of a four-year deal, ESPN+ will be the home for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. A broadcast schedule will be confirmed at a later date.