Minnesota United has learned its opponent for its opening match in the 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The Loons will travel to face Sporting Kansas City on June 14 in the fourth round of the tournament. Details about the match will be announced at a later date.
Minnesota has previously competed in the tournament during its time in the second division. The club reached the fourth round of the tournament in 2016, falling to Sporting KC in extra time.
Founded in 1914, the U.S. Open Cup is the third longest running soccer competition in the world and the oldest tournament in the United States. Teams from the amateur ranks all the way up to Major League Soccer compete for this national title, with the winner receiving $250,000 in prize money and earning a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League. The competition follows a single-elimination knockout format, with matchups determined by regional proximity.
The 104th edition of the tournament kicked off on May 9 with amateur clubs from local qualifiers, National Premier Soccer League clubs and Premier Development League clubs facing off in the first round. Second division teams from the United Soccer League and North American Soccer League joined in the second round, which was played on May 16 and 17.
Minnesota United and the rest of the U.S. based MLS clubs will join the competition in the fourth round. The Loons will need to win five matches to be crowned champions of the U.S.
