The 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup: Round of 32
The 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is set to captivate soccer fans across the United States with its Round of 32 matches, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. This stage of the tournament marks the entry of 16 Major League Soccer (MLS) teams, who will face off against lower-division opponents from the USL Championship and USL League One. The excitement is palpable as fans gear up to watch these thrilling matchups, which will be broadcasted across multiple platforms.
Broadcast Details and Viewing Options
Fans have several options to catch the action live. All 16 Round of 32 games will be streamed on Paramount+, ensuring that viewers have access to every moment of the competition. Additionally, select matches will be broadcasted live on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network, providing viewers with a more traditional television experience. This multi-platform approach ensures that soccer enthusiasts can enjoy the games in a way that suits their preferences, whether they prefer streaming or traditional TV viewing.
Key Matchups and Highlights
One of the standout matchups in the Round of 32 is the clash between Nashville SC and Chattanooga Red Wolves. This local derby is set to take place at GEODIS Park, with the game kicking off at 5:00 PM ET on Tuesday, May 6. Fans can tune in to CBS Sports or Paramount+ to catch all the action live. Another notable match features FC Cincinnati and Austin FC, who will face off against El Paso Locomotive. This game, along with others, will be aired on CBS Sports, adding to the excitement of the round.
Historical Context and Significance
The U.S. Open Cup has a rich history, with MLS teams dominating the tournament since 1996. However, there have been exceptions, such as Indy Eleven reaching the semifinals in 2024 and Sacramento Republic FC making it to the finals in 2022. These underdog stories add an extra layer of intrigue to the competition, as lower-division teams aim to upset the MLS giants. The Round of 32 will be a critical stage for these underdogs, as they seek to prove that they can compete with the best in American soccer.
The Draw and Matchups
The draw for the Round of 32 took place at 9:15 AM ET on CBS Sports Golazo Network, revealing the matchups that will shape the tournament’s progression. MLS sides will now enter the competition, facing off against a mix of USL Championship and USL League One teams. This round will feature 12 teams from the USL Championship and three from USL League One, providing a diverse range of opponents for the MLS clubs. The draw results have set the stage for some highly anticipated matchups, with fans eager to see how these teams fare against each other.
The Impact of the New Broadcast Agreement
The U.S. Open Cup has found a new home on CBS Sports and Paramount+, thanks to a multimedia rights agreement between U.S. Soccer and CBS Sports. This partnership ensures that every match from the third round onwards will be shown on Paramount+, with select games simulcast on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network. This expanded coverage will make the tournament more accessible to fans, allowing them to follow their favorite teams and players throughout the competition.
Conclusion: A Thrilling Chapter Awaits
The 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 promises to be an exciting chapter in American soccer. With MLS teams entering the fray and facing off against lower-division opponents, the stage is set for some thrilling matchups. Fans can look forward to a diverse range of viewing options, with all games streamed on Paramount+ and select matches broadcasted on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network. As the tournament progresses, soccer enthusiasts will be treated to a spectacle of skill, strategy, and unpredictability, making this year’s U.S. Open Cup a must-watch event. The conclusion of the Round of 32 will set the stage for the next phase of the competition, where the remaining teams will battle it out for a chance to lift the prestigious trophy.
