US soccer wants excitement after the World Cup – the Open Cup provides it
MLS wants to build on the momentum of the World Cup. America’s top domestic cup competition is an obvious place to start
Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner Larry Berg is keen on creating excitement within the league, following the success of the World Cup. He believes that the US Open Cup, a tournament that has been running since 1913, can provide that much-needed thrill. Unlike professional leagues that operate closed divisions, the Open Cup allows teams from various professional and amateur leagues across the country to participate, injecting a healthy dose of jeopardy into the regular season and playoffs.
Berg's comments come in the wake of MLS's decision to pull out of the Open Cup, leaving the professional teams at a disadvantage in the face of competition from the USL. However, both leagues are working towards creating a more integrated professional structure with promotion and relegation, which the Open Cup could play a crucial role in.
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