The first- and second-round pairings for the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup were announced today by the U.S. Soccer Federation. The 32 first-round clubs will play Tuesday, May 15, while the second round is set for Tuesday, May 22.
Established in 1914, the U.S. Open Cup is one of the oldest team sports tournaments in the country. The 99th edition of the Cup includes a 64-team field, including all Division I, II and III professional clubs participating in the tournament proper for the first time ever.
The first four rounds of this year’s tournament will take place on consecutive weeks beginning May 15. The 16 U.S.-based NASL and USL PRO clubs will join the tournament beginning with Round 2 on May 22. The next Tuesday, every MLS club will begin play in Round 3.
The Carolina RailHawks will host a second-round match on Tuesday, May 22 at WakeMed Soccer Park. Their opponent will be the winner of the May 15 match between the Portland Timbers U-23s and a yet-determined USASA Region IV club. Should the RailHawks win that match, they will face a MLS team in the third round, potentially at WakeMed Park.
Click here to see the current 2012 U.S. Open Cup bracket.
