The already scaled-down U.S. Open Cup will be even skinnier than previously planned in 2021. Originally planned to feature 32 teams, U.S. Soccer announced on Monday that the Opening Round was being eliminated and that eight MLS teams would be joined by eight lower-division teams in an opening Round of 16.
Those eight MLS teams will be selected based on the regular-season standings after three weeks of competition. Although most teams will have played three games at that point, at least two eligible teams — Real Salt Lake and the Columbus Crew — will have only played two.