Six good ones …

• New England Revolution vs. Rhode Island FC. Revs are the “designated hosts” in Pawtucket.
• Louisville City vs. Austin FC. LouCity, the 2024-25 Players’ Shield winner, has opened USL Championship play with four wins.
• Colorado Rapids vs. Union Omaha. The Owls beat the Chicago Fire and Minnesota United in 2022 Open Cup run.
• Richmond Kickers vs. Columbus Crew. Both are former champions: Kickers in 1995, Crew in 2002.
• Red Bull New York vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The Hounds were the farthest-advancing team from outside MLS in 2023 (quarterfinals) and 2025 (Round of 16).
• Houston Dynamo vs. El Paso Locomotive. Lots of former youth (and senior) national team players on Locomotive. Alex Mendez, Rubio Rubin and Eric Calvillo scored in 4-0 win over New Mexico United in second round.

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Paul Kennedy edited Soccer America for 41 years (1985-2026). He began writing for SA in 1974. He started writing for France Football in 1978 and has served on in Ballon d'Or jury since 2007.