MLS’s eight entrants in the 2024 U.S. Open Cup begin play this week in the fourth round. They include the defending champion Houston Dynamo and two four-time champions, Sporting KC and the Seattle Sounders.
Tuesday: Houston Dynamo vs. Detroit City FC.
The Dynamo is the defending champion but has not scored in its last three MLS games. It will face a tough test against Le Rouge, which is 5-1-1 through seven USL Championship games. It won the first match it played against an MLS team in 2022 when the Columbus Crew 2-1.
Wednesday: Union Omaha vs. Sporting KC.
Union Omaha enjoyed the longest run by a USL League One team in the Open Cup two years ago when it reached the quarterfinals, where it fell to Sporting KC 6-0 at Children’s Mercy Park. But Sporting KC hasn’t won the road in the Open Cup since 2018.
Wednesday: Seattle Sounders vs. Louisville City.
The Sounders are tied with the Chicago Fire and Sporting KC for the most Open Cup championships among MLS teams with four but have not won since 2014 when they captured their fourth title in six years. Louisville City is the hottest of the USL teams to face MLS opposition with a 6-1-0 record and 23 goals in seven games.
• How to watch: U.S. Open Cup fourth round.