US Soccer rejects MLS request to play reserves in US Open Cup
- Published
Houston Dynamo beat Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in this year's final of the US Open Cup in September
US Soccer has rejected Major League Soccer's request to field their reserve teams in the knockout US Open Cup.
MLS clubs had voted to send their teams from the Next Pro, a lower division developmental league, to the country's oldest competition which began in 1914.
US Soccer had said "after thoughtful consideration" its recommendation was that "the request be denied".
The US Open Cup features professional and amateur teams, but MLS chief Don Garber had criticised the tournament.
Garber claimed it was a "very poor reflection" of what they were trying to achieve in the sport, while the MLS claimed not sending their first teams to the competition would free up six midweek match dates.
"As we move forward, we will continue our review of the Open Cup to ensure it aligns with the US Soccer strategic pillars," said a US Soccer statement.
"We remain committed to addressing the needs and concerns of all of our members, including MLS, and other stakeholders to enhance and improve the US Open Cup."
Houston Dynamo beat Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in this year's final of the US Open Cup in September.
The MLS said it "is committed to finding a viable solution for the 2024 tournament and is working to find a pathway that addresses its goals and concerns".
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