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US soccer chiefs on Friday postponed the beginning of this yr’s US Open Cup from its deliberate kick-off in Might as a consequence of Covid-19, however mentioned the event should still be held later this yr.
The knockout event, the oldest ongoing soccer competitors in North America relationship again to 1914, was as a consequence of kick off on Might 18 after being cancelled altogether in 2020 because of the pandemic.
Nonetheless US Soccer’s Open Cup committee mentioned “logistical and monetary challenges” made a Might begin date impractical.
“The logistical and monetary burdens to have the event happen this spring within the present atmosphere are substantial,” mentioned Open Cup Commissioner Paul Marstaller.
“Though all of US Soccer’s member skilled groups might be enjoying of their respective league competitions this yr, the Committee didn’t really feel it sensible to have golf equipment divert vital sources in the course of the subsequent two months for Open Cup play.
“As an alternative, we’ll look additional into the long run to see what prospects may exist for 2021. After that, a full-scale 2022 Open Cup is lower than a yr away.”
The event format for 2021 had already been trimmed to 16 groups drawn from all 4 tiers {of professional} soccer in america, with half coming from the ranks of Main League Soccer.
Atlanta United are the reigning Open Cup champions, beating Minnesota United FC to win the 2019 event.
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