FC Dallas kicks off its 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup journey this Wednesday, May 7, at 7 p.m. against the USL League One side AV Alta FC at the iconic Toyota Stadium. This match marks the beginning of a prestigious tournament that has seen its share of thrilling moments since its inception in 1914.
Fans can catch all the action live on Paramount+, with seasoned broadcasters Maura Sheridan and Gary Bailey providing commentary. Additionally, those wishing to listen to the game can tune into the FC Dallas app, where Ryan Figert, Steve Davis, and Sam Hale will be on the call starting at 6:45 p.m. for pregame coverage.
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is the oldest ongoing national soccer tournament in the U.S., open to any professional or amateur team associated with U.S. Soccer. This year, 16 of Major League Soccer's 30 teams, including FC Dallas, will enter the competition at the Round of 32 stage, joining lower-division clubs vying for glory.
FC Dallas has a storied history in the Open Cup, having claimed the trophy twice, in 1997 and 2016, and finishing as runners-up on two occasions as well, in 2005 and 2007. The tournament was renamed in 1999 to honor Lamar Hunt, a key figure in the growth of soccer in the U.S. Notably, Kenny Cooper, a club legend, stands as the second-top scorer in modern Open Cup history with 13 goals, trailing only Sébastien Le Toux, who has 16.
FC Dallas boasts an all-time Open Cup record of 38 wins, 24 losses, and 6 draws, with a home record of 23-7-3 and an away record of 15-17-3. As they prepare to face AV Alta FC, Dallas aims to extend its impressive legacy in this tournament.
AV Alta FC, a relatively new entrant to the soccer scene, was established in late 2023 and has made its debut in the USL League One this season. Coached by Brian Kleiban, Alta has started its inaugural campaign with a 2-3-0 record. However, they have shown resilience in the Open Cup, securing three consecutive victories. Their journey began with a 3-1 win over USL2 side Ventura County Fusion, followed by a 2-1 triumph over LAFC2 of MLS NEXT Pro. In a thrilling previous round, they upset USL Championship club Orange County SC, winning 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation.
Among the players to watch for AV Alta is former FC Dallas and North Texas SC goalkeeper Carlos Avilez, who has played all 10 matches for his new club across all competitions. His experience could prove crucial as Alta looks to make a significant impact in their first Open Cup match against a formidable opponent.
As the match approaches, anticipation builds among fans and players alike. FC Dallas is keen to capitalize on its home advantage and secure a spot in the Round of 16, where they would face the winner of the New York Red Bulls versus Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC match.
In another exciting matchup, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks will host the New York Red Bulls at Weidner Field on the same day, May 6, 2025, at 9:30 p.m. ET. This encounter features two teams eager to reverse their recent fortunes, with the Switchbacks coming off a challenging start to the season.
The defending USL Championship winners, Colorado Springs, have struggled with just one win and four draws in their first eight league matches, including a 1-1 draw against Phoenix Rising. Head coach James Chambers is looking for a breakthrough as his team aims to regain the form that led them to last year’s championship.
On the other side, the New York Red Bulls are grappling with their own challenges, arriving in Colorado without a win away from home this year. Their injury list includes key players such as Lewis Morgan and Daniel Edelman, while Emil Forsberg and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting have stepped up to lead the attack. Choupo-Moting currently tops the team’s scoring charts.
The Red Bulls have a solid record in U.S. Open Cup matches, holding a 16-8-1 mark in their opening encounters, but they will need to overcome their road woes if they hope to advance past the Switchbacks.
As the U.S. Open Cup continues, the stakes are high for all teams involved. With the Round of 16 set to take place on May 20 and 21, every match in this knockout tournament can change the trajectory of a team’s season. FC Dallas and AV Alta FC will kick off this thrilling round of matches, setting the stage for an exciting evening of soccer.
