Riverhounds to host FC Tulsa in US Open Cup Round of 32

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC’s latest-ever entry in to the US Open Cup (USOC) will begin in the National Tournament in the Round of 32, either on May 7 or May 8.

On Thursday, the Hounds learned that they will be in Hakala-Nolan Division which includes MLS side, Sporting KC, and will be facing fellow USL Championship side FC Tulsa, as the draw was televised on US Soccer’s YouTube Channel.

What a lovely shout out to @usopencup to have the Hakala-Nolan division. That's a really nice recognition of some of the guys who work the hardest to give the Cup it's deserved airtime. https://t.co/mqTPpKlRIl

— Colton Coreschi (@cjcoreschi) April 18, 2024

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The US Open Cup’s Third Round saw completion of play on Wednesday.  Be sure to check out our friends with TheCup.US for all of the latest results.

3rd Round, Done-Zo 💥 #USOC2024 pic.twitter.com/XuiQzbMnLS

— U.S. Open Cup (@opencup) April 18, 2024

Following the entry of 16 teams from USL Championship (USLC) into the Third Round, the Riverhounds and seven other USLC clubs enter the tournament as one of eight remaining USLC teams, along with eight Major League Soccer (MLS) teams.

The Hounds’ late entry into the tournament stems from its successes in 2023, when they finished at the top of the USL Standings with the most points earned (Player Shield winners) and along with Birmingham, made the deepest run among USLC clubs in the USOC.

As reported by TheCup.US, the tournament format heading into the Round of 32 will feature match-ups between 16 winners from the Third Round against the 16 new entrants from MLS and USLC.  Each four-team grouping will feature at least one USL Championship side, and one MLS side.

So we just got an update on the draw tomorrow. ALL 16 teams that enter next round (8 MLS, 8 seeded USL-C) WILL NOT face each other in the Round of 32. They will all face a Third Round winner.#USOC2024

— TheCup.us (@usopencup) April 17, 2024

In yesterday’s edition of Pulse of Pittsburgh Soccer, we outlined the potential list of opponents and all of the teams remaining in the tournament.

Pulse of Pittsburgh Soccer: As Magic of the US Open Cup rages on, Riverhounds will find out Round of 32 opponent this week

Last season, the Hounds won three Open Cup matches, defeating two MLS squads, New England and Columbus, to make its deepest run in the competition since 2002, when they also reached the Quarterfinal Round.

John Krysinsky

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).