
Sarasota Paradise is proud to announce its participation in the 110th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, marking a significant milestone for the club as it competes on the national stage in one of soccer’s most prestigious tournaments. The 2025 edition of the Open Cup will feature 96 teams from across the country, showcasing talent from all levels of the U.S. soccer pyramid.
As one of nine USL League Two clubs invited to compete, Sarasota Paradise will make its tournament debut in the First Round, scheduled for March. This opportunity aligns with the club’s mission to grow the game in Sarasota and beyond, as well as to inspire a community deeply connected to the sport.
“This is an incredible moment for Sarasota Paradise and our community,” said Marcus Walfridson, CEO of Sarasota Paradise. “To compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved with the club. It’s a chance to represent Sarasota on a national stage, and we’re excited to showcase ourselves in this historic tournament”
The U.S. Open Cup, first contested in 1913, is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States and connects teams from Major League Soccer (MLS), the USL ecosystem, and amateur leagues. Sarasota Paradise will join other first-time USL League Two participants, including Corpus Christi FC, Flatirons FC, and Little Rock Rangers, as they compete against professional teams in the First Round for a chance to advance further in the tournament.
2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Participants
First Round
- USL Championship (8 teams): Birmingham Legion FC, El Paso Locomotive FC, Hartford Athletic, Lexington SC, Loudoun United FC, Miami FC, Monterey Bay FC, FC Tulsa
- USL League One (14 teams): AV ALTA FC, Charlotte Independence, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, Forward Madison FC, Greenville Triumph SC, FC Naples, One Knoxville SC, Portland Hearts of Pine, Richmond Kickers, South Georgia Tormenta FC, Spokane Velocity FC, Texoma FC, Union Omaha, Westchester SC
- USL League Two (9 teams): Asheville City SC, Ballard FC, Corpus Christi FC, Des Moines Menace, Flatirons FC, Little Rock Rangers, Long Island Rough Riders, Sarasota Paradise, Ventura County Fusion
- MLS NEXT Pro (10 teams): Carolina Core FC, Chattanooga FC, Columbus Crew 2, FC Cincinnati 2, LAFC 2, Inter Miami CF II, Real Monarchs, Sporting KC II, Tacoma Defiance, Ventura County FC
- NPSL (7 teams): Appalachian FC, Duluth FC, El Farolito, FC Arizona, FC Motown, Naples United FC, New York Shockers
- Open Division (16 teams): NY Pancyprian Freedoms, Soda City FC, CD Faialense, FORO SC, Harbor City FC, Harpos FC, International San Francisco, Laguna United FC, Miami United FC, Tulsa Athletic, West Chester United SC, Virginia Dream, Southern Indiana FC, NY Renegades, New Jersey Alliance, Washington Athletic Club
Third Round
- USL Championship (16 teams): Charleston Battery +, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC +, Detroit City FC +, Indy Eleven +, Las Vegas Lights FC +, Louisville City FC +, New Mexico United +, North Carolina FC, Oakland Roots SC, Orange County SC, Phoenix Rising FC, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Rhode Island FC, Sacramento Republic FC +, San Antonio FC, Tampa Bay Rowdies
- (+) Seeded to host in Third Round
Round of 32
- Major League Soccer (16 teams): Austin FC +, Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire FC +, D.C. United +, FC Dallas +, Houston Dynamo FC, Minnesota United FC, Nashville SC +, New England Revolution, New York City FC, New York Red Bulls, Orlando City, Philadelphia Union +, Portland Timbers, San Jose Earthquakes +, St. Louis CITY SC +
- (+) Seeded to host in Round of 32
The tournament format begins with 32 games in the First Round, pitting Open Division and USL League Two teams against professional squads from USL Championship and USL League One. Sarasota Paradise aims to make its mark in this prestigious competition and create unforgettable moments for its players and fans.
Sarasota Paradise’s participation in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup represents a step forward for the club as it continues to build on its success and commitment to soccer development in the Sarasota community. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for further announcements, including match details, ticket information, and opportunities to support the team. For more information, visit SarasotaParadise.us or follow us on social media. Together, we’ll raise our scarves and sing: We Are Paradise.
* *