MLS clubs continue their involvement in the nation's oldest soccer tournament when they kick off the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup this week.
Similar in format to England's FA Cup, the 96-year-old tournament is open to all clubs—whether professional or amateur—that are members of the United States Soccer Federation.
Eight MLS clubs will enter the 97th edition of the championship, with each team drawn against a lower-tier opponent.
Current title holders Seattle Sounders, who defeated D.C. United 2-1 in last year's final, travel to Portland on Sunday to face the Timbers, their longtime Pacific Northwest rivals.
The Columbus Crew host D2's Rochester Rhinos, who remain the only non-MLS club to have won the trophy since the formation of the league.
USL-2's Charleston Battery are traditional giant killers, having dispatched of two MLS teams en route to the 2008 final, where they were dropped by D.C. United. The Battery face the Chicago Fire, who have won the tournament four times—more than any other MLS team.
Full schedule involving MLS teams
Tues., June 29
New York Red Bulls (MLS) at Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2); 7 p.m. ET; Skyline Sports Complex; Harrisburg, Pa.
Charleston Battery (USL-2) at Chicago Fire (MLS); 8:30 p.m. ET; Toyota Park; Bridgeview, Ill.
Rochester Rhinos (D2) at Columbus Crew (MLS); 7:30 p.m. ET; Columbus Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
Miami FC (D2) at Houston Dynamo (MLS); 8:30 p.m. ET; Robertson Stadium, Houston.
Austin Aztex (D2) at Chivas USA (MLS); 10:30 p.m. ET; California State-Fullerton, Fullerton, Calif.
Wed., June 30
Richmond Kickers (USL-2) at D.C. United (MLS); 7 p.m. ET; George Mason Stadium, Fairfax, Va.
Seattle Sounders (MLS) at Portland Timbers (D2); 10:30 p.m. ET; PGE Park, Portland, Ore.
