Tormenta FC to Field Both Teams in 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
One of Only Two Parent Clubs Nationwide With Eligible Second Team
Today, U.S. Soccer released the schedule for the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a national tournament where all levels of competition have the opportunity to face Major League Soccer teams. Both Tormenta FC and Tormenta 2 will compete in the tournament. Round One kicks off May 7-8 and the Final taking place in late August.
Out of 84 total participating teams, Tormenta FC is one of only two parent clubs fielding their second team in the tournament, along with the illustrious New York Red Bulls, an MLS franchise. Per Open Cup Committee rules, Open Division teams and their parent clubs will not be matched with each other throughout the tournament unless both sides reach the Final.
This year is Tormenta FC’s professional debut in the Open Cup and Tormenta 2’s second year in the tournament. As a professional team, Tormenta FC automatically receives a spot in the competition, while Tormenta 2 earned its spot by winning the Deep South Division last season. In 2018, Tormenta 2 made it to the Second Round of the Open Cup by defeating the Myrtle Beach Mutiny 2-1 in the First Round. Tormenta 2 was then defeated by the Charleston Battery.
The 2019 U.S. Open Cup winner will earn $300,000 in prize money, a place in the 2020 CONCACAF Champions League and have its name engraved on the Dewar Challenge Trophy. The runner-up will earn $100,000, and the team that advances the furthest from each lower division will take home a $25,000 cash prize. The Houston Dynamo is the defending Open Cup champion.
Before playing in the U.S. Open Cup, Tormenta FC will kick off its regular season on March 29 at 7 PM against Greenville Triumph SC.
