The US Soccer Federation announced earlier today that AFC Ann Arbor received an at-large bid to the 104th Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the first in club history for The Mighty Oak.
The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup dates back to 1914, and is the oldest current national cup competition in United States soccer and is among the oldest in the world. The tournament is comprised of amateur and professional teams. Last year’s winner was FC Dallas of Major League Soccer.
AFC Ann Arbor will be one of sixteen National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) team’s receiving at large bids to the US Open Cup.
This momentous occasion follows the club’s inaugural season in the NPSL which resulted in a playoff berth in arguably the toughest region in the country. Finishing as one of the final sixteen teams last season positioned the club to earn this bid.
Coach Rudland is prepared for this challenge and thrilled about the opportunity.
He added, “I want to personally thank all of the players who suited up for us in 2016, your efforts have positioned us for this fantastic opportunity to compete in the US Open Cup. This brings even more relevance to our early season preparations and should provide great motivation for our entire club as we enter the 2017 campaign.”
US Soccer Federation will be announcing the official match date and opponent (geographically based) in early April. Stay tuned for further updates from The Mighty Oak. The pairing will most likely feature AFC Ann Arbor facing off against a PDL club. Advancing in the competition would grant The Mighty Oak an opportunity to knock off opponents higher in the soccer pyramid. Today’s bid alone will go down as a historic club accomplishment.
About AFC Ann Arbor
AFC Ann Arbor completed a very successful inaugural campaign in the Midwest Region of the National Premier Soccer League finishing 2nd in the conference while earning the club’s first playoff berth. The club’s third season kicks off in May as The Mighty Oak look to continue their winning ways under Head Coach Eric Rudland. Youth, General and Premium Memberships for Season Tree can be purchased here.