US Open Cup Odds, Betting Lines and Predictions for Round 1

When you talk about professional sports in the United States, soccer tends to fall way down the line when compared to the likes of football and baseball. That said, the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is one of the oldest competitions in the country, with the 2025 edition being the 110th version of this iconic tournament.

Unfortunately, some of the shine has come off this event in recent years, with the MLS either sitting out or limiting the number of teams they send into the Open Cup. This year, we will have 16 MLS teams taking part, starting in the later rounds.

How the US Open Cup Odds Looks in 2025

For a while, it looked as though no MLS teams would be in the tournament in 2024, but an agreement was reached that would allow 16 teams from the topflight to take part.

Those teams will head into the draw in the Round of 32. For the opening round, which starts this week, this is how the teams are comprised:

11 Local Qualifiers
1 National Amateur Cup Champion
1 UPSL Spring Champion
8 NPSL Teams
11 USL League 2 Teams
12 USL League 1 Teams
8 NISA Teams
11 MLS Next Pro Teams (MLS Reserves)

We will also have 16 USL Championship teams placed in the Third Round Draw, as well as the 16 MLS teams the in the round following that one.

A Quick Look at Some Round 1 Matchups on the US Open Cup Odds

Even the most diehard US soccer fans are going to have a tough time recognizing the teams taking part in the opening round.

There are 2 days of action coming our way this week, so let’s pick out a pair of games from each day and try to make some predictions, keeping in mind that there is not going to be a ton of information available for a lot of these teams.

With that in mind, you may want to use just a small percentage of your bankroll on these games.

Miami FC -148 vs Naples United +295 (Draw +300)

US Open Cup Prediction: Miami FC 3-1 Naples United
When: Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 7:00 PM

We have an all-Florida affair in the opening round, but if you are hoping to see Lionel Messi here, you are looking at the wrong Miami team. Miami FC is part of the USL Championship, and they will be hoping that they can snap out of an early season slump with a win here.

They have lost each of their opening 2 games of the season, scoring just once while surrendering 5 goals. Naples play in the Gulf Coast Sunshine Conference in the NPSL, with their season yet to begin. They won their conference last season, but this is very much a step-up in class for them, so you would expect Miami to win.

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US Open Cup Odds provided by MyBookie

West Chester United +246 vs Loudon United FC -115 (Draw +265)

US Open Cup Prediction: West Chester United 0-4 Loudon United
When: Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 7:30 PM

These games are tough to predict as it is, but even more so when you consider that there is no form to go on at this stage of the season. West Chester United, who play in Pennsylvania, won’t have their season begin until the middle of May, so this essentially feels like a preseason game.

Loudon United is off and running in the USL Championship, playing a pair of games already and winning both, outscoring the opposition 5-2 in the process. Playing at a higher level and already having games under their belt gives them a very clear edge in this one.

Columbus Crew II vs NY Renegades

US Open Cup Prediction: Columbus Crew II 5-1 NY Renegades
When: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 6:00 PM

Finally, a name that you all might recognize, although it should be noted that the Columbus Crew II are actually the reserve team of the MLS club. They will have a lot of younger guys on the roster, many of whom are knocking on the door of an upward move to the MLS proper.

The Crew has had a rough start to the season, though, losing both games in the MLS Next Pro League. The Renegades play their soccer in the NPSL, with their season still yet to start, which puts them more than a little behind the 8-ball here. This should be a comfortable win for the Crew reserve squad.

LAFC II vs FC Arizona

US Open Cup Prediction: LAFC II 5-2 FC Arizona
When: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 10:30 PM

The last Open Cup ended with LAFC hoisting the iconic trophy, and while they will not be taking part this season, their reserve team will be starting in the opening round. We can probably expect goals in this one, as LAFC II always seems to be fun to watch from an offensive standpoint, scoring 6 goals in their last 2 games.

FC Arizona is another team waiting for their season to start, which once again puts them in a tough spot against a team that already has competitive games under their belts. This could well be a rout in favor of LAFC II.

Who Will Win the 2025 US Open Cup?

You have to go all the way back to 1999 to find the last time a team outside the MLS won this tournament.

It was the Rochester Rhinos who won that one, but even with only 16 MLS teams taking part this season, it would be a huge surprise to see anyone other than an MLS team hoist the trophy this time around.

Of course, you have to temper that by trying to figure out just how committed to winning the trophy the 16 MLS teams are.

St. Louis City is off to a great start, and given that they are new to the league, they might be committed to trying to nab some silverware for their fans.

This is a defensively sound team that could make some noise in the Open Cup.

The Philadelphia Union is another team that has started the MLS season well and who could be in the conversation. I would also keep an eye on the Portland Timbers.

They are off to a shaky start, but they always seem to do well in tournaments, most recently winning the MLS is Back tournament after the COVID shutdown ended.

Tomorrow! 1️⃣ Day To Go.. US Open Cup 1st Round#USOC2025

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— Ventura County Fusion (@VCFusion) March 17, 2025