“`markdown
The 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is gearing up to deliver one of the most electrifying rounds in American soccer history. As the tournament reaches the Round of 32, the stakes are higher, the competition fiercer, and the drama more intense. This stage marks the entry of Major League Soccer (MLS) teams, who will clash with underdogs from the USL Championship and USL League One. With matches spread across Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, soccer fans are in for a treat, as every game promises to be a spectacle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination.
Broadcast Revolution: How to Watch Every Moment
For the first time, the U.S. Open Cup has secured a groundbreaking multimedia rights agreement with CBS Sports, ensuring unparalleled coverage. Every single match of the Round of 32 will be available for streaming on Paramount+, giving fans the flexibility to watch games live or on-demand. Additionally, select high-profile matchups will be simulcast on CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network, catering to traditional TV viewers. This multi-platform approach eliminates barriers, allowing fans to engage with the tournament in whichever way suits them best.
Must-Watch Matchups: Where Rivalries Ignite
The Round of 32 is packed with tantalizing fixtures, but a few stand out as potential classics:
– Nashville SC vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves (Tuesday, May 6, 5:00 PM ET)
A fiery local derby at GEODIS Park, this game pits an MLS contender against a rising USL Championship side. Expect a high-tempo battle with regional pride on the line.
– FC Cincinnati vs. El Paso Locomotive
Cincinnati, a strong MLS outfit, faces a resilient El Paso team known for their tactical discipline. This could be a game of contrasting styles—attacking flair versus defensive solidity.
– Austin FC vs. Underdog Challenge
Austin, a team with growing MLS ambitions, will test their mettle against a lower-division side looking to script a Cinderella story.
These matchups are just the tip of the iceberg, with every game offering its own unique narrative.
The Underdog Factor: Can History Repeat Itself?
While MLS teams have dominated the U.S. Open Cup since 1996, recent years have shown that surprises are possible. In 2024, Indy Eleven defied expectations by reaching the semifinals, while Sacramento Republic FC made a fairytale run to the finals in 2022. These stories fuel the dreams of every lower-division team entering this round.
The Round of 32 is where legends are born. Will another underdog rise to the occasion? Or will the MLS giants assert their dominance? The unpredictability is what makes this stage so compelling.
The Draw: Setting the Stage for Drama
The official draw, conducted live on CBS Sports Golazo Network, has set the tone for the tournament. With 12 USL Championship teams and three from USL League One advancing, the matchups are a mix of David vs. Goliath battles and evenly contested duels. The randomness of the draw ensures that no team gets an easy path forward, adding an extra layer of excitement.
Why This Year’s Tournament Feels Different
The shift to CBS Sports and Paramount+ marks a new era for the U.S. Open Cup. The enhanced production quality, expert commentary, and wider accessibility mean that more fans than ever can experience the magic of this historic competition. Additionally, the inclusion of MLS teams at this stage guarantees higher-intensity matches from the get-go.
Conclusion: A Tournament That Delivers on Every Front
The 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 is shaping up to be a defining moment in American soccer. With top-tier broadcasting, captivating matchups, and the ever-present potential for upsets, this stage has everything a soccer fan could ask for. Whether you’re rooting for an MLS powerhouse or cheering on an underdog, one thing is certain: the drama will be unforgettable.
As the final whistle blows on the Round of 32, the tournament will enter its next phase, where the remaining teams will battle for glory. One thing is clear—this year’s U.S. Open Cup is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of the beautiful game.
“`
