Republic FC Set to Enter 2025 U.S. Open Cup in Third Round
U.S. Soccer has officially announced the format and participants for the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, confirming that Sacramento Republic FC will begin their campaign in the Third Round with a home match on April 15 or 16.
The Indomitable Club earned their Third Round entry after finishing the 2024 USL Championship season as a top-eight team in the Western Conference, marking their 10th postseason appearance in 11 seasons. Their opponent will be determined in a draw following the Second Round on April 1st and 2nd.
Republic FC has participated in every Open Cup tournament since the club’s founding in 2014, consistently proving to be one of the most formidable second-division teams in the competition. They remain the only USL side to reach the tournament’s National Championship Final since 2008, a feat they accomplished in 2022 after a remarkable underdog run that made national headlines. Sacramento took down three MLS clubs on their way to the final, including a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Sporting Kansas City in the Semifinals. However, their storybook run came to an end in the title match, where they fell 3-0 to Orlando City SC in front of a packed Exploria Stadium.
The club has built a reputation as one of the best home teams in the modern era of the tournament, earning 20 wins at Heart Health Park and delivering unforgettable moments. Last year’s thrilling 4-3 extra-time comeback win over the San Jose Earthquakes in the Round of 16 was yet another example of their resilience and attacking firepower in front of their home crowd.
Republic FC’s 2024 Open Cup journey ended earlier than hoped, as they fell 2-1 on the road to MLS side Seattle Sounders in the Quarter-Final. Despite a strong performance, Sacramento was unable to pull off another Cupset, exiting in a hard-fought battle against one of the most successful clubs in modern U.S. soccer.
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, first contested in 1914, is American soccer’s oldest and most prestigious knockout competition. Open to clubs from all levels of the sport—professional and amateur alike—it provides a pathway for underdogs to make history. Republic FC will once again look to add to their legacy when they take the field in April.
