A lot to unpack here. Ultimately how is this allowed under USSF Pro League Standards? The trickle down impact on lower-division soccer is huge. Hurts markets across the country and undercuts the only tournament with 100+ years of history in this country.

“… comparable to a government that favors privatisation gradually defunding public services before declaring they are not working and that only private companies can save them. MLS has privatised and monopolized the people’s game of soccer… “ ⁦ theguardian.com/football/2023/…

“For many reasons, the decision doesn’t make sense, and it demeans and insults the tournament and American soccer community.” #OpenCup #USSF #MLS #USSoccer #USL #NISA #NPSL #UPSL #USASA #MWPL

#ProRelForUSA

MLS proves once more it is a deeply unserious league deadspin.com/mls-us-open-cu…

Is U.S. Soccer truly independent? Or does it still work for Major League Soccer? With #MLS decision to abandon the Open Cup… we’re about to find out.

Fully expected U.S. Soccer to cave in on this one. They have not (yet). Is this the start of another soccer war?

.Major League Soccer reaction will be to change their own roster restrictions to allow for more reserve team players to be added to their 1st team’s U.S. Open Cup rosters. Which is fine. They should’ve just done that instead of posturing like they did. This whole thing is dumb. MLS sucks 🤦‍♂️

“Sporting merit is what counts.” —FIFA Disclaimer: FIFA terms and conditions are not valid in the USA. The result of a system not built on sporting merit may produce unwanted side effects.

A fun listen for those who follow #FIFA and their disingenuous quest to grow the beautiful game. #ESPN #FOX

If Major League Soccer refuses to participate in the U.S. Open Cup, pull the USSF/D1 sanction. That’s the path forward.

Promotion & Relegation completely changes how communities care about their soccer clubs. Every game and season is meaningful. Without it in the US, we’re missing a key part of what makes soccer special. Look at Wrexham AFC. Look at Como today. We need #ProRelForUSA ⚽️ 🇺🇸 🔺🔻.

The system needs a reboot. #USSF

Fix the federation. Reboot the system. With the World Cup coming in 2026, it’s a perfect opportunity to show the world we are finally serious by installing true association football connected from youth to the #USMNT #USWNT #ProRelForUSA

*History Lesson* U.S. Soccer still does not adhere to FIFA Statutes: Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes - Article 9 - Sporting Integrity > Principle of Promotion and Relegation

Outside of #1 and maybe #6, this is an underwhelming list. Hopefully the Sporting Director’s list is different. #USMNT

Soccer wars continue.

Who can honestly comprehend this picture?

This Ticket Pricing Strategy slide from a USSF presentation still sticks with me. The #USMNT average attendance was about 10K higher in 1998 when ticket prices were lower. USSF = Revenue > Atmosphere.