The US Open Cup final will be held in...

US Soccer today announced the sites the might just host the 2006 US Open Cup final. They are the Home Depot Center in California, Robertson Stadium in Houston and Toyota Park in Bridgeview. The final venue will be decided by the outcome of next Wednesday's semifinal matches.

If Chicago beats DC United, the final will be in Chicago. If DC wins, whoever wins in the Houston-LA game (in LA), will play host.

The final is set for September 27th at ether 8pm ET (if in Chicago or Houston) or 11pm ET (if in LA).

Speaking as someone who wants to have as many people watching this game as possible, I'm hoping for a Chicago or Houston win.

During the recent US Soccer carnival the idea of having the USOC final in the same location each year was put forward with Las Vegas mentioned as a possible host. Wouldn't it make a lot more sense, and be easier for fans that do want to travel to see this event, if it was held in such a way that would allow them more then a few weeks to make plans? In addition, if it was in a set location, especially a good tourist one at that, people could fold the game into a bigger trip (let's go to Vegas for the game and stay a few days for the sin).

Of course any site location would be helped if the game was moved to a weekend, but let's take this one step at a time. MLS is willing to rearrange their schedule for European friendlies, but asking for them to do this for the US Open Cup might just be a bit much.