MLS US Open Cup qualifying begins

For the first time since 2002 not all MLS teams qualify directly for the US Open Cup. Instead, the six worst teams from 2006 will need to play qualifying matches in order to advance to the full tournament.

You might ask what the difference is between these qualifiers and being involved in early rounds and there are really only two. One, there is no draw so the clubs already know who they will play and two, those clubs have a much larger window in which to play these matches.

Anyway, tonight sees the highflying wizards of Kansas City travel to Salt Lake to take on Real. If you are interested in listening to this match, you'll be able to find it on the MLS website, however you might need to pay for the pleasure.

The winner of this match will advance to play the Colorado Rapids.

The US Open Cup has a great tradition but is often treated as a wasteland by clubs. Most of the time they rest their big names in favor of giving the backups a chance on the pitch and with very little money offered as a prize, there really is very little reason for this to change. It would make me only to happy to US soccer put some real money behind this wonderful tournament.

Anyway, if you are in Salt Lake, feel free to show your support for your team and the oldest cup competition in the US. The game starts at 5pm local time so you might need to skip out on a hour or so of work.