courtesy US Soccer

The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup has undergone some significant changes to the structure of the tournament this year.  One major change is the equal selection process that allows teams to host games through the quarterfinals.

Before the tournament began, the potential for a lower-division team to host an MLS team greatly increased thanks to this random selection.

That possibility for the SA Scorpions FC is drawing ever closer as the first ever US Open Cup match for the club is set to kick off next week.

US Soccer announced third round match-ups earlier this week and the Houston Dynamo (MLS) are paired with the winner of the upcoming match against the Scorpions and the Laredo Heat.

“The chance to host an MLS team at Heroes Stadium is great for the team and this city,” said Scorpions team president Michael Hitchcock.

The potential for lower-division teams to host MLS clubs raises the profile of the tournament and allows fans to be exposed to a team from the top league in the country.  From a club perspective, players have a chance to test themselves in a familiar setting and opportunities for revenue greatly increase when featuring some of the top players and clubs in the country.

The Houston Dynamo already have a familiar relationship with the Bexar Co. club and should make for an interesting contest.

Speaking of familiarity, the Scorpions take on the Heat for the third time this year with the two prior matches ending in wins (3-0; 3-1) for San Antonio during the preseason, respectively.

The second round match between the SA Scorpions FC (NASL) and the Laredo Heat (USL-PDL) will take place at Blossom Athletic Center on Tuesday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m.