American Soccer Club NY Set to Return to U.S. Open Cup

American Soccer Club NY is heading back to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, giving the Fighting Tomcats another opportunity to compete on one of the biggest stages in American soccer.

The historic tournament dates back to the 1913-14 season, making it the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States. The first championship final was played in 1914, and more than a century later, clubs from across the country continue to chase the historic Dewar Challenge Trophy.

The Fighting Tomcats earned their way into the competition after reaching the National Premier Soccer League’s North Atlantic Conference Championship Game in just their second season. American Soccer Club NY will play a First Round U.S. Open Cup qualifying match during the weekend of Sept. 12-13. The opponent, venue and kickoff time will be announced at a later date.

The club will be making its second appearance in the U.S. Open Cup. American Soccer Club NY made its debut on Aug. 31, 2025, when the Fighting Tomcats fell to New York Renegades FC, 2-1, in a First Qualifying Round match at the SUSA Orlin & Cohen Complex in Central Islip.

This year's tournament presents another opportunity for the local club to test itself against teams from throughout the American soccer pyramid.

American Soccer Club NY Managing Partner and General Manager Jim Kilmeade said entering the tournament presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the club, particularly because the roster must essentially be rebuilt in a short period of time following the NPSL season.

Head coach John Fitzgerald is also looking forward to the challenge after the club's strong NPSL campaign.

The U.S. Open Cup is organized by the United States Soccer Federation and features clubs from the three professional tiers of the U.S. soccer system along with teams from the open division. The tournament uses a single-elimination format, meaning one bad night can end a team's championship hopes while one memorable run can put a club in the national spotlight.

The 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was won by FC Dallas, which defeated the New England Revolution, 4-2, in the championship final.

Now American Soccer Club NY gets another chance to write its own chapter in the tournament's long history.