In 1995 when I fought to expand the US Open Cup, I dreamed of hundreds of amateur and professional teams in the Cup, an A-league Champion, and the big upset. Francisco Marcos, to his credit, agreed to enter his teams and we were both promised then, that MLS would be required to play. MLS did participate in 1996, with only eight teams, upsets were everywhere, in Rochester, San Francisco, Columbus, and Hampton Roads. Finally in 1999 an A-league Champion of the Open Cup with four wins over MLS teams. Francisco Marcos and I shared the same vision for the Cup because we personally experienced the passion of the FA Cup. We knew that on any given day the minnow could beat the Champion. And the fans would come and cheer in Glory. I stood on the side line and saw the Roughriders beat the Revolution, and the Revolution in anger quit the Open Cup for three years. In 2000 we welcome back the Revolution and give a big boo to the Open Cup Committee for lack of vision and feeling the passion. Francisco and Sunil, you sold out the Open Cup Dream.
The 12 MLS Teams and 4 A-league teams entering the round of 16 is great, but why pick on the Amateurs. The first round should be 16 Amateurs against 16 D-3 teams, and the second round should be those winners against 16 additional A-league teams. Why pick on the Amateurs. More Teams means a greater chance of upset at any round. The dream of every amateur side is to play a pro team for the open cup trophy. In 2000 we want to expand dreams not destroy them.
And why not play the final in late September when a-league and D-3 teams are match ready or was that the plan- guarantee an MLS Champion? Bring back the passion, bring back the teams, bring back the amateurs.
