The pathway to the USL Jägermeister Cup final is progressing, highlighted by a quarter-final draw that took place on Friday at CBS Sports Golazo Network. Although the group stage remains unfinished, outcomes will influence hosting arrangements for the group winners and wild card teams.
Launched in 2024, the Cup initially featured only USL League 1 teams but has since expanded to include all clubs from the USL Championship and League One, creating its unique tournament, akin to the UK’s EFL Trophy, as it doesn’t involve Major League Soccer teams.
Hailstorm FC from northern Colorado claimed victory in the tournament’s inaugural season. Following their entry into a different league, they have exited USL competition, paving the way for a new champion. Currently, 14 teams are out of the knockout stage, but plenty is still at stake as each team competes in four randomly selected matches during the group phase.
With the expansion, the winners stand to gain a $100,000 cash prize along with a Jägermeister Prize Pack.
Viewing the USL Jägermeister Cup Draw
- Date: Friday, July 18th | Time: 9:15 AM
Draw Process
During the draw, brackets will not be predetermined. Instead, they will reflect group positions, allowing the winner of Group 1 to host the third-place team from Group 6. The group stage concludes on July 26th, at which point team placements will be finalized.
Teams are categorized into four groups to clarify hosting priorities; teams within the same group cannot clash, nor can two teams from the same group advance as wild cards. This draw does not finalize placements for all teams as separate rules govern the quarterfinal and semifinal arrangements.
Only four of the six group champions can host matches in this round, while non-champions are automatically designated as away teams. The Las Vegas Wright is the sole team to have participated in all four matches with one remaining for each of the others.
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Fan Take: This Cup competition highlights the growing interest in soccer across the United States and the development of talent outside of Major League Soccer. As more teams compete for recognition and rewards like the $100,000 prize, the sport’s popularity continues to rise, paving the way for a stronger future for American soccer.
