HAMPTON, NH - The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup enters its 105th year of competition as US Soccer prepares for the opening round of the prestigious tournament in May.  The 2018 field consists of 94 teams from every level of American Soccer, taking part in the country’s oldest annual tournament for team sports.

Pairings for the First Round of competition were announced on Wednesday, April 4th.  Seacoast United Phantoms (PDL) will face Kendall Wanderers FC (USASA) at Seacoast United Sports Park in Amesbury, MA on Wednesday May 9th. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm.  This will be Kendall Wanderers’ first appearance in Open Cup play.

2018 marks the 3rd appearance in franchise history for the Seacoast United Phantoms, and the first time hosting a game at their home venue.  Home teams are determined from an application process involving venues that meet minimum tournament requirements.

The First Round of the tournament will begin with a single match taking place on May 8th, followed by 25 games being played on May 9th, consisting of teams from the Premier Development League (PDL), National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), and Open Division local qualifiers.  The tournament is a single-elimination format based on head to head results.

About the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup™
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup™, recognized as U.S. Soccer's National Championship, is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The tournament has crowned a champion for 104 consecutive years dating from 1914. In 1999, the competition was renamed to honor American soccer pioneer Lamar Hunt.  

About the Seacoast United Phantoms
The Seacoast United Phantoms compete in the Premier Development League (PDL), with a roster consisting of collegiate, post-collegiate, and international players looking to further their development during the summer months.  For more on the Seacoast United Phantoms teams, please visit www.seacoastunited.com/phantoms.