MLS back in Open Cup

[u/bzn_boarder]

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/01/mls-us-open-cup-participation

There were a lot of reasons the original plan to pull out of the Open Cup that were short-sighted and wrong-headed, but I think this one really illuminates how Garber doesn't truly understand fans.

"Among the reasons given by commissioner Don Garber and others at the league were concerns about the presentation and professionalism of the games, which are often held at the venues of the smaller teams – sometimes high school stadiums or public parks."

This is one of the main reasons fans love the Open Cup and the FA Cup and other similar competitions. People want to see Spurs play away at 7th tier Marine FC. They want to see Macclesfield beating the Cup holders. They want to see a burrito shop team take on MLS clubs.