Soccer in America could have taken a hit with the recent update from the MLS. The league has opted out of sending its first teams to the US Open Soccer tournament. But in a larger picture, what could it mean for the sport in the country? An MLS veteran calls out Chief Commissioner Don Garber, citing the decision as a ‘death blow’ to every young player striving to play and face the topmost soccer teams in the country. He cited that this decision could severely affect the dreams of everyone in the circuit.

The league has already been putting a lot of effort into making the sport more popular in the States. By bringing Lionel Messi to Inter Miami, soccer has gained a lot of traction with the fans in the country. However, will this latest decision by MLS reverse the process?

Herculez Gomez is concerned about the future of the beautiful game in the US

The MLS commissioner announced late last week that the league will send the MLS Next Pro teams to the US Open Cup. This will mean that the top players in the country will not be participating in the FA Cup equivalent of the US. With regard to the decision, former LA Galaxy player Herculez Gomez called it bad for the sport in the country. Speaking on ESPN FC, Gomez said, “MLS chose to not only turn their back on them (players), but essentially said go die to the Open Cup, because essentially what you’re doing is you’re giving them a death blow.”

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Gomez emphasizes the fact that player’s ability to prove themselves on a bigger stage would be cut down. The US Open Cup without MLS teams will not be able to get the viewership and visibility it needs to show the players’ talents. The tournament includes both amateur and professional teams across all the professional leagues in the country, battling it out for one trophy.

The approximately 100-team competition is the oldest soccer tournament in the USA. It provides players and teams from all levels with a platform to showcase their potential, which will uplift soccer in the country. Gomez revealed that he was also a beneficiary when he could get playing time only during this tournament to prove himself.

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Moreover, the former player also said that it was the league’s obligation to participate in all domestic competitions to help soccer grow in the country. It would have made sense to at least leave the option for the clubs to choose whom to send, said Gomez, mourning the decision.

MLS’ unclear reasoning behind backing out

The league has been on a high since Lionel Messi’s arrival. Apart from an increase in attendance and revenue, the league also seemed to have improved its viewership around the globe. Don Garber has revealed that the US Open does not seem to have a similar vision of what the MLS is aiming for in soccer.

Considering the US Open’s viewership, standard of pitches, and tight scheduling for MLS teams, the league decided to opt-out, this year. But this is only for the 2024 season. The American top flight may reconsider its stance for 2025 based on the changes. But on the whole, it definitely could be a disappointment for other soccer fraternities in the country apart from the MLS, as they miss the chance to play against the best.

What are your thoughts on this latest decision? Let us know in the comments below.

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