Lower-division teams relish chance to host U.S. Open Cup matches

U.S. Soccer Communications

The 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup begins May 15, and with the 99th edition comes a multitude of changes. For lower-division teams, the most significant is the random selection process for determining home teams from the first round through the quarterfinals.

In previous years, all teams pursued this opportunity through a bidding process.