AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin FC is nearing the start of the austin-fc-makes-big-splash-in-adding-to-roster/” title=”Austin FC makes big splash in adding to roster”>2025 season. As the Verde and Black compete in MLS Regular Season play, they’ll also aim for another trophy.
The MLS announced changes in club qualification criteria for the upcoming two seasons for official North American cup competitions. Austin’s great 2023 season where they made the Western Conference Finals helped propel them to qualify for more competitions in 2024.
A worse finish is 2024 did not lead Austin to qualify for either the Concacaf Champions Cup or Leagues Cup. MLS teams, like Austin, that aren’t competing in either of those competitions qualify automatically for the U.S. Open Cup.
Austin FC will be joined by 15 other MLS teams in the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. It is a knockout competition that dates back over 100 years.
Teams from MLS Next Pro are also among those set to compete. The 96-team tournament kicks off March 18. The final is set for October 1.
Austin FC opens the regular season for MLS play February 22 as they host Sporting Kansas City.
