The 2012 Open Cup campaign is getting ready to kick-off in two weeks. Thankfully the defending NASL champs will be allowed to participate this season. It is my understanding that more teams than usual are in the tourney this year. Let's hope the Stars go deep and win. Come on you Stars!

We might get word today on who the opponent will be.

The calendar I downloaded earlier this year had something about a late may open cup date.

I read someplace that the draw was today and the first round was on 5/15. However, I went back and could not locate the info. The US Open Cup WWW site sucks, and their FB page is not much better.

http://thecup.us/ussf-announces-monumental-format-changes-to-2012-us-open-cup/

NASL and USLPro clubs enter in round two, May 22.

Also, more on the hosting process.

For my open cup info I rely almost solely on thecup.us.

Draw is today
first round is the 15th
and Nessie enters in the 2nd round May 22nd

really hoping we get grouped with Des Moines

I don't. The last two times the Menace have come to Minnesota, they've left with a win.

exactly why I do.
revenge!

Although other sources suggest otherwise:

http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/soccer/post/_/id/15926/open-cup-regional-set-for-ontario

While it's possible that they might jump the gun, so to speak, My guess is that they will wait until the final slots are filled before announcing the brackets. Which would suggest a May 6th or 7th announcement.

"Bet you a beverage at the next match I'm at (probably on the 12th)" offers

That little old jersey collector

Me

"...so different from the scenes in 1872, at the Cup Final that none of us can remember." - John Motson, former BBC TV commentator

Get ready to roadtrip.

SECOND ROUND– Tuesday, May 22

Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) at Des Moines Menace (PDL): Valley Stadium; Des Moines, Iowa; 7:30 p.m. CT
OR
Minnesota Stars FC (NASL) at Milwaukee Bavarians (NPSL): Bavarian Soccer Park; Glendale, Wis.; 7 p.m. CT