Despite extensive efforts by Major League Soccer (MLS) to kill men’s soccer’s national cup competition that features amateur, semipro and (prior to this year) all US professional clubs against one another, the Cup lives on. MLS’ two Florida sides, in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale will not participate in this years competition, but five other sides from Florida will. Three Florida teams will begin play in the First Round in mid-March. Two others, Miami FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies will enter the tournament in the later rounds.

Tuesday March 19

Chattanooga Football Club vs. Miami United FC

6 p.m. ET 

Finley Stadium; Chattanooga, Tenn.

• We will have much more on this matchup which is a historic rivalry revival in the next few weeks. 

Brave SC vs. Savannah Clovers Football Club

7 p.m. ET

H. G. Morse Stadium; Middleton, Fla.

• Big night for Brave FC, formerly the Villages SC hosting one of NISA’s potential standout sides for this season. 

Wednesday March 20

A S Frenzi vs. Club de Lyon FC

7 p.m. ET

Daytona State College Soccer Stadium; Daytona Beach, Fla

• Club de Lyon FC kicks off 2024 with an Open Cup matchup.