U.S. Open Cup canceled due to coronavirus pandemic

America's longest-running soccer competition won't occur in 2020 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

As noted by Front Row Soccer, the U.S. Open Cup Committee confirmed on Monday that the tournament won't take place this year. It had run for 106 straight years and included amateur and professional teams from across the country. For many clubs, the U.S. Open Cup is their only opportunity to potentially face Major League Soccer sides in any given year.

In a statement shared by Front Row Soccer, Open Cup commissioner Paul Marstaller said:

“Despite this setback, the importance and significance of U.S. Soccer’s National Championship continues to grow, and we look forward to launching the 2021 tournament next spring with the same enthusiasm that was planned for this year’s 100-team competition. Every club cherishes the chance to compete for a major national trophy and the U.S. Open Cup will be waiting for them next year.”

It's currently unknown what will happen to the automatic CONCACAF Champions League berth awarded to the U.S. Open Cup winner.

The Open Cup never got underway in March because of the uncontrolled virus outbreak. MLS and the USL Championship both returned to play earlier this summer.