The USASA Amateur Cup is back for Region II. The winners of the men's regional tournaments ultimately play each other for a national trophy and a spot in the 2027 US Open Cup. The women's tournament has not yet been drawn.
The first round sees Bavarian United (UPSL) of Milwaukee playing their neighbors, United Serbian SC (WSL); RKC Third Coast (USL League Two) traveling to Chicago House AC (MWPL); Green Bay Glory (MWPL) hosting Camargo FC (MASL); and Vlora FC (UPSL/MASL) meeting Minnesota Blizzard (NPSL/MASL) for the second year in a row. While the dates of the matches remain to be settled, the teams enter this year's tournament with interesting recent history.
Bavs entered at the QF stage of last year's tournament but fell at the first hurdle to RWB Adria. Serbians fell in a barn-burning 6-2 loss to Vlora in the second round, having themselves finished off Green Bay comfortably. Fresh or weary from their indoor season, Blizzard will be attempting to go further than they have managed thus far.
Vlora ultimately made it all the way to the Quarterfinals, where FC Milwaukee Torrent dispatched them. RKC did not play in last year's tournament.
The entire national tournament has relatively short travel for teams from the Upper Midwest, given that the Region II Final will be in Fort Wayne, IN and the National Final Four will be in Milwaukee.
Stay tuned to Northland Soccer Journal for full coverage.
