Major League Soccer is making a thrilling return to the Las Vegas Valley, with the Las Vegas Lights poised to host the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) in a pivotal Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match. This face-off, scheduled for May 8 at Cashman Field, brings high stakes as the teams compete in Round 32 of this storied competition. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. PT, promising an electrifying atmosphere under the Nevada lights.

The U.S. Open Cup, celebrated as the oldest ongoing national soccer tournament in the United States, marks its 109th edition in 2024. This grand tournament showcases a blend of professional, semi-professional, and amateur teams, all vying for the prestigious U.S. Open Cup title. The prize? A hefty $300,000 and an automatic berth in next year’s Concacaf Champions Cup tournament. The tournament’s expansive field includes 96 teams, featuring eight MLS clubs like LAFC, battling through 95 matches from March to September.

Las Vegas Lights FC, since their first foray into the U.S. Open Cup in 2018, have shown commendable prowess, maintaining a balanced record of 4 wins and 4 losses. This year, they’ve reached the Round of 32 following a gripping 2-1 overtime victory against Spokane Velocity FC, highlighting their capability to challenge higher-tier teams. This is not the first time Las Vegas has hosted an MLS team in the Open Cup, recalling last year’s encounter where they fell 3-1 to Real Salt Lake in a competitive Third Round clash. As they prepare to take on LAFC, the Lights will be looking to leverage their experience and home-field advantage to advance in this prestigious tournament.

Tickets for the May 8 showdown are now available, starting at $20, ensuring that fans can witness this clash of titans firsthand. For those unable to attend, live streaming will be accessible via the tournament’s website and the Major League Soccer and USL Soccer websites for the Rounds of 32 and 16. Further broadcast details for the tournament’s later stages will be announced subsequently. As the former USL affiliate of LAFC, and with a shared coaching history through Steve Cherundolo, the connections between the Lights and LAFC add a rich narrative layer to this matchup, enhancing the anticipation and excitement surrounding the game.