Cleveland SC to Host U.S. Open Cup Second-Round Qualifier vs Akron City FC

Cleveland returns to the national stage as the Cup journey continues at home on October 12

Cleveland SC’s U.S. Open Cup journey is officially coming to the 6th City. After receiving a bye in the first round of qualifying, the club has been selected to host its second-round qualifying match on Sunday, October 12th, at 4:00 PM at North Olmsted High School, squaring off against familiar rival Akron City FC.

This fall marks the beginning of Cleveland SC’s bid to make history in the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the oldest and most prestigious soccer tournament in the United States. With 118 teams entering the Second Round, every game is a do-or-die battle. The reward? A chance to advance into the main field of the U.S. Open Cup and potentially square off against professional clubs from USL and even MLS.

Cleveland SC is no stranger to the U.S. Open Cup spotlight. The club reached the U.S. Open Cup Proper in consecutive years in 2022 and 2023, earning victories in the first rounds of both tournaments before eventually being knocked out by USL League One opponents.

Relive one of those moments as Cleveland SC, after enduring a nearly four-hour weather delay, battled back to pull within a goal of the Richmond Kickers ➡️ Watch the highlights.

For Cleveland SC, hosting at home provides a major advantage. Cleveland’s passionate supporters have already shown their ability to lift the squad in crucial moments. This qualifier will be another chance for the Cleveland faithful to make their voices heard.

Head Coach Joe Jovanovski will again lead the side, and while the roster will look a bit different due to college player eligibility rules, Cleveland’s mix of veterans and emerging local talent will be eager to seize the moment. The club will announce its official tournament roster closer to the match date.

Should Cleveland SC advance, the Third Round of Open Division Qualifying begins on November 1st, bringing the team one step closer to the dream of competing in the tournament proper in 2026.

🎟️ Cup Run Special – $5 Off Tickets

To kick off our Cup run, we’re offering a Cup Run Special:

• Save $5 on General Admission Adult and Senior Tickets

• Available online only 

• Ends Sunday, October 5th at 11:59 PM EDT

Lock in your tickets early and be part of Cleveland’s SC’s push for Cup glory!

Match Information - Cleveland SC vs Akron City FC

📍 North Olmstead High School - 27301 Butternut Ridge Rd., North Olmstead, OH 44070

🗓️ Sunday, October 12, 2025 

⏰ Kickoff at 4:00 PM EDT

🎟️ Tickets are available online and at the gate. Kids get in free, and any 2025 Cleveland SC regular-season ticket will be honored for free admission.

This is more than just another match—it’s an opportunity for Cleveland to shine on a national stage. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and prepare for an unforgettable night of knockout soccer.

Learn more about the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the Qualifying Rounds [HERE], and view the full Second Round schedule [HERE].

Cleveland SC’s U.S. Open Cup journey is also a chance to showcase the strength of our community. Local businesses and organizations interested in supporting the club during this historic run can explore sponsorship and partnership opportunities [HERE].

Together, we can put Cleveland soccer on the national stage.

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