Richmond Kickers Set for Open Cup "Virginia Battle" Against Loudoun United in Round Two

Richmond Kickers defeated NoVa FC in the 1st Round, with goals from Kirkland and Dourado.

The stage is set at City Stadium as the Richmond Kickers (USL1 -3rd Division) prepare to host Loudoun United FC (USL Championship -2nd Division) in the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., with gates opening an hour earlier at 5:30 p.m.

Richmond, the only outside active professional club out of Major League Soccer to win the Cup in 1995,enters the matchup riding momentum after a composed 2-0 victory over NoVa FC in First Round action. Striker Josh Kirkland opened the scoring, while Lucca Dourado added a second to seal the result and send the Kickers through. The win improved Richmond’s all-time Open Cup record to an impressive 30-9-2, reinforcing their reputation as one of the competition’s most historic lower-division sides.

Loudoun United FC arrives in Richmond after earning a hard-fought 2-1 road victory over West Chester United SC in the First Round on March 17. Competing in the USL Championship, Loudoun presents a significant test for the Kickers, blending physicality with a higher level of competition.

The Open Cup, now in its 111th edition, remains one of the most inclusive and storied tournaments in American soccer. Organized by U.S. Soccer, the competition brings together professional and amateur teams in a single-elimination format, offering a rare chance for underdogs to challenge top-tier opposition.

The stakes extend beyond simply advancing. The winner of this Second Round matchup will move one step closer to joining sides like D.C. United—three-time Open Cup champions (1996, 2008, 2013)—who enter the tournament in later rounds. Ultimately, 80 teams will battle across seven rounds for the Dewar Challenge Trophy, a $1 million prize, and a coveted berth in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.

With momentum on their side and history in their corner, the Richmond Kickers will aim to defend home turf and continue their Open Cup journey. Meanwhile, Loudoun United will look to assert their division pedigree and spoil the occasion.

2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Schedule

• First Round: March 17–19

• Second Round: March 31–April 1

• Round of 32: April 14–15

• Round of 16: April 28–29

• Quarterfinals: May 19–20

• Semifinals: September 15–16

• Final: October 21

Tickets for Wednesday’s match are available now here.