Chicago – Vereinigung Erzgebirge received the call from US Soccer headquarters on Monday night to let them know they have been awarded a home match for Round one of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.  The official draw has been delayed several times due to the ongoing battle between the MLS and US Soccer but on Friday VE was drawn against the Charlotte Independence of the USL One. 
               Because of added requirements the match will be played at Cairn University located ten miles away in Langhorne, Pa.  VE has secured use of their brand-new turf stadium and will have details on the event out soon.  The plan is for the match to kickoff at 7:30 Pm on Thursday March 21^st. 
               “We are thrilled with the draw and excited to be hosting this match” said head coach Rob Oldfield.  “For us qualifying was the goal and this is our big reward.  We wanted a different experience for the guys, and you can argue we got that with the top opponent in the round”
               The Charlotte Independence is a Division III professional men’s soccer team celebrating a decade of competitive soccer in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2024. The club, founded in 2014, currently competes in USL League One and reached its first league final in club history at the end of the 2023 season. The Independence plays all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. As part of the Queen City Soccer Club, our mission is to make Charlotte a better place to live through sports. For information on club news, season tickets and more, visit charlotteindependence.com.
         “We know we would have made it a great day at the club but there are some requirements we can’t meet at present day.  We think having this game at Cairn will allow us to create a family friendly environment and we are hoping to have as many members and youth players there as we can,” said Oldfield.
               Look for full match details coming soon.