• Slug: Sports-RISING MLS, 750 words
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By JOHN ARLIA
Cronkite News

SCOTTSDALE — With a win Wednesday night, Phoenix Rising FC will get to experience MLS competition way ahead of schedule.

That’s the magic of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

While MLS commissioner Don Garber continues to deliberate over Phoenix’s bid for a permanent home in the league, the Rising will host the San Francisco Deltas in the third round of U.S. Soccer’s oldest on-going tournament.

If victorious, the Rising will match their best ever result in the single elimination competition, which this year features a record 99 teams from all divisions of U.S. Soccer, and will earn a June 14th date with the San Jose Earthquakes.

Continue reading “U.S. Open Cup could provide MLS measuring stick for Phoenix Rising FC”