Finally: Phoenix 1st Maine XI to Play in Open Cup

It's believed that MPS Portland Phoenix will be the first club from Maine to play in the 98-year-old U.S. Open Cup tournament when it hosts the Brooklyn Italians for a first round tie on May 15. (Photo: MPS Portland Phoenix)

By virtue of its first-place divisional finish in 2011, it is believed that MPS Portland Phoenix will be the first club from Maine to participate in U.S. Open Cup tournament when it faces off against the Brooklyn Italians (NPSL) on May 15 for a first round tie.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced the draw for the first and second rounds of the Open Cup tournament. Among the 32 first round teams is the Phoenix,  who will host the Italians at Deering High School in Portland at 8pm.

According the extensive records kept by TheCup.us, Portland will be the first representative from Maine to play in the 98-year-old tournament. Meanwhile, Brooklyn is no stranger to the prestigious tournament, having lifted the championship trophy in 1979 and 1991.

The winner of the Portland-Brooklyn matchup will face the Rochester Rhinos (USL PRO) in the second round on May 22 in Rochester, N.Y.

Portland’s Cup tie against Brooklyn will follow the their PDL season opener on May 12 against the Vermont Voltage at Deering High School. Kick off is set for 6pm.