Charlotte Independence vs. Charleston Battery

Venue: Patriots Point; Charleston, S.C.
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 68°
Series (First Meeting): 10-5-6, CHS (2015)
Broadcast: N/A

A pair of Southern Derby rivals are set to face off for the first time since 2021 as the Charlotte Independence travel to the South Carolina Lowcountry to take on the USL Championship's Charleston Battery. Two of the hottest teams in their respective leagues, Charleston and Charlotte top their individual tables and have yet to drop a contest across all competitions this season.

As one of the oldest continually operating clubs in the country, the Battery have amassed an impressive 38 wins across 22 U.S. Open Cup appearances and are aiming to advance to the Round of 32 for the fifth time in seven tournaments. For Charlotte, the Jacks will face a USL Championship club for the first time since joining League One from the Championship in 2022 and will hope to advance beyond the Third Round for just the second time in club history.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

CHS - Nick Markanich: In his first season in Charleston, 23-year-old forward Nick Markanich has already contributed four goals and one assist for the Battery across all competitions. Markanich leads the club with his 12 chances created and tops his side in shots per 90 minutes (3.1) and successful dribbles per 90 minutes (2.0)

CLT - Gabriel Obertan: The 34-year-old veteran and former Newcaste United FC and Manchester United FC midfielder is in the midst of his first full season in Charlotte. Obertan leads the Jacks in shots per 90 minutes (3.2), chances created (11), successful dribbles per 90 minutes (1.4) and possessions won in the final third per 90 minutes (1.8).

CHARLOTTE FC VS. SOUTH GEORGIA TORMENTA FC

Venue: Mecklenburg County Sportsplex; Matthews, N.C.
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Cloudy, 64°
Series (First Meeting): N/A (2023)
Broadcast: CBS Sports Golazo Network

South Georgia Tormenta FC will travel to Charlotte for just the second time in club history, this time to face Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex. 

While only in its second U.S. Open Cup apperance, Charlotte FC is familiar with League One clubs. CLTFC took down Greenville Triumph SC and the Richmond Kickers before falling in the Round of 16 a season ago. South Georgia also matched up with an MLS opponent in last year's edition, narrowly losing to Inter Miami CF in Fort Lauderdale.

Both Charlotte and South Georgia have experienced rocky starts to their respective league seasons. Charlotte kicked off its second campaign with three consecutive losses and have won just twice in nine matches, while Tormenta FC is tied for the most wins (3) but most losses (3) early in the League One season.

History may be on the League One champions' side, though, as defending USL Championship and League One champions are 22-9 with a quartet of victories over MLS sides in subsequent U.S. Open Cups.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

CLT - Kamil Józwiak: It took Józwiak 11 matches to reach four goal contributions a season ago. Now, the 25-year-old Poland international has already scored twice and assisted twice in eight matches this season.

TRM - Jackson Khoury: Joining Tormenta FC from the Central Coast Mariners Academy in his native Australia, the 20-year-old winger has exploded for three goals and one assist in his last three matches.

ST. LOUIS CITY SC VS. UNION OMAHA

Venue: CITYPARK; St. Louis, Mo.
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 64°
Series (First Meeting): N/A (2023)
Broadcast: YouTube, Bleacher Report

The U.S. Open Cup makes its return to St. Louis, the home of 10 clubs that have been crowned champions in the tournament's 108-year history. Major League Soccer side St. Louis CITY SC will kick off its first-ever U.S. Open Cup match against 2022 darlings Union Omaha.

A season ago, the Owls became the first League One team to advance to the Quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup and defeat an MLS opponent, claiming the $25,000 prize for being the top third-division finisher. Victories against USL League Two champion Des Moines Menace, fellow League One side Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC and MLS clubs Chicago Fire FC and Minnesota United FC meant Omaha tied a modern era record of four victories in its tournament debut.

Omaha will take on a stacked St. Louis team that has started its inaugural season on fire, leading the league in goals (21), goal differential (+11) and shots on target (51). CITY SC will feel good about its matchup with Omaha, as MLS clubs are 22-8 in their first official contest against lower-division opposition.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

STL - Eduard Löwen: Longtime German Bundesliga midfielder Eduard Löwen has helped St. Louis to a fantastic start to its inaugural season. The 26-year-old German has contributed with two goals and three assists to go along with a team-high 35.3 accurate passes per 90 minutes and 15 chances created on the season.

OMA - Rashid Nuhu: A key figure in Omaha's historic advancement to the 2022 U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals, Nuhu racked up 17 saves, one clean sheet and a penalty shootout victory in last season's tournament. Nuhu is currently fifth in the league with his 78.57% save percentage, but will need to be on his game to limit St. Louis' juggernaut of an attacking unit.