LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A new local sports rivalry will bloom this spring at Lynn Family Stadium when Louisville City FC hosts Lexington SC during the second round of the U.S. Open Cup.

Louisville City FC and the newly launched Lexington SC were matched up to play in the knockout Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament sometime from April 4-6. U.S. Soccer will finalize second round dates and times at a later date.

Louisville has long been a powerhouse in the USL Championship league, which is one step below Major League Soccer. Lexington SC kicks off its inaugural season this year in USL League One, one step below the USL Championship.

LouCity season ticket members will be notified via email about first right to tickets before they go on sale to the public, LouCity officials said.

The Second Round sees non-Major League Soccer professional teams enter the Open Cup. Professional clubs join surviving amateur sides playing in the First Round from March 21-23. After the Second Round, MLS teams join for the Third Round on April 25-26. The Open Cup continues to whittle down throughout the summer to a final on Sept. 27.

Louisville has advanced as far as the Open Cup’s Quarterfinals back in 2018. Last year, the boys in purple won three games in the tournament.

The 2023 U.S. Open Cup winner will earn $300,000 in prize money and a berth in the 2024 Concacaf Champions League. The runner-up will earn $100,000, while the team that advances the furthest from each lower division will take home a $25,000 cash prize.