image courtesy Lower League eCup
One more time.
In January, the Lower League eCup announced details for their 2023 tournament, but they also announced this year’s edition would be its last.
As usual, there is a strong Northland footprint in the tournament, with clubs from the USL, NPSL, UPSL, MASL, and more included.
Minneapolis City SC
The Crows are two-time finalists in this tournament, finishing runners up in both 2020 and 2021. This year, the club will be represented by City supporter Israel Carrillo, who’s also founder of MNUFC supporters group Lake Street Ultras.
Duluth FC
Duluth returns for the final eCup having never made it past the Round of 32, but they have former eCup and American Outlaws Gamers Cup Champion Yossef Elsawy representing this year, and are primed for a deep run.
SPAM FC
The local MASL club out of St. Louis Park have only reached the knockout stage once, but are focused on making the last version of the eCup their best, tabbing Manny Placencia to represent!
Dynamo FC St. Cloud
Last year’s semifinalists are looking to finish off their eCup participation on a high note in 2023, and Carter Voigt has been tasked with the responsibility.
Forward Madison
The Mingos once again look to bring their brand of fun to the eCup in 2023. Evan Warwick is back in the chair looking to build off last year’s run all the way to the final.
Milwaukee Pro Soccer
Hitting the field in 2025, but hitting the sticks in 2023! The unnamed future USL Championship club out of MKE are making their eCup debut this year. Aspiring FIFA pro Oscar Ayala of Bloomington, MN will be representing.
Superior Wolfpack
For the third time, the Wolfpack are in the eCup. Represented this year by Adrian Viveros, the club is looking to improve on their 9th place finish in 2021.
Bateaux FC
The small club out of Eau Claire could make a big impact this year, with Seattle Sounders eMLS Amateur Cup Champion Joey Tucci representing.
La Barra 608
The Forward Madison supporters’ group finished runners up in the Division 2 bracket last year. Once again, the group’s co-founder Omar Aguiano will be on the sticks.
The Lower League eCup launched in 2020 as a way for clubs and fans to play some version of competitive soccer during the pandemic. The initial success of the tournament spawned what’s come to be an exciting annual event.
The final version of the eCup features a total of 48 clubs and organization. The tournament kicks off February 15 with group stage action wrapping up March 5. The knockout stages run March 8-25. You can watch the matches across various clubs’ Twitch channels.