eCup Announces Match of the Week Series, Set to Debut in 2023

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The Lower League eCup announced today its “Match of the Week” series, a four-night series that will span the length of the group stage. The “Matches of the Week” will be the only match scheduled for its respective night, and receive a full day of coverage, dedicated social media coverage, club & player features, and live highlights & analysis.

Matches of the Week will be played on the opening night of the 2023 tournament, and every following Tuesday night during the Group Stage. Unless otherwise noted, each “Match of the Week” will kick off at 8:30 p.m. ET.

The series kicks off on opening night, Thursday, February 16, with an in-state rivalry between Minneapolis City SC (USL2) and Duluth FC (NPSL) at 9:00 p.m. ET. The opening match of the 2023 tournament highlights one of the nation’s most notable pre-professional soccer rivalries, as City’s Israel Carrillo leads the 2020 & 2021 Runner-Ups into battle against Duluth FC’s Yossef Elsawy, the 2022 Lower League eCup Champion.

USL League One sides Forward Madison FC and Greenville Triumph SC will square off in the second week of the series on Tuesday, February 21. The opening match of Group G features two players that advanced to the 2022 Semifinals in one of only four matches in this year’s group stage featuring two professional clubs. Adding to the storyline, Evan Warwick (Madison) and Gio Cañas (Greenville), are four-time eCup participants who have grown from supporters to full-time roles within their respective clubs since the eCup’s inception.

On Tuesday, February 28, the Match of the Week will take on a particularly local flavor, traveling to the Buckeye State for a matchup between Northern Ohio Soccer League (NOSL) rivals Delaware Rising FC and The City of Ohio Sports Club on Tuesday, February 28. The two sides, who last met in the 2022 NOSL Semifinals, are both grassroots 501(c)3 organizations with unique missions to serve their community. Matchday coverage will include club features and other informative content to amplify each grassroots club’s community-oriented vision.

The group stage comes to a close on Tuesday, March 7, with a two-match doubleheader likely to have massive knockout stage implications. The night begins at 8:30 p.m. ET with the Group H finale between the representatives of the Greenville Liberty (USLW) and Louisville City FC (USLC), followed by a nightcap which pits Richmond Kickers (USL1) assistant coach Conner Cappelletti against his former club, Lane United FC (USL2 & USLW).

CONTACT
Joe Meyer

Director & Founder

Joe@LLeCup.com