USL Players Plan Protest Against US Soccer Ahead of U.S. Open Cup

Protest comes amid tense CBA dispute between players and league

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:53pm

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USL players are planning a protest against US Soccer ahead of the U.S. Open Cup, following earlier demonstrations during the start of the season. The protest will take place before the second-round matchup between Portland Hearts of Pine and Vermont Green, as players continue to call for the league to "Stand Up For Standards" amid an ongoing collective bargaining agreement dispute.

Why it matters

The protest highlights the growing tensions between USL players and US Soccer over the terms of their collective bargaining agreement. As one of the top professional soccer leagues in the United States, the USL's labor dispute with its governing body could have wider implications for the sport's development and player welfare in the country.

The details

The planned protest follows earlier demonstrations by USL players at the start of the season, where they expressed their dissatisfaction with the ongoing CBA negotiations. The players are seeking improved working conditions, benefits, and compensation from US Soccer, which oversees the USL.

  • The protest will take place prior to the second-round U.S. Open Cup match between Portland Hearts of Pine and Vermont Green on March 17, 2026.
  • Earlier this season, USL players staged demonstrations during games to draw attention to their CBA dispute with US Soccer.

The players

Portland Hearts of Pine

A USL team based in Portland, Oregon that will be playing in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup.

Vermont Green

A USL team that will be facing off against Portland Hearts of Pine in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup.

US Soccer

The governing body for soccer in the United States, which oversees the USL and is currently in a labor dispute with its players.

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What’s next

The outcome of the protest and ongoing CBA negotiations between USL players and US Soccer will likely determine the next steps in this labor dispute.

The takeaway

This protest highlights the growing tensions between professional soccer players and the governing body overseeing the sport in the United States. The resolution of this dispute could have significant implications for the future of player-league relations and the development of the sport at the highest levels in the country.