The United Soccer League has ventured into esports with the USL eCup: Rocket League Edition. Loudoun United FC is one of 32 teams from the USL Championship and League One competing in the World Cup-style tournament.
The USL eCup: Rocket League Edition kicked off Wednesday and will continue through April 24. All games will stream live on the ESPN app and ESPN.com.
Loudoun United will be represented by Brandon Williamson, a midfielder from Gainesville. Wiliamson signed with Loudoun United prior to the start of the 2020 season.
Williamson and Loudoun United’s first game is Thursday at 5 p.m. Log on to uslchampionship.com/ecup-stream-center for a direct link to watch the games.
The USL eCup will also benefit local charities. Loudoun United will represent the Loudoun Tourism & Hospitality Relief Fund created by the Visit Loudoun Foundation to support hospitality industry employees who have been laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The relief fund will receive donations from fans watching broadcasts and the tournament progress.
“While we can’t wait to see our teams return to action on the field, this tournament will serve as a fun diversion that does a tremendous amount of good in communities across North America,” USL Sr. Vice President, Digital, Emerging Technology & Strategy Lizzie Seedhouse said in a press release.
USL eCup: Rocket League Edition
When: April 1-24; Loudoun United’s first game is Thursday at 5 p.m.
Game format: Each team will have one representative from their roster play in a 1v1 match. Matches, which will last for approximately 15-20 minutes, will consist of a best-of-three series during the group stage. Matches will consist of a best-of-five series during the knockout round, with the final consisting of a best-of-seven series.
Tournament format: Eight groups consisting of four teams each. Each team will play three games during the group stage. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout rounds. The 16 teams that advance to the knockout round will play elimination games until a champion is crowned.
