First held in 1914, the U.S. Open Cup is the oldest cup competition in soccer and is among the oldest in the world.  In 1999, the U.S. Open Cup was renamed the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to honor the long-time soccer supporter and pioneer.

Each division from each league within affiliated amatuer and professional soccer is allowed to send one team to the tournament.  The team with the best record in the Mid-South Division after those four matches will advance to the Open Cup playoffs.  In 2011, the Sockers' four qualifying matches are:

• May 13 at Laredo
• May 14 at Rio Grande Valley
• May 19 vs. Baton Rouge
• May 21 vs. New Orleans