Since the expanded format in 1997, a PDL team has failed to reach the third round only three times (1998, 2002, 2007).

The biggest rout in the third round since 1995 came in 2003, when the Virginia Beach Mariners defeated the Carolina Dynamo 5-0. Dante Washington and Roland Aguilera both scored twice for the Mariners.

In 2007, a record five MLS teams were upset in the third round, with only three clubs advancing to the next round (a record low for MLS teams).

In 2007, two USL Second Division clubs (Richmond Kickers, Harrisburg City Islanders) won third round matches. It was the first time that two USL-2 teams advanced beyond round three in the same year. Prior to 2007, only one USL-2 club, the Wilmington Hammerheads, had ever advanced beyond the third round, and they did it twice (2003, 2006).