The US Open Cup is one of the most popular soccer competitions in the United States. The competition holds the proud record of being the oldest soccer competition in the US. More impressive is the fact that its one of the few competitions in the US which is competed by as many clubs – 100 teams competed in the US Open Cup 2023! The other popular MLS domestic tournament is the Canadian Championship.
Eager to learn more about the US’ oldest soccer competition? If yes, simply spare a few minutes of your time to check out this detailed guide.
A Brief History of the US Open Cup
The history of the US Open Cup dates back to the 1913-14 season. At its inception, the competition was known as the National Challenge Cup. The National Challenge Cup was effectively the first ‘national’ soccer tournament in the United States. Before its formation, the US had only witnessed regional tournaments (based on individual states/cities).
From its inception to 1979, tournament winners were awarded the Dewar Cup, a generous trophy donation from Thomas Dewar. The trophy signified the will for the promotion of soccer in the country.
U.S. Soccer has been the custodian of the US Open Cup since its inception till now albeit with a brief 10-year hiatus where the tournament’s administration was placed in the hands of USASA.
Up until 2020, the US Open Cup ran consecutively for 106 years. However, for the 2020 and 2021 soccer seasons, the US Open Cup was suspended owing to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.
The transition from the National Challenge Cup to the US Open Cup came in 1999 when U.S. Soccer decided to honour its patron, Lamar Hunt. The tournament rebranding saw it become the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup or simply the US Open Cup.
US Open Cup Format
The US Open Cup is truly a national soccer competition. All soccer clubs that are in the American soccer pyramid can contest. Essentially, this means clubs competing in the following leagues are free to compete:
- Major League Soccer
- USL Championship
- USL League One
- National Independent Soccer Association
- USL League Two
- National Premier Soccer League
- United States Adult Soccer Association
- US Soccer Club
At least a couple of months before the start of the formal tournament rounds, all teams from the amateur leagues face off against each other. this stage is formally regarded as the ‘First Round’. As the whole US Open Cup tournament uses the single elimination format, it means that from the first round up until the final match, teams that are paired against each other just face off once with the winner advancing to the next round and the loser eliminated from the tournament.
The amateur teams that succeed in the 1st Round proceed to the 2nd Round where they face off against USL clubs. The interesting thing about the 2nd Round is that teams are paired with each other depending on geographical location. This was done to ensure that the amateur teams which arent financially superior can fulfill their fixtures with ease.
The big guns that is, the big teams competing in the coveted Major League Soccer (MLS) enter the US Open Cup in the 3rd Round. Note however that the top eight teams from the previous MLS season get a special bye meaning they enter the tournament at the Round of 32 stage. A group stage format featuring 4 teams each per geographical location is used at the Round of 32 Stage.
From the Round of 32, successful teams proceed to the Quarter Final Stage, the Semi-Final and ultimately the Final. The home teams for each event are selected through a random process.
For each match from those in the 1st Round up until the Final, each match is played for 90 minutes including added time. If there is no winner, the match advances to extra time. If the match is still tied after the extra time, the match proceeds to penalties.
US Open Cup Running Dates (Schedule)
The US Open Cup starts at the start of the year with matches between amateur teams being played in the 1st Round. As the number of teams competing in the tournament differs each year, the exact number of participating teams determines how early the tournament starts. Up until June, all 1st Round and 2nd Round matches will be fulfilled. Starting in June, the quarter-final stage will get going. Semi Finals take place in August and the Final is played in September.
US Open Cup Prizes
The team that wins the Cup wins a $300,000 prize money and an automatic berth in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The runner-up receives $100,000 while the furthest advancing team from each lower division league receives $25,000.
Top Teams to Compete in the US Open Cup
MLS teams have generally dominated the US Open Cup. Since 1999 (won by Rochester Rhinos), no lower-division team has won the tournament. Teams that have won the US Open Cup a record 5 times include Bethlehem Steel and Maccabee Los Angeles. Those with 4 titles include Chicago Fire, Fall River FC, Greek American AA, Philadelphia Ukrainians, Seattle Sounders FC, and Sporting Kansas. The current holder is Houston Dynamo which now has 2 US Open Cup titles.
US Open Cup Interesting Facts
- Lower-division professional clubs owned by higher-division professional clubs arent permitted to compete in the US Open Cup
- It is the US’ oldest soccer tournament
- It is the US’ first truly national soccer competition
- The tournament ran consecutively for 106 years up until 2020 when it was suspended owing to the Covid 19 pandemic.