2023 U.S. Open Cup
The 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was the 108th edition of the annual single-elimination knockout tournament in American soccer, open to all professional and amateur teams affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).[1] It featured a field of 100 teams, including 72 professional clubs from leagues such as Major League Soccer (MLS) and the United Soccer League (USL), alongside 28 amateur sides, with qualifying rounds beginning in late 2022 to determine entrants for the main tournament proper starting in March 2023.[2] The competition progressed through eight rounds of matches, emphasizing the tournament's tradition of upsets where lower-division teams could challenge top-tier professionals.[1] Houston Dynamo FC emerged as champions, defeating Inter Miami CF 2–1 in the final on September 27, 2023, at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to claim their second U.S. Open Cup title and first since 2018.[3] The victory marked a significant milestone for Houston under owner Ted Segal and general manager Pat Onstad, securing qualification for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup group stage.[4] Inter Miami's run to the final drew global attention due to the participation of Lionel Messi, who made his U.S. Open Cup debut in the Round of 16 and scored once with two assists in a dramatic semifinal win over FC Cincinnati on penalties after trailing 2–0.[5] However, Messi was sidelined by fatigue for the final, contributing to Inter Miami's loss despite their earlier successes in the tournament and the concurrent Leagues Cup.[6] The tournament highlighted the Open Cup's democratic spirit, with notable upsets including USL Championship side Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC eliminating the New England Revolution in the Round of 32 and USL Championship side Monterey Bay F.C. eliminating MLS's San Jose Earthquakes in the third round.[7] Houston's path featured victories over opponents including Minnesota United FC in the quarterfinals and a 3–1 semifinal win over Real Salt Lake after extra time, showcasing their defensive resilience under coach Ben Olsen.[4] Overall, the 2023 edition underscored the competition's role as a proving ground for underdogs and a platform for emerging stars in American soccer.[1]Tournament Overview
Background and Format
The 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was the 108th edition of the United States' oldest ongoing national soccer competition, which dates back to 1914 and has historically provided a platform for clubs from all levels of the sport to compete in a knockout format.[8][9] Organized by the United States Soccer Federation, the tournament emphasized underdog stories by pitting amateur and lower-division teams against professional sides in early rounds. Orlando City SC entered as defending champions after their 3-0 victory over Sacramento Republic FC in the 2022 final.[8] The 2023 edition ran from March 21 to September 27 and featured a record 100 teams, including 72 professional clubs from Major League Soccer (MLS), the USL Championship, USL League One, National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), and MLS Next Pro, alongside 28 amateur teams from open division leagues.[9][8] This marked the second consecutive year of a modern-era high for professional participation, with all 26 U.S.-based MLS clubs joining, 24 from Division II (USL Championship), and 22 from Division III leagues entering across the initial rounds.[2] A key structural change included the integration of MLS Next Pro teams as Division III entrants, expanding opportunities for reserve squads in the early stages.[8] The tournament followed a single-elimination knockout format across eight rounds, with no replays for drawn matches; ties proceeded to two 15-minute periods of extra time followed by penalty shootouts if necessary.[10] Open division and select lower-tier teams began in the First Round, while Division II and III clubs entered in the Second Round; MLS teams joined later, with 18 lower-seeded sides in the Third Round and the remaining eight in the Round of 32 to accommodate scheduling around league play and international commitments.[8] The winner received $300,000 in prize money, a berth in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup, and their name engraved on the Dewar Challenge Cup.[11]Schedule and Draws
The 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup followed a structured timeline that accommodated the entry of teams across various divisions, with the tournament proper spanning from March to September. The first round draw took place on February 3, 2023, setting the matchups for the opening stage involving 28 amateur and lower-division teams competing in 14 matches from March 21–23. Subsequent draws were conducted after the completion of each prior round to determine pairings, ensuring a progressive knockout format.[9] The second round, featuring the 14 first-round winners against 46 teams from Division II (USL Championship) and Division III (USL League One, NISA, MLS Next Pro), was scheduled for April 4–11, 2023, spread over multiple nights to manage the 30-match slate. The third round draw occurred on April 6, 2023, leading to 24 matches on April 25–26, where the 30 second-round winners were joined by 18 MLS teams in regional matchups. The round of 32 draw followed on April 27, 2023, with the remaining 8 MLS first teams entering on May 9–10 for 16 matches, marking the full integration of Major League Soccer participants.[12][13] Later stages were impacted by the concurrent Leagues Cup tournament, which ran from July 21 to August 19, 2023, creating a scheduling gap after the quarterfinals. The round of 16 draw was held on May 11, 2023, with matches played on May 23–24 across eight fixtures. Quarterfinal matchups were drawn following the round of 16 and scheduled for June 6–7, comprising four games. This pause allowed MLS teams to prioritize the Leagues Cup, effectively postponing the semifinals to August 23, 2023, for two matches. The final, determined by a draw after the semifinals, was set for September 27, 2023, at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hosted by the highest-seeded remaining team.[14][15][16][17]| Round | Draw Date | Match Dates | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Round | February 3, 2023 | March 21–23, 2023 | 28 amateur/lower-division teams; 14 matches |
| Second Round | February 16, 2023 | April 4–11, 2023 | 14 winners vs. 46 Division II/III teams; 30 matches |
| Third Round | April 6, 2023 | April 25–26, 2023 | 30 winners joined by 18 MLS teams; 24 matches |
| Round of 32 | April 27, 2023 | May 9–10, 2023 | Remaining 8 MLS teams enter; 16 matches |
| Round of 16 | May 11, 2023 | May 23–24, 2023 | 8 matches |
| Quarterfinals | Post-Round of 16 | June 6–7, 2023 | 4 matches |
| Semifinals | Post-Quarterfinals | August 23, 2023 | 2 matches; postponed due to Leagues Cup |
| Final | Post-Semifinals | September 27, 2023 | At DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale |
Participating Teams
Entry Criteria and Qualification
The 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup featured automatic qualification for professional teams based on their league affiliation and division status within the U.S. soccer pyramid, as determined by U.S. Soccer's policies. All 26 U.S.-based Major League Soccer (MLS) teams received automatic entry, with 18 entering in the Third Round and the remaining 8—comprising the four U.S.-based participants in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League plus the top four from the 2022 MLS Supporters' Shield standings not already qualified for continental play—entering in the Round of 32.[9] The three Canadian MLS clubs (CF Montréal, Toronto FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC) were ineligible due to the tournament's restriction to U.S.-based teams only.[9] Teams from lower professional divisions also earned automatic berths at earlier stages. The 24 clubs in the USL Championship (Division II) entered in the Second Round, while 22 Division III teams qualified automatically for the same round: 12 from USL League One, 9 from the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), and 1 from MLS Next Pro (Rochester New York FC).[9] This marked the first year of MLS Next Pro participation in the tournament, reflecting the league's emergence as a Division III affiliate pathway for MLS clubs, though only a limited number of its 29 total teams were slotted due to the fixed allocation structure.[8] Open Division amateur and semi-professional teams filled the remaining slots through a combination of automatic league entries and a competitive qualification process. Eight teams from the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and 10 from USL League Two advanced directly to the First Round, alongside the 2022 USASA National Amateur Cup champion, Bavarian United FC.[9] An additional 9 spots were allocated via regional qualifying tournaments held across the United States from September through December 2022, where 107 eligible Open Division teams—affiliated with U.S. Soccer member organizations and meeting standards for league participation, venue requirements, and good standing—competed in four knockout rounds to determine the qualifiers.[18] These regional events ensured broad geographic representation, with pairings based on proximity to minimize travel burdens on lower-division clubs. In total, the 2023 tournament included 100 entrants: 72 professional teams across Divisions I-III and 28 from the Open Division, setting a modern-era record for professional participation.[8] This structure emphasized the Open Cup's tradition as an inclusive knockout competition, allowing underdog teams from various levels to challenge higher-division opponents while accommodating the growth of professional soccer in the U.S.List of Teams
The 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup included 100 participating teams across professional and amateur divisions, with all clubs required to play from their designated entry point and no byes granted. Professional teams from Major League Soccer (MLS), USL Championship, and lower divisions entered in the Third Round, Round of 32, or Second Round based on league status, while Open Division amateurs entered in the First Round via national championships or regional qualifying. Rosters for professional teams from Divisions I and II are organized below by division, league, entry round, and qualification details. For Division III and Open Division teams, see the Early Qualifying Rounds and Third Round sections.Division I (MLS)
All 26 MLS teams automatically qualified through league participation, with eight entering the Round of 32 due to involvement in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League or top conference standings, and the remaining 18 entering the Third Round.| Team Name | Entry Round | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Austin FC | Round of 32 | Automatic (CONCACAF participant) |
| LA Galaxy | Round of 32 | Automatic (CONCACAF participant) |
| Los Angeles FC | Round of 32 | Automatic (CONCACAF participant) |
| Orlando City SC | Round of 32 | Automatic (CONCACAF participant) |
| FC Dallas | Round of 32 | Automatic (top conference) |
| New York City FC | Round of 32 | Automatic (top conference) |
| New York Red Bulls | Round of 32 | Automatic (top conference) |
| Philadelphia Union | Round of 32 | Automatic (top conference) |
| Atlanta United FC | Third Round | Automatic |
| Charlotte FC | Third Round | Automatic |
| Chicago Fire FC | Third Round | Automatic |
| FC Cincinnati | Third Round | Automatic |
| Colorado Rapids | Third Round | Automatic |
| Columbus Crew | Third Round | Automatic |
| D.C. United | Third Round | Automatic |
| Houston Dynamo FC | Third Round | Automatic |
| Minnesota United FC | Third Round | Automatic |
| Inter Miami CF | Third Round | Automatic |
| Nashville SC | Third Round | Automatic |
| New England Revolution | Third Round | Automatic |
| Portland Timbers | Third Round | Automatic |
| Real Salt Lake | Third Round | Automatic |
| San Jose Earthquakes | Third Round | Automatic |
| Seattle Sounders FC | Third Round | Automatic |
| Sporting Kansas City | Third Round | Automatic |
| St. Louis CITY SC | Third Round | Automatic |
Division II (USL Championship)
The 24 USL Championship teams automatically qualified via league membership and entered in the Second Round, including the newly eligible Loudoun United FC.| Team Name | Entry Round | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham Legion FC | Second Round | Automatic |
| Charleston Battery | Second Round | Automatic |
| Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC | Second Round | Automatic |
| Detroit City FC | Second Round | Automatic |
| El Paso Locomotive FC | Second Round | Automatic |
| Hartford Athletic | Second Round | Automatic |
| Indy Eleven | Second Round | Automatic |
| Las Vegas Lights FC | Second Round | Automatic |
| Loudoun United FC | Second Round | Automatic (newly eligible) |
| Louisville City FC | Second Round | Automatic |
| Memphis 901 FC | Second Round | Automatic |
| The Miami FC | Second Round | Automatic |
| Monterey Bay FC | Second Round | Automatic |
| New Mexico United | Second Round | Automatic |
| Oakland Roots SC | Second Round | Automatic |
| Orange County SC | Second Round | Automatic |
| Phoenix Rising FC | Second Round | Automatic |
| Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC | Second Round | Automatic |
| Rio Grande Valley FC | Second Round | Automatic |
| Sacramento Republic FC | Second Round | Automatic |
| San Antonio FC | Second Round | Automatic |
| San Diego Loyal SC | Second Round | Automatic |
| Tampa Bay Rowdies | Second Round | Automatic |
| FC Tulsa | Second Round | Automatic |
Debuts and Regional Representation
The 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup featured 21 teams making their tournament debuts, highlighting the competition's role in providing opportunities for emerging clubs across various leagues. Among these newcomers were El Farolito SC from San Francisco, representing the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and advancing to the second round after a 3-0 extra-time victory over fellow amateurs International San Francisco.[19] Union Omaha FC, competing in USL League One, marked its second appearance but exemplified the influx of lower-division professional sides, defeating El Paso Locomotive FC 2-0 in the second round before falling to MLS expansion side St. Louis City SC.[20] Geographically, the 100 participating teams represented clubs from 34 states and the District of Columbia, underscoring the Open Cup's national scope and diversity beyond major urban centers. California led with 16 teams, including multiple NPSL and UPSL entrants like El Farolito and Ventura County Fusion, while New York followed with 6, featuring amateur sides such as Lansdowne Yonkers FC.[9] The distribution showed a concentration along the East Coast and in the Midwest, with dense participation from states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois, but also notable western expansion through teams such as Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in USL League One, which upset Real Salt Lake in the third round.[21] Several amateur clubs from the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) and United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) made their first Open Cup appearances, injecting grassroots energy into the field of 28 Open Division entrants. Debutants like Chicago House AC and Appalachian FC advanced from the first round, defeating higher-seeded amateurs to face professional opponents, while others such as UDA Soccer at New Mexico State University achieved historic wins against USL League Two sides.[22] These inclusions emphasized the tournament's tradition of rewarding regional qualifiers and fostering competition among non-professional entities.[23]Early Qualifying Rounds
First Round
The First Round of the 2023 U.S. Open Cup consisted of 14 matches contested between amateur clubs and lower-division professional teams from leagues such as USL League Two, National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), and open division affiliates.[9] These fixtures marked the entry point for 28 open division teams into the tournament proper, following earlier qualifying rounds held in 2022.[9] All matches were played as single-leg ties from March 21 to 23, 2023, with the lower-seeded team hosting in accordance with U.S. Soccer's competition rules, which prioritize home advantage for underdogs to foster competitive balance.[9] The round produced 34 goals overall, averaging about 2.4 per match, and was characterized by tight, defensive encounters—seven games were decided by a single goal, four required extra time, and two went to penalty shootouts.[23] Road teams secured five victories, a notable increase from the previous year, underscoring the unpredictability among non-professional sides.[22] Several results highlighted the potential for upsets, as debutants and underdogs advanced against more established opponents. For instance, Appalachian FC, a tournament newcomer from the NPSL, defeated NC Fusion U23 of USL League Two 2–2 (3–0 on penalties) to reach their first Open Cup proper match.[23] Similarly, Chicago House AC edged 1994 Open Cup runners-up Bavarian United 1–0 in a low-scoring affair, while El Farolito scored all three goals in extra time to overcome International San Francisco 3–0.[22] Cleveland SC also prevailed 1–0 over Lionsbridge FC in a physical contest that saw nine yellow cards issued.[23] The full results of the First Round are summarized below:| Date | Matchup | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 21 | West Chester United SC vs. Ocean City Nor'easters | 1–3 | Nor'easters scored three unanswered goals.[23] |
| March 22 | El Farolito vs. International San Francisco | 3–0 (AET) | All goals in extra time.[23] |
| March 22 | Appalachian FC vs. NC Fusion U23 | 2–2 (3–0 PKs) | Appalachian advanced on penalties.[23] |
| March 22 | Manhattan SC vs. FC Motown | 2–1 (AET) | Upset over prior season's top open-division team.[23] |
| March 22 | Club de Lyon B vs. Nona FC | 0–1 | Nona scored in the first minute.[23] |
| March 22 | Chicago House AC vs. Bavarian United | 1–0 | Decided by a 39th-minute goal.[23] |
| March 22 | Beaman United FC vs. Des Moines Menace | 0–3 | Menace included a penalty goal.[23] |
| March 22 | Tulsa Athletic vs. Brazos Valley Cavalry FC | 1–0 | Tulsa missed two penalties but held on.[23] |
| March 22 | UDA Soccer vs. Park City Red Wolves | 1–0 | First college-affiliated team to advance, via penalty.[23] |
| March 22 | Project 51O vs. Crossfire Premier | 0–3 | All goals in second half.[23] |
| March 22 | Ventura County Fusion vs. Capo FC | 1–4 | Capo scored four unanswered.[23] |
| March 23 | Cleveland SC vs. Lionsbridge FC | 1–0 | Nine yellow cards issued.[23] |
| March 23 | Jacksonville Armada FC vs. Miami United FC | 1–1 (9–8 PKs) | Decided by record-length shootout.[23] |
| March 23 | Hartford City FC vs. Lansdowne Yonkers FC | 1–2 | Lansdowne's Devivo scored twice.[23] |
Second Round
The Second Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup featured 30 matches played from April 4 to 11, 2023, pitting the 14 winners from the all-amateur First Round against 46 professional teams from the USL Championship (Division II) and Division III leagues, including USL League One, NISA, and MLS Next Pro sides.[12] One match, between Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and Rochester New York FC, was awarded as a 1–0 forfeit victory to the Riverhounds due to the opponent's ineligibility.[24] As per tournament protocol, hosting rights went to the higher-division team in each pairing, or by draw for same-level matchups, introducing a more competitive and professional dynamic compared to the prior round's amateur focus.[12] The round showcased a mix of decisive professional victories and notable upsets, with the 29 contested matches yielding 106 goals overall.[24] [25] Key results included Union Omaha's 2–0 shutout of USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive FC, Richmond Kickers' 3–2 extra-time triumph over NISA's Cleveland SC after a lightning delay pushed the finish past midnight, and New Mexico United's dominant 6–0 rout of amateur UDA Soccer.[24] High-scoring affairs highlighted the increased pace, such as Sacramento Republic FC's thrilling 5–4 extra-time comeback against Crossfire Premier after trailing 2–0, and Orange County SC's 5–0 blanking of Capo FC.[25] Standout individual contributions underscored the professional caliber, with Hartford Athletic's Elvis Amoh scoring a hat-trick in a 3–0 win over Lansdowne Yonkers FC, and New Mexico United's Josh Dolling netting three goals in their lopsided victory.[25] Richmond Kickers' Emiliano Terzaghi also impressed with two goals and an assist in their narrow win.[24] Among the First Round amateur advancers, only two pulled off upsets against professionals: Tulsa Athletic edged FC Tulsa 1–0 in a public park matchup, and Chicago House AC rallied for a 3–2 extra-time victory over Forward Madison FC.[25] The other 12 amateurs were defeated by pros, while Division III teams recorded mixed success, with several like Maryland Bobcats FC advancing via a 3–2 extra-time win over Ocean City Nor'easters.[24] The 30 victors, comprising mostly professional sides, progressed to the Third Round to face Major League Soccer entrants.[24]Third Round
Participating Teams
The Third Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup featured 48 teams, consisting of 18 lower-seeded Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs entering the competition at this stage, along with 30 winners from the Second Round. These included teams from the USL Championship (USLC), USL League One (USL1), National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), and select amateur sides. The 18 MLS teams were the non-top-seeded U.S.-based clubs, excluding the eight highest finishers from the 2022 MLS regular season who received byes to the Round of 32. The draw, conducted on April 6, 2023, pooled teams into 11 geographic regions to minimize travel, with no MLS vs. MLS matchups to ensure lower-division teams faced professional opposition. This stage highlighted the tournament's open nature, allowing upsets from second- and third-tier leagues.[26][27] The MLS entrants represented depth across conferences: nine from the Eastern Conference (Atlanta United FC, Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire FC, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Cincinnati, Inter Miami CF, Nashville SC, New England Revolution) and nine from the Western Conference (Colorado Rapids, Houston Dynamo FC, Minnesota United FC, Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Sporting Kansas City, St. Louis CITY SC). The 30 advancing teams were diverse, with strong representation from USLC (e.g., Charleston Battery, Loudoun United FC, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC) and USL1 (e.g., Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, Union Omaha), plus NISA's Detroit City FC and others. No top-seeded MLS teams participated, preserving them for later rounds.| League | Teams (Examples; full list in match results) |
|---|---|
| Major League Soccer (18) | Atlanta United FC, Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire FC, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Cincinnati, Houston Dynamo FC, Inter Miami CF, Minnesota United FC, Nashville SC, New England Revolution, Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Sporting Kansas City, St. Louis CITY SC |
| USL Championship (12 advancers) | Charleston Battery, Loudoun United FC, Memphis 901 FC, Monterey Bay F.C., New Mexico United, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Sacramento Republic FC, Tampa Bay Rowdies, etc. |
| USL League One (10 advancers) | Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, Union Omaha, etc. |
| NISA (1) | Detroit City FC |
| Other (Amateur/Lower) | Maryland Bobcats FC, South Georgia Tormenta FC, Tulsa Athletic, etc. |
Match Results
The Third Round consisted of 24 matches played on April 25 and 26, 2023, with MLS teams hosting all fixtures per Open Cup rules. The games produced several upsets and dramatic finishes, advancing 24 teams to the Round of 32. Most matches were one-sided, but extra time and penalties featured in key contests, including Inter Miami CF's 2–2 (5–3 p) win over Miami FC.[21] The results were as follows:
The round saw two major upsets: Monterey Bay F.C. defeating MLS side San Jose Earthquakes 1–0, and Memphis 901 FC overcoming Atlanta United FC 2–1 in extra time—the only lower-division wins against MLS teams. Overall, 20 MLS teams advanced, alongside four USLC sides, setting up the Round of 32.[28]
Round of 32
Participating Teams
The 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 featured 32 professional teams, comprising 24 from Major League Soccer (MLS) and 8 from the USL Championship (USLC). This stage marked the entry point for the tournament's 8 higher-seeded MLS clubs, selected based on their 2022 regular-season standings—the top four finishers from each conference: Austin FC, FC Dallas, LA Galaxy, Los Angeles FC, New York City FC, New York Red Bulls, Orlando City SC, and Philadelphia Union. These teams received byes through the Third Round and were drawn against opponents to avoid same-conference matchups where possible, enhancing competitive balance. The remaining 24 participants were winners from the Third Round, including 16 additional MLS clubs that advanced by defeating lower-division opponents and 8 USLC teams that progressed through earlier qualifying rounds. Notably, no amateur or non-professional teams reached this stage, underscoring the professional dominance in the competition's latter phases, with 24 of the 26 U.S.-based MLS clubs (excluding the three Canadian-affiliated teams: Toronto FC, CF Montréal, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC) represented among the entrants.[8][29] The MLS participants demonstrated the league's depth, with teams from both conferences well-represented: 12 from the Eastern Conference and 12 from the Western Conference among the 24 total. Examples include established clubs like the Seattle Sounders FC and Sporting Kansas City, alongside expansion side St. Louis CITY SC. The 8 USLC advancers, all from the professional second tier, provided the only non-MLS presence; seven were paired against MLS opposition, while one matchup was between two USLC teams, highlighting the tier disparity. This composition reflected the tournament's structure, where early rounds filtered lower-division teams against professional entrants, resulting in a field heavily skewed toward top-tier talent.[13][27]| League | Teams |
|---|---|
| Major League Soccer (24) | Austin FC, Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire FC, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, FC Cincinnati, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo FC, Inter Miami CF, LA Galaxy, Los Angeles FC, Minnesota United FC, Nashville SC, New England Revolution, New York City FC, New York Red Bulls, Orlando City SC, Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders FC, Sporting Kansas City, St. Louis CITY SC |
| USL Championship (8) | Birmingham Legion FC, Charleston Battery, Loudoun United FC, Memphis 901 FC, Monterey Bay F.C., New Mexico United, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Sacramento Republic FC |
Match Results
The Round of 32 featured 16 matches played over two days, May 9 and 10, 2023, marking the entry point for the 24 Major League Soccer teams into the tournament. Home teams were determined by the official draw, resulting in some fixtures hosted by USL Championship teams against MLS opponents. These contests showcased a mix of intra-league rivalries and cross-division clashes, producing competitive action that saw 14 MLS teams advance alongside two from the USL Championship. The results were as follows:| Date | Home Team | Score | Away Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 9 | Charlotte FC (MLS) | 1–0 | Orlando City SC (MLS) | |
| May 9 | Inter Miami CF (MLS) | 1–0 | Charleston Battery (USLC) | |
| May 9 | New York Red Bulls (MLS) | 1–0 | D.C. United (MLS) | |
| May 9 | New England Revolution (MLS) | 0–1 | Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USLC) | Upset |
| May 9 | Chicago Fire FC (MLS) | 2–1 | St. Louis City SC (MLS) | |
| May 9 | Minnesota United FC (MLS) | 3–3 (7–6 PK) | Philadelphia Union (MLS) | After extra time |
| May 9 | Sacramento Republic FC (USLC) | 2–4 | Colorado Rapids (MLS) | |
| May 9 | Monterey Bay FC (USLC) | 2–2 (4–5 PK) | Los Angeles FC (MLS) | After extra time |
| May 10 | Austin FC (MLS) | 2–0 | New Mexico United (USLC) | |
| May 10 | Birmingham Legion FC (USLC) | 3–0 | Memphis 901 FC (USLC) | |
| May 10 | Nashville SC (MLS) | 2–0 | FC Dallas (MLS) | |
| May 10 | Portland Timbers (MLS) | 3–4 | Real Salt Lake (MLS) | |
| May 10 | Loudoun United FC (USLC) | 1–5 | Columbus Crew (MLS) | |
| May 10 | FC Cincinnati (MLS) | 1–0 | New York City FC (MLS) | |
| May 10 | LA Galaxy (MLS) | 3–1 | Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) | |
| May 10 | Houston Dynamo FC (MLS) | 1–0 | Sporting Kansas City (MLS) |
Knockout Stages
Round of 16
The Round of 16 of the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup took place on May 23 and 24, 2023, featuring eight matches between professional teams that had advanced from the Round of 32.[34][35] As per tournament rules, the higher-seeded teams hosted these fixtures, with Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs generally holding the seeding advantage over USL Championship sides. This stage marked the first all-professional knockout round, showcasing intense rivalries and upsets. The matches produced a total of 16 goals across the two days, with MLS teams securing six victories while two USL Championship clubs advanced via upsets.[35] Key results included Inter Miami CF's 2–1 home win over Nashville SC, sealed by Nicolas Stefanelli's late strike after an early own goal and a Nashville equalizer.[34] FC Cincinnati advanced on penalties following a 1–1 draw at New York Red Bulls, reversing a prior league defeat.[34] Houston Dynamo dominated Minnesota United 4–0, powered by Corey Baird's hat trick.[34] In the El Tráfico derby, LA Galaxy upset hosts Los Angeles FC 2–0 with goals from Tyler Boyd and Riqui Puig.[34] On May 24, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC achieved a historic 1–0 shutout of Columbus Crew, their first win over an MLS opponent in Open Cup history, courtesy of a second-half goal by Jackson Walti.[36] Birmingham Legion FC similarly stunned Charlotte FC 1–0 at home, with Enzo Martinez scoring in front of a record crowd of over 6,000 at Protective Stadium.[37] Chicago Fire FC prevailed 2–0 at Austin FC, and Real Salt Lake edged Colorado Rapids 1–0 with a goal from Braian Ojeda capitalizing on a defensive error.[35][38]| Date | Match | Score | Venue | Advancer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 23 | Inter Miami CF vs. Nashville SC | 2–1 | DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, FL | Inter Miami CF (MLS)[34] |
| May 23 | New York Red Bulls vs. FC Cincinnati | 1–1 (3–5 PKs) | Red Bull Arena, Harrison, NJ | FC Cincinnati (MLS)[34] |
| May 23 | Houston Dynamo vs. Minnesota United FC | 4–0 | Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX | Houston Dynamo (MLS)[34] |
| May 23 | Los Angeles FC vs. LA Galaxy | 0–2 | BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA | LA Galaxy (MLS)[34] |
| May 24 | Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. Columbus Crew | 1–0 | Highmark Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA | Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL Championship)[36] |
| May 24 | Birmingham Legion FC vs. Charlotte FC | 1–0 | Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL | Birmingham Legion FC (USL Championship)[37] |
| May 24 | Austin FC vs. Chicago Fire FC | 0–2 | Q2 Stadium, Austin, TX | Chicago Fire FC (MLS)[35] |
| May 24 | Colorado Rapids vs. Real Salt Lake | 0–1 | Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, CO | Real Salt Lake (MLS)[38] |
Quarterfinals
The quarterfinals of the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup were played over two days, June 6 and 7, with the four matches determining the semifinalists. All fixtures featured professional teams, primarily from Major League Soccer (MLS) and the USL Championship, and the winners earned the right to host the semifinals later in the year. These high-stakes encounters showcased competitive play, with a total of 15 goals scored across the round and one clean sheet recorded.[39][40][41][42] The first match on June 6 saw MLS side FC Cincinnati defeat USL Championship's Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 3-1 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati, who had advanced from the round of 16 via a 1-1 draw and penalty shootout win over New York Red Bulls, controlled the second half with goals from Nick Hagglund, Brandon Vazquez, and Alvaro Barreal to secure their progression.[43][44] Later that day, Houston Dynamo FC produced an offensive masterclass, thrashing Chicago Fire FC 4-1 away at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. The Dynamo, fresh off a 4-0 round-of-16 win over Minnesota United FC, overwhelmed their MLS rivals with strikes from Sebastian Kowalczyk (two), Amine Bassi, and Nelson Quinones.[45][46] On June 7, Inter Miami CF edged Birmingham Legion FC 1-0 in a defensive battle at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. The MLS expansion side, who had progressed past Nashville SC 2-1 in the previous round, relied on a second-half goal from Nicolas Stefanelli to claim their first-ever quarterfinal victory and advance.[47][48] The day's other fixture saw Real Salt Lake rally to a 3-2 home win over LA Galaxy at America First Field in Sandy, Utah. After the Galaxy took a brief lead, RSL's Damir Kreilach scored twice, with Jefferson Savarino adding a third to overturn the visitors, who had upset LAFC 2-0 in the round of 16.[49][50] The advancing teams—FC Cincinnati, Houston Dynamo FC, Inter Miami CF, and Real Salt Lake—represented a mix of MLS contenders, setting up intriguing semifinal matchups later rescheduled to August due to MLS commitments.| Date | Match | Score | Venue | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 6 | Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. FC Cincinnati | 1–3 | TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, OH | FC Cincinnati |
| June 6 | Chicago Fire FC vs. Houston Dynamo FC | 1–4 | SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, IL | Houston Dynamo FC |
| June 7 | Birmingham Legion FC vs. Inter Miami CF | 0–1 | Protective Stadium, Birmingham, AL | Inter Miami CF |
| June 7 | Real Salt Lake vs. LA Galaxy | 3–2 | America First Field, Sandy, UT | Real Salt Lake |
Semifinals
The semifinals of the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup were originally scheduled for late July but postponed to August 23 due to scheduling conflicts arising from the inaugural Leagues Cup tournament, which involved MLS teams and disrupted the league calendar.[51] The two matches determined the finalists, with both encounters featuring MLS sides and extending beyond regulation time. In total, 10 goals were scored across the fixtures, highlighting the competitive intensity at this stage.[52][53] The first semifinal, held at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, pitted FC Cincinnati against Inter Miami CF. Cincinnati took an early lead through Luciano Acosta in the 18th minute, assisted by Aaron Boupendza, and extended it to 2–0 in the 53rd minute with Brandon Vazquez's goal, set up by Santiago Arias.[54] Inter Miami mounted a comeback in the second half, with Leonardo Campana scoring twice—first in the 68th minute and again in the 90+7th minute, both assisted by Lionel Messi—to level the score at 2–2.[55] The match proceeded to extra time, where Josef Martínez put Miami ahead 3–2 in the 93rd minute, assisted by Benjamin Cremaschi. Cincinnati equalized in the 114th minute via Yuya Kubo to make it 3–3. With no further goals, the contest went to a penalty shootout, which Inter Miami won 5–4, thanks to successful conversions from Messi, Robert Taylor, Cremaschi, and others, while Cincinnati's Roman Celentano saved one attempt.[56] Messi's contributions—two assists—proved pivotal in Miami's advancement, marking a dramatic turnaround against the Supporters' Shield-leading Cincinnati. In the second semifinal at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas, the Houston Dynamo FC faced Real Salt Lake. Houston opened the scoring just before halftime in the 45th minute through Héctor Herrera. Real Salt Lake equalized in the 64th minute with Anderson Julio's finish, forcing extra time.[57] The Dynamo regained the lead in the 105th minute via Adalberto Carrasquilla's low shot, assisted by Amine Bassi, and sealed the 3–1 victory in the 120+3rd minute with Luis Caicedo's goal, also assisted by Bassi after intercepting a pass from Braian Ojeda. Houston's defensive resilience was evident, as they limited Real Salt Lake to few clear chances after the equalizer, with goalkeeper Steve Clark making key saves to preserve the clean sheet until the 64th minute and supporting the team's second appearance in the Open Cup final.[58] These results set up a matchup between Houston Dynamo and Inter Miami in the final.[59]Final
The 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final was contested on September 27, 2023, between Major League Soccer sides Houston Dynamo FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.[60] Houston Dynamo secured a 2–1 victory, claiming their second U.S. Open Cup title and the first since their 3–0 win over Philadelphia Union in 2018.[60][4] The match drew an attendance of 20,288 spectators, marking a significant crowd for the venue despite the midweek scheduling.[60] Houston Dynamo dominated the first half, establishing midfield control through effective pressing and quick transitions that limited Inter Miami's buildup play.[5] The opening goal came in the 24th minute when right back Griffin Dorsey latched onto a loose ball in the box and fired a low shot past Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender.[60] Nine minutes later, in the 33rd minute, Houston was awarded a penalty after a foul on forward Sebastián Ferreira, which midfielder Amine Bassi converted to double the lead.[60] Inter Miami, missing star forward Lionel Messi due to a lingering leg injury that had sidelined him for much of the tournament's later stages, struggled to create chances early, with Messi not even named to the active roster.[5] Inter Miami mounted a late comeback attempt in stoppage time, but Houston's defense held firm until the 90+2nd minute, when substitute Josef Martínez headed in a corner kick from David Ruíz to pull one back.[60] Despite the goal sparking a frantic final push, including a near-miss from Leonardo Campana, the Herons could not equalize, and Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Steve Clark preserved the win with key saves.[61] The victory marked Houston's first major trophy under head coach Ben Olsen and qualified the club for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup group stage, providing international exposure alongside their domestic success.[4][5]Results and Statistics
Top Goalscorers
The 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup featured a diverse group of leading goalscorers, with no single player dominating the tournament. Josh Dolling of New Mexico United and Damir Kreilach of Real Salt Lake tied for the most goals with four each, contributing significantly in early knockout stages.[62][63] Several other players recorded three goals apiece, reflecting the spread of scoring contributions across MLS and USL Championship teams.[62] The following table summarizes the top goalscorers, including their teams, total goals, and the rounds in which they scored:| Player | Team | Goals | Rounds Scored In |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Dolling | New Mexico United | 4 | Second Round (3), Third Round (1) |
| Damir Kreilach | Real Salt Lake | 4 | Third Round (2), Quarterfinals (2) |
| Juan Agudelo | Birmingham Legion FC | 3 | Third Round, Round of 32 |
| Jonathan Lewis | Colorado Rapids | 3 | Third Round, Round of 32 |
| Brandon Vazquez | FC Cincinnati | 3 | Round of 32, Round of 16 |