U.S. Open Cup
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is an annual single-elimination knockout soccer tournament in the United States, open to both professional and amateur teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer, that crowns the nation's premier club champion.[1] Established during the 1913–14 season, it is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the country and has been held annually since 1914, except for cancellations in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] Originally known as the National Challenge Cup, the tournament was renamed the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 1999 to honor Lamar Hunt, the MLS co-founder and American soccer pioneer who advocated for its prestige and professional involvement.[3] Early editions emphasized amateur participation, reflecting the sport's grassroots roots in ethnic and industrial communities, but it evolved to include top-tier professional clubs after the launch of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1996, with MLS teams required to participate starting in 2008.[4] The competition's format pits lower-division and amateur squads against elite professionals in early rounds, often producing memorable upsets, such as amateur teams advancing past MLS opponents.[5] Eligibility extends to any U.S.-based outdoor soccer team in good standing with a U.S. Soccer member league, provided it meets minimum activity requirements like playing at least 10 games in a season with four or more teams.[1] Professional teams from MLS (typically 16–24 entrants, entering in the Round of 32 or later), the USL Championship, USL League One, and National Independent Soccer Association join after qualification, while hundreds of amateur clubs compete in regional and national qualifying rounds held from August to November.[6] The main tournament proper spans from March to September or October, culminating in a final that awards the winner a spot in the following year's Concacaf Champions Cup, the premier club competition in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, along with engraving on the historic Dewar Challenge Trophy.[7] The U.S. Open Cup holds unique significance as the sole nationwide domestic cup in American soccer, fostering inclusivity across all levels of the sport and providing a platform for underdog stories that highlight the depth of U.S. talent.[4] Over its 110 editions by 2025, it has produced over 60 different champions, with Bethlehem Steel holding the record (tied) at five titles in the pre-MLS era, and recent winners including Houston Dynamo in 2023, LAFC in 2024, and Nashville SC in 2025.[8] This format not only determines the national title but also underscores soccer's growth in the U.S., drawing crowds to neutral-site matches and amplifying the voices of community-based clubs.[9]Format and Structure
Overview
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is an annual single-elimination knockout tournament that serves as U.S. Soccer's premier national championship competition, open to all professional, semi-professional, and amateur teams sanctioned by the federation.[10] Established in 1914, it crowns a national champion through a series of one-off matches, emphasizing the sport's grassroots roots by pitting teams from across the American soccer pyramid against one another.[3] In recent editions, such as 2025, the tournament features a 96-team field, comprising 32 amateur clubs from the Open Division and 64 professional or semi-professional sides from leagues like Major League Soccer (MLS), USL Championship, USL League One, MLS NEXT Pro, and others.[10] Core principles include a pure knockout format with no byes beyond staggered entry points for higher-division teams, resolution of ties via extra time and penalties, and home-field advantage typically granted to lower-division or unseeded hosts in early rounds to promote upsets and community engagement.[11] The final is held at a predetermined venue, often neutral or affiliated with one of the finalists.[11] The competition begins in March with the first round of the tournament proper, following earlier amateur qualifying rounds that start in the fall of the prior year, and progresses through multiple stages to culminate in the final during September or October.[10] In 1999, the tournament was renamed the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to honor pioneering MLS founder and soccer advocate Lamar Hunt.[3] Over time, the format has evolved to accommodate the growth of professional leagues while preserving its inclusive ethos.[10]Qualification Process
The qualification process for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup ensures broad participation across the American soccer pyramid, allowing teams from professional leagues, semi-professional circuits, and amateur clubs to compete for entry into the tournament proper. This structure emphasizes inclusivity by allocating slots based on league status and performance, with lower-division and amateur teams advancing through preliminary qualifying rounds to join higher-tier clubs. For the 2025 edition, a total of 96 teams participated, comprising 64 professional or semi-professional clubs and 32 from the Open Division.[10] Professional league allocations are determined by U.S. Soccer in consultation with the respective leagues, prioritizing teams based on prior-season standings and international commitments to balance participation. Major League Soccer (MLS) received 16 automatic berths, the 16 U.S.-based MLS teams not participating in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, selected as the highest finishers in the 2024 Supporters' Shield standings among eligible clubs.[10][12] The USL Championship allocated all 24 of its teams, with the top 16 from the 2024 regular season entering in the Third Round and the bottom eight in the First Round. USL League One provided 14 teams, all entering the First Round, while MLS Next Pro contributed 10 teams, also starting in the First Round. National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) teams did not receive allocations for 2025 due to league sanctioning issues.[10][13] Open Division qualifiers, encompassing amateur and semi-professional clubs outside the fully professional tiers, secure their 32 spots through a combination of automatic entries and regional preliminary rounds, fostering competition among grassroots organizations. A record 114 amateur teams entered the 2024 qualifying process (held in the fall prior to the 2025 tournament), competing in up to four rounds across U.S. Soccer's geographic regions to produce 14 winners who advanced to the First Round. Additional automatic berths went to high-performing teams from affiliated leagues, including nine from USL League Two, seven from the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), the 2024 USASA National Amateur Cup champion (New York Pancyprian-Freedoms), and the 2024 United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) Spring champion (Soda City FC). The defending champion from the prior year receives an automatic entry if eligible under league criteria, though in 2025, Los Angeles FC's first team qualified via MLS selection while their reserves represented the club separately.[10][14][15] Non-automatic qualifiers progress through the preliminary rounds in a bracketed format within their regions, with matches played on designated weekends from September to November; winners advance regionally until the final round yields the 14 national qualifiers. These 32 Open Division teams then face 32 professional entrants (the eight lowest-seeded USL Championship teams, all 14 USL League One teams, and all 10 MLS Next Pro teams) in the First Round, creating marquee amateur-versus-professional matchups that highlight the tournament's knockout ethos.[10][14] To protect top clubs and ensure competitive balance, U.S. Soccer employs seeding and structured draw mechanics starting from the Third Round. Eight seeds—four from the Eastern Conference and four from the Western Conference, drawn from the highest-ranked MLS and USL Championship teams—receive hosting privileges in both the Third Round (where the 16 top USL Championship teams enter against First Round winners) and the Round of 32 (where all 16 MLS teams join). The draw itself is conducted randomly for opponent pairings, but with pre-determined host/away assignments for seeds to minimize travel and reward performance; lower seeds play away in these rounds. This system, implemented for the 2025 tournament, aims to safeguard elite teams while maintaining the draw's unpredictability.[10]Competition Rounds
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for 2025 features a single-elimination tournament structure with eight rounds, beginning with 96 teams and progressing to a single champion. The First Round, held March 18–20, consists of 32 matches pitting 32 amateur teams from Open Division leagues against 32 professional teams from the eight lowest USL Championship teams, all 14 USL League One teams, and all 10 MLS Next Pro teams. Winners advance to the Second Round on April 1–2, which includes 16 matches among those 32 teams. The Third Round, scheduled for April 15–16, introduces the 16 top USL Championship teams, pairing them with the 16 Second Round winners in 16 matches. Major League Soccer (MLS) teams enter at the Round of 32 on May 6–7, facing the 16 Third Round winners in 16 matches. The Round of 16 follows on May 20–21 with eight matches, leading to the Quarterfinals on July 8–9 (four matches), Semifinals on September 16–17 (two matches), and the Final on October 1.[10] All matches are played as single 90-minute games under standard FIFA Laws of the Game, with ties after regulation resolved by two 15-minute extra-time periods followed immediately by a penalty shootout if necessary; the away goals rule has been abolished, so no tiebreaker applies during the match itself. Home teams for each round are determined by random draw, with preferences given to lower-division teams hosting higher-division opponents where possible; however, for the 2025 edition, eight seeded MLS teams (four from the East and four from the West) were predetermined to host in the Third Round and Round of 32 to provide operational and financial certainty, ensuring at least 50% of USL Championship teams host in the Third Round and 50% of MLS teams in the Round of 32.[6][10] Venues must meet U.S. Soccer's minimum standards, including a playing surface of at least 110 yards by 68 yards, for all rounds; professional teams are required to use their primary league stadiums in later rounds (from the Third Round onward) to ensure high-quality facilities, with alternate venues permitted only if they satisfy broadcast and capacity requirements and the home team covers any additional costs. The Final is hosted at the home stadium of one finalist, selected based on seeding or operational factors—in 2025, this was Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, home of Austin FC.[10][16][17]MLS Participation and Recent Changes
Prior to 2023, Major League Soccer (MLS) teams fully participated in the U.S. Open Cup, with all 29 clubs entering the competition that year, typically starting in the third or fourth round depending on their status. This full involvement aligned with the tournament's tradition of including top professional clubs alongside lower-division and amateur teams. However, escalating schedule demands from the Leagues Cup, MLS regular season, and international obligations began straining participation feasibility. Tensions peaked in late 2023 when MLS proposed entering only MLS Next Pro reserve teams in the 2024 U.S. Open Cup to alleviate congestion, arguing that first-team involvement would risk player fatigue and injuries amid a crowded calendar.[18] U.S. Soccer rejected this plan, citing the tournament's professional standards requiring first-team representation, leading to a compromise hybrid format: eight MLS first teams entered directly in the Round of 16, while 11 MLS Next Pro squads competed in earlier rounds alongside USL Championship and other professional clubs.[19] This adjustment preserved the event but highlighted ongoing friction between MLS and U.S. Soccer over resource allocation. For the 2025 edition, reforms expanded MLS first-team participation to 16 clubs, the 16 U.S.-based MLS teams not participating in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, selected as the highest finishers in the 2024 Supporters' Shield standings among eligible clubs.[5] Notably, the defending champion Los Angeles FC was excluded as they advanced to the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup via their MLS Cup triumph, prioritizing international commitments over domestic cup defense.[12] These changes, announced in January 2025, doubled first-team involvement from 2024 while still falling short of full league entry. To balance competitive dynamics and support lower leagues, the 2025 format introduced seeding protections for the eight highest-qualified MLS teams (four per conference), ensuring they avoid early matchups against each other and receive home-field advantages in designated rounds.[5] Hosting rotations were also predetermined: 50% of Round of 32 matchups feature USL Championship teams at home against amateurs or MLS Next Pro sides, while 50% of Round of 16 games have MLS clubs hosting lower-division opponents, promoting fairness and revenue opportunities for non-MLS participants.[20] Amid these adjustments, MLS and U.S. Soccer established a joint subcommittee to negotiate long-term sustainable formats, aiming to resolve disputes and integrate the Open Cup with evolving league schedules.[21]History
Origins and Early Years (1914–1996)
The National Challenge Cup, now known as the U.S. Open Cup, was established in 1914 by the United States Football Association (USFA), the governing body for soccer in the United States and precursor to the modern United States Soccer Federation, to create a national knockout competition open to both amateur and professional clubs. Modeled after the English FA Cup, the tournament aimed to crown a true national champion amid the fragmented regional leagues of the era, with the inaugural edition spanning the 1913–14 season and drawing 40 teams mostly from the Northeast. The first final took place on May 16, 1914, at Pawtucket's Coates Field in Rhode Island, where Brooklyn Field Club defeated Brooklyn Celtic 2–1 to claim the Dewar Challenge Trophy, donated by British distiller Sir Thomas Dewar. This victory highlighted the early involvement of urban, working-class teams tied to industrial and community roots. In its formative decades, the competition was dominated by factory-sponsored and amateur outfits from the industrial Northeast, reflecting the sport's ties to immigrant labor in steel mills and shipyards. Bethlehem Steel, a Pennsylvania-based works team, emerged as the early powerhouse, securing five titles between 1915 and 1926, including consecutive wins in 1915–1916 and 1918–1919, often defeating rivals like the Fall River Rovers. The interwar years saw broader regional participation, with New England clubs like the Fall River Marksmen claiming four championships from 1924 to 1931, while Midwestern teams such as St. Louis' Ben Millers (1920) and Scullin Steel (1922) began challenging Eastern supremacy. Despite occasional boycotts by professional leagues like the American Soccer League over scheduling conflicts and revenue shares, the tournament persisted annually without interruption, fostering a sense of national unity through soccer during economic and social upheavals. Post-World War II immigration from Europe significantly boosted participation, as displaced persons and refugees formed ethnic community clubs that infused the cup with cultural diversity and competitive depth. These teams, representing Greek, Ukrainian, Italian, and Jewish communities, transformed the tournament into a showcase for immigrant assimilation and local rivalries, with examples including the Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals' four wins in the 1960s and the Greek American Atlas' three straight titles from 1967 to 1969. On the West Coast, Maccabi Los Angeles, a Jewish-American club, achieved remarkable success with five championships between 1973 and 1981, underscoring the shift toward broader geographic and demographic representation. The 1996 final, won 3–0 by D.C. United over the Rochester Rhinos, represented the tournament's last edition before the full integration of Major League Soccer teams, bridging the amateur era to professional dominance.Professional Era and Renaming (1997–2022)
The integration of Major League Soccer (MLS) teams marked a significant shift for the U.S. Open Cup beginning in 1997, as eight MLS clubs entered the tournament in the third round for the first time, reflecting the growing professionalization of American soccer. This edition featured heavy professional involvement, with MLS teams dominating the later stages and culminating in the Dallas Burn's victory over D.C. United in the final via a 5-3 penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw, securing the club's first major trophy. The following year, in 1998, the expansion Chicago Fire claimed the title in their inaugural MLS season, defeating the Columbus Crew 2–1 in extra time in the final and completing a domestic double by also winning the MLS Cup. These early professional successes underscored the tournament's evolving role as a proving ground for MLS squads while maintaining its open qualification structure for amateur and lower-division teams.[22][23] In 1999, the competition was renamed the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to honor Lamar Hunt, the pioneering American soccer executive who founded MLS and supported the tournament's revival in the modern era. That same year produced one of the competition's most memorable upsets, as the Rochester Rhinos of the second-division A-League defeated the MLS side Colorado Rapids 2-0 in the final—goals from Doug Miller and Yari Allnutt sealed the Rhinos' triumph, marking the last non-MLS winner to date and embodying the "Open Cup magic" of giant-killings that captivated fans with tales of underdogs toppling professional favorites. Another highlight came in 2010, when USL Second Division's Charleston Battery stunned MLS's Chicago Fire 3-0 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the third round, advancing to the quarterfinals before falling to Columbus Crew, showcasing the persistent potential for lower-tier surprises despite increasing professional dominance.[24][25] From 2000 to 2019, MLS teams achieved an unbroken streak of 20 consecutive victories, highlighting their resource advantages and depth, with multiple clubs like the Chicago Fire (2000, 2003, 2006) and Seattle Sounders (2009, 2010, 2011, 2014) securing repeat titles during this period of professional consolidation. The 2020 and 2021 editions were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first such interruptions in the tournament's history. The tournament returned in 2022 with full participation from 103 teams across all levels, with Orlando City SC defeating USL Championship's Sacramento Republic FC 3-0 in the final before a sellout crowd of 25,527 at Exploria Stadium—Facundo Torres scored twice in the match, marking Orlando's first trophy and drawing record interest for a hosted final in the club's history.[23][26]Post-2023 Reforms and Developments
The 2023 edition of the U.S. Open Cup marked a transitional period amid growing fixture congestion for Major League Soccer (MLS) teams, primarily due to the expanded Leagues Cup tournament that overlapped with the competition's schedule from July to August. To accommodate this, U.S. Soccer postponed the round of 16 until after the Leagues Cup concluded, resulting in a hybrid format where some MLS clubs fielded mixed or reserve squads in earlier rounds to manage player fatigue, though all 29 MLS teams officially participated. Houston Dynamo FC ultimately won the title, defeating Inter Miami CF 2-1 in the final on September 27 at DRV PNK Stadium, securing their second Open Cup championship.[27] Tensions between MLS and U.S. Soccer escalated in late 2023 when the league sought a waiver to withdraw first teams from the 2024 tournament, citing scheduling conflicts with Leagues Cup, the Concacaf Champions Cup, and the MLS regular season, which left insufficient recovery time for players. U.S. Soccer denied the request, emphasizing the tournament's historical mandate for full professional participation, leading to a compromise agreement for partial involvement: only eight MLS first teams entered alongside nine MLS Next Pro reserve sides. Los Angeles FC claimed the 2024 title with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Sporting Kansas City in the final on September 25 at BMO Stadium, marking their first Open Cup win and highlighting the role of reserve players in supporting first-team efforts throughout the competition.[28][19][29] By early 2025, ongoing negotiations yielded further reforms, with MLS agreeing to double its first-team commitment to 16 clubs entering in the round of 32, while the remaining teams were represented by MLS Next Pro affiliates—a step toward restoring broader participation amid discussions for a potential full return in future editions. The 2025 tournament featured notable amateur-professional clashes in the first round, where 32 amateur Open Division teams faced Division II and III professionals, producing several upsets by lower-division teams over higher-tier opponents. Semifinal drama included Austin FC's 2–1 extra-time victory over Minnesota United FC, sealed by CJ Fodrey's winner in the 120th minute, setting up an all-MLS final. Nashville SC captured their inaugural major trophy with a 2-1 victory over Austin FC on October 1 at Q2 Stadium, where Sam Surridge converted a 60th-minute penalty for the decisive goal following Hany Mukhtar's opener and Austin's equalizer.[5][21][30][31][32]Winners
List of Champions
The U.S. Open Cup has been contested annually since 1914, except for the 2020 and 2021 editions, which were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[23] The tournament's finals have varied in format over the years, with early editions often featuring two-leg ties and later ones a single match. The following table summarizes all finals, including the year, winner, runner-up, and final score (aggregate for multi-leg finals). Detailed dates, venues, and attendance figures are noted where particularly significant or available from primary records; comprehensive historical details can be found in official archives.[33]| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1914 | Brooklyn Field Club | Brooklyn Celtic | 2–1 (May 16, Pawtucket, RI) |
| 1915 | Bethlehem Steel | Brooklyn Celtic | 3–1 (May 1, Taylor Stadium, South Bethlehem, PA; 7,000) |
| 1916 | Bethlehem Steel | Fall River Rovers | 1–0 (May 6, Pawtucket, RI; 10,000) |
| 1917 | Fall River Rovers | Bethlehem Steel | 1–0 (May 5, Pawtucket, RI) |
| 1918 | Bethlehem Steel | Fall River Rovers | 5–2 agg. (2–2 & 3–0; May 4 & 19, Pawtucket, RI & Harrison, NJ; 13,000 & 8,000) |
| 1919 | Bethlehem Steel | Paterson FC | 2–0 (Apr 19, Fall River, MA) |
| 1920 | St. Louis Ben Millers | Fore River | 2–1 (May 9, Handlan's Park, St. Louis, MO; 12,000) |
| 1921 | Brooklyn Robins Dry Dock | St. Louis Scullin Steel | 4–2 (Apr 19, Fall River, MA; 8,000) |
| 1922 | St. Louis Scullin Steel | Brooklyn Todd Shipyards | 3–2 (Mar 19, High School Field, St. Louis, MO; 8,000) |
| 1923 | Paterson FC & St. Louis Scullin Steel | - | Shared (2–2; Apr 1, Harrison, NJ; 15,000) |
| 1924 | Fall River Marksmen | Vesper Buick | 4–2 (Mar 30, High School Field, St. Louis, MO; 14,000) |
| 1925 | Shawsheen Indians | Chicago Canadian Club | 3–0 (Apr 19, Mark's Stadium, Tiverton, RI; 2,500) |
| 1926 | Bethlehem Steel | St. Louis Ben Millers | 7–2 (Apr 11, Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, NY; 18,000) |
| 1927 | Fall River Marksmen | Detroit Holley Carburetor | 7–0 (May 1, University of Detroit Stadium, Detroit, MI; 10,000) |
| 1928 | New York Nationals | Chicago Bricklayers | 5–2 agg. (2–2 & 3–0; Apr 8 & 15, Polo Grounds, NY & Soldier Field, Chicago, IL; 16,000 & 15,000) |
| 1929 | New York Hakoah | St. Louis Madison Kennels | 5–0 agg. (2–0 & 3–0; Mar 31 & Apr 7, Sportsman's Park, St. Louis, MO & Dexter Park, Brooklyn, NY; 18,000 & 20,000) |
| 1930 | Fall River Marksmen | Cleveland Bruell Insurance | 9–3 agg. (7–2 & 2–1; Mar 30 & Apr 6, Polo Grounds, NY & Luna Park, Cleveland, OH; 10,000 & 3,500) |
| 1931 | Fall River FC | Chicago Bricklayers | 9–3 agg. (6–2, 1–1, 2–0; Apr 5, 12, 19, Polo Grounds, NY & Mills Stadium, Chicago, IL; 12,000 & 8,000) |
| 1932 | New Bedford Whalers | St. Louis Stix, Baer & Fuller | 8–5 agg. (3–3 & 5–2; Mar 27 & Apr 3, Sportsman's Park, St. Louis, MO) |
| 1933 | St. Louis Stix, Baer & Fuller | New York Americans | 3–1 agg. (1–0 & 2–1; Apr 16 & 23, St. Louis, MO & Starlight Park, NY; 5,000 for second leg) |
| 1934 | St. Louis Stix, Baer & Fuller | Pawtucket Rangers | 11–5 agg. (4–2, 2–3, 5–0; Apr 1, 8, 16, St. Louis, MO & Coats Field, Pawtucket, RI; 10,000, 7,000, 10,000) |
| 1935 | St. Louis Central Breweries | Pawtucket Rangers | 7–6 agg. (5–2, 1–1, 1–3; Apr 28, May 5, 12, St. Louis, MO & Coats Field/Newark, NJ; 3,000 for second leg) |
| 1936 | Philadelphia German-Americans | St. Louis Shamrocks | 5–2 agg. (2–1 & 3–1; Apr 26 & May 3, Walsh Memorial Stadium, St. Louis, MO & Rifle Club Grounds, Philadelphia, PA; 15,000 & 12,000) |
| 1937 | New York Americans | St. Louis Shamrocks | 4–2 agg. (0–1 & 4–1; Apr 11 & 18, St. Louis, MO & Starlight Park, NY; 5,083 & 6,000) |
| 1938 | Chicago Sparta | Brooklyn St. Mary's Celtic | 8–2 agg. (4–0 & 4–2; Apr 17 & 24, Sparta Stadium, Chicago, IL & Starlight Park, NY; 7,000 & 10,000) |
| 1939 | Brooklyn St. Mary's Celtic | Chicago Manhattan Beer | 5–1 agg. (1–0 & 4–1; Apr 30 & May 7, Sparta Stadium, Chicago, IL & Starlight Park, NY; 5,000 & 6,000) |
| 1940 | Baltimore SC & Chicago Sparta | - | Shared (0–0 & 2–2; May 5 & 12, Baltimore, MD & Sparta Stadium, Chicago, IL; 3,000 for first leg) |
| 1941 | Pawtucket FC | Detroit Chrysler | 8–5 agg. (4–2 & 4–3; May 4 & 11, Pawtucket, RI & Detroit, MI; 3,500 for first leg) |
| 1942 | Pittsburgh Gallatin SC | Pawtucket FC | 6–3 agg. (2–1 & 4–2; May 17 & 31, Donora, PA & Pawtucket, RI; 2,000 for first leg) |
| 1943 | Brooklyn Hispano | Pittsburgh Morgan-Strasser | 5–4 agg. (2–2 & 3–2; May 23 & 30, Starlight Park, NY; 6,000 & 6,500) |
| 1944 | Brooklyn Hispano | Pittsburgh Morgan-Strasser | 4–0 (May 14, Polo Grounds, NY; 12,000) |
| 1945 | New York Brookhattan | Cleveland Americans | 6–2 agg. (4–1 & 2–1; Jun 10 & 16, Starlight Park, NY & Cleveland, OH) |
| 1946 | Chicago Vikings | Fall River Ponta Delgada | 3–2 agg. (1–1 & 2–1; Jul 7 & 14, Tiverton, RI & Comiskey Park, Chicago, IL; 6,000 & 5,000) |
| 1947 | Fall River Ponta Delgada | Chicago Sparta A&BA | 9–3 agg. (6–1 & 3–2; Aug 31 & Sep 7, Fall River, MA & Sparta Stadium, Chicago, IL; 5,000 for second leg) |
| 1948 | St. Louis Simpkins-Ford | New York Brookhattan | 3–2 (Oct 17) |
| 1949 | Pittsburgh Morgan SC | Philadelphia Nationals | 4–3 agg. (0–1 & 4–2) |
| 1950 | St. Louis Simpkins-Ford | Fall River Ponta Delgada | 3–0 agg. (2–0 & 1–0) |
| 1951 | New York German-Hungarian | Pittsburgh Heidelberg | 8–6 agg. (2–4 & 6–2) |
| 1952 | Pittsburgh Harmarville | Philadelphia Nationals | 7–5 agg. (3–4 & 4–1) |
| 1953 | Chicago Falcons | Pittsburgh Harmarville | 3–1 agg. (2–0 & 1–1; Apr 19 & 23) |
| 1954 | New York Americans | St. Louis Raute | 4–2 agg. (Apr 18) |
| 1955 | Eintracht | London Americans | 3–0 (May 29, Memorial Stadium, Baltimore, MD; 5,000) |
| 1956 | Harmarville | Philadelphia Uhrik Truckers | 1–0 (May 27) |
| 1957 | Bethlehem Steel | Harmarville | 3–1 (Jun 9) |
| 1958 | Bethlehem Steel | Polish-American | 4–3 agg. (May 25 & Jun 1) |
| 1959 | McIlvaine Kantor | Kearn's Italian-American | 2–1 (Jun 14, Randall's Island, NY; 4,000) |
| 1960 | Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals | Chicago Schwaben | 4–3 agg. (May 15 & 22) |
| 1961 | Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals | Baltimore Caledonian | 5–3 agg. (May 14 & 21) |
| 1962 | New York Hungaria | Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals | 3–2 (Jun 3, New York) |
| 1963 | Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals | Chicago Schwaben | 3–0 (May 26, Philadelphia; 4,500) |
| 1964 | Chicago Greek-American | New York Hungaria | 2–1 (May 31, Chicago) |
| 1965 | New York Greek-American | Chicago Sparta | 5–3 agg. (May 23 & 30) |
| 1966 | Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals | Detroit Greek-American | 4–2 agg. (Jun 5 & 12) |
| 1967 | Greek American AA | Dallas Italians | 1–0 (May 28, New York) |
| 1968 | Greek American AA | San Diego Toros | 1–0 aet (Jun 15, New York) |
| 1969 | Greek American AA | St. Louis Kutis | 1–0 (May 25, New York; 1,500) |
| 1970 | Cleveland Stars | New York Hungaria | 2–1 agg. (May 24 & 31) |
| 1971 | New York Greek-American | Baltimore Comets | 2–1 agg. (Jun 6 & 13) |
| 1972 | Elizabeth SC | San Pedro Adriatic | 2–1 aet (Jun 11, Elizabeth, NJ) |
| 1973 | Maccabi Los Angeles | New York Greek-American | 3–2 agg. (May 27 & Jun 3) |
| 1974 | New York Greek-American | Cincinnati Comets | 3–1 agg. (May 26 & Jun 2) |
| 1975 | Maccabi Los Angeles | New York Inter-Giuliana | 1–0 (Jun 15, Los Angeles; 3,000) |
| 1976 | San Francisco A.C. | New York Inter-Giuliana | 1–0 (May 23, San Francisco) |
| 1977 | Maccabi Los Angeles | Cincinnati Kids | 1–0 aet (Jun 12, Los Angeles; 3,000) |
| 1978 | Maccabi Los Angeles | Bridgeport Vasco da Gama | 2–0 (Jul 30, Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ) |
| 1979 | Brooklyn Dodgers S.C. | Chicago Croatian | 2–1 (Jun 17, Brooklyn, NY) |
| 1980 | New York Pancyprian-Freedoms | Maccabi Los Angeles | 3–2 agg. (May 31 & Jun 7) |
| 1981 | Maccabi Los Angeles | Brooklyn Dodgers S.C. | 5–1 (Jun ?, Los Angeles) |
| 1982 | New York Pancyprian-Freedoms | Detroit Express | 2–1 aet (Jun 13, Detroit) |
| 1983 | New York Greek-American | Dallas Americans | 3–2 (Jun 12, Dallas) |
| 1984 | Chicago Croatian | Baltimore Blast | 1–0 aet (May 13, Baltimore) |
| 1985 | New York Greek-American | Tulsa Renegades | 2–1 aet (Jun 9, Tulsa) |
| 1986 | Boston Bolts | Chicago Croatian | 2–1 aet (Jul 20, Foxborough, MA) |
| 1987 | Linfield | Chicago Croatian | 2–1 aet (Jun 14, Linfield, WA) |
| 1988 | Cincinnati Pepsi | Reading Freedoms | 3–0 aet (Jun 26, Cincinnati) |
| 1989 | Chicago Power | Albany Capitals | 3–0 (May 21, Chicago) |
| 1990 | Chicago Fire | Baltimore Blast | 1–0 aet (Jun 3, Baltimore) |
| 1991 | Brooklyn Italians | Virginia Royals | 2–0 aet (Sep 15, Brooklyn, NY; 1,500) |
| 1992 | San Jose Oaks | Los Angeles Salsa | 1–0 aet (Aug 15, San Jose, CA; 1,200) |
| 1993 | Los Angeles Salsa | United Baltimore | 2–1 aet (Sep 12, Los Angeles; 2,500) |
| 1994 | A.A. Ponta Delgada | Chicago Kickers | 1–0 (Sep 11, Fall River, MA; 1,000) |
| 1995 | Richmond Kickers | Hampton Roads Mariners | 2–0 aet (Sep 24, Richmond, VA; 2,000) |
| 1996 | D.C. United | Rochester Rhinos | 3–0 aet (Oct 20, Washington, D.C.; 13,776) |
| 1997 | D.C. United | Los Angeles Galaxy | 3–2 aet (Oct 26, Washington, D.C.; 16,776) |
| 1998 | Chicago Fire | Tampa Bay Mutiny | 2–0 (Nov 1, Chicago; 17,572) |
| 1999 | Rochester Rhinos | Colorado Rapids | 2–0 (Nov 21, Rochester, NY; 13,313) |
| 2000 | Chicago Fire | Miami Fusion | 4–1 aet (Oct 29, Chicago; 13,856) |
| 2001 | San Jose Earthquakes | Orange County Blue Star | 4–2 aet (Oct 21, San Jose; 6,321) |
| 2002 | Columbus Crew | Kansas City Wizards | 1–0 aet (Oct 27, Columbus, OH; 12,000) |
| 2003 | Chicago Fire | Kansas City Wizards | 1–0 (Oct 25, Chicago; 10,023) |
| 2004 | Kansas City Wizards | Chicago Fire | 1–0 aet (Oct 31, Kansas City, MO; 5,112) |
| 2005 | Bethlehem Steel | Pittsburgh Riverhounds | 1–0 aet (Sep 30, Bethlehem, PA; 2,100) |
| 2006 | D.C. United | Rochester Rhinos | 1–0 (Sep 30, Washington, D.C.; 5,000) |
| 2007 | New England Revolution | D.C. United | 3–2 aet (Sep 29, Foxborough, MA; 6,860) |
| 2008 | D.C. United | Seattle Sounders | 2–1 aet (Sep 28, Washington, D.C.; 8,234) |
| 2009 | Seattle Sounders | D.C. United | 2–1 aet (Sep 26, Seattle; 35,206) |
| 2010 | Chicago Fire | Seattle Sounders | 2–1 aet (Nov 21, Bridgeview, IL; 18,778) |
| 2011 | Seattle Sounders | D.C. United | 2–0 (Nov 12, Seattle; 36,224) |
| 2012 | Sporting Kansas City | Seattle Sounders | 3–2 pens (1–1 aet; Aug 8, Kansas City, MO; 16,164) |
| 2013 | D.C. United | New England Revolution | 3–1 aet (Jun 18, Washington, D.C.; 13,803) |
| 2014 | Seattle Sounders | Philadelphia Union | 3–1 aet (Dec 7, Seattle; 32,357) |
| 2015 | Sporting Kansas City | Columbus Crew | 3–2 aet (Sep 30, Kansas City, MO; 19,339) |
| 2016 | D.C. United | Los Angeles Galaxy | 1–0 (Sep 14, Washington, D.C.; 7,845) |
| 2017 | Sporting Kansas City | New York Red Bulls | 2–1 (Sep 20, Kansas City, MO; 19,593) |
| 2018 | Houston Dynamo | Philadelphia Union | 3–0 aet (Sep 26, Houston; 21,274) |
| 2019 | Atlanta United | Minnesota United | 2–1 (Aug 27, Atlanta; 41,788) |
| 2020 | Canceled (COVID-19) | - | - |
| 2021 | Canceled (COVID-19) | - | - |
| 2022 | Orlando City SC | Sacramento Republic | 3–0 aet (Nov 5, Orlando; 17,000) |
| 2023 | Houston Dynamo | Inter Miami | 2–1 aet (Sep 27, Houston; 20,103) |
| 2024 | Los Angeles FC | New Mexico United | 2–0 (Sep 25, Los Angeles; 22,923) |
| 2025 | Nashville SC | Austin FC | 2–1 (Oct 1, Q2 Stadium, Austin, TX; 20,738) |
Multiple Title Holders
The U.S. Open Cup has seen a number of teams achieve multiple victories, establishing dynasties in both the amateur and professional eras. Bethlehem Steel and Maccabi Los Angeles share the record for the most titles with five each, with Bethlehem dominating the early years of the competition through consistent excellence in industrial league play.[23][34] Maccabi Los Angeles, meanwhile, built its success in the 1970s and early 1980s within the National Soccer League, showcasing the enduring appeal of the tournament to ethnic and community-based clubs.[23] Six teams have secured four titles apiece, including historical powers like Fall River F.C., Philadelphia Ukrainians, and Greek American AA from the mid-20th century, as well as modern MLS sides Chicago Fire, Seattle Sounders FC, and Sporting Kansas City.[23][33] These achievements highlight periods of sustained dominance, often tied to strong regional soccer cultures. An additional six teams, such as D.C. United and New York Pancyprian-Freedoms, have won three titles, contributing to the competition's legacy of repeat success among 12 clubs with three or more victories overall.[23][33] In the MLS era since 1996, Sporting Kansas City leads with four titles (2004 as Kansas City Wizards, 2012, 2015, 2017), followed closely by Chicago Fire and Seattle Sounders FC with four each, underscoring the professional league's growing influence on the tournament.[23][35] Seattle Sounders FC holds the record for consecutive wins with three straight titles from 2009 to 2011, a feat that marked the club's rapid ascent in American soccer.[23][36] Earlier dynasties include Bethlehem Steel's four wins in five years (1915–1919, excluding 1917), reflecting the competitive intensity of the pre-professional period.[33] As of 2025, Nashville SC claimed its first title with a 2–1 victory over Austin FC in the final, adding to the tournament's diversity.[37] Over the competition's 110 editions (excluding the 2020–2021 hiatus), 64 unique teams have lifted the trophy, emphasizing the Open Cup's role in crowning champions from all levels of American soccer.[23][33]| Team | Titles | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| Bethlehem Steel | 5 | 1915, 1916, 1918, 1919, 1926 |
| Maccabi Los Angeles | 5 | 1973, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981 |
| Chicago Fire | 4 | 1998, 2000, 2003, 2010 |
| Seattle Sounders FC | 4 | 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014 |
| Sporting Kansas City (incl. Wizards) | 4 | 2004, 2012, 2015, 2017 |
| Philadelphia Ukrainians | 4 | 1960, 1961, 1963, 1966 |
| Greek American AA | 4 | 1967, 1968, 1969, 1974 |
| Fall River F.C. | 4 | 1917, 1924, 1927, 1931 |
Champions by State and Sponsorship
The U.S. Open Cup has seen champions emerge from 19 different states since its inception in 1914, reflecting the tournament's nationwide scope and the evolution of American soccer across regions. As of 2025, New York leads with 25 titles, primarily from early 20th-century teams like the New York Americans and Brooklyn Italians, underscoring the Northeast's historical dominance in the sport's formative years.[38] Pennsylvania follows with 14 titles, driven by clubs such as Bethlehem Steel, which secured five victories in the 1910s and 1920s, while California holds 15 titles, bolstered by recent professional successes including Los Angeles FC's 2024 win and Maccabi Los Angeles's five pre-1980 triumphs.[38] The 2025 edition marked Tennessee's first championship, claimed by Nashville SC in a final against Austin FC, expanding the tally of represented states from 18 to 19 and highlighting the growing footprint of Major League Soccer (MLS) teams in the South.[39]| State | Titles (as of 2025) | Notable Examples |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 25 | New York Americans (1937), Brooklyn Italians (1991), Brooklyn Dodgers S.C. (1979) |
| California | 15 | Maccabi Los Angeles (1975–1978), Los Angeles FC (2024) |
| Pennsylvania | 14 | Bethlehem Steel (1915–1926), Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals (1960, 1966) |
| Missouri | 9 | St. Louis Müller Soccer Club (1935), Sporting Kansas City (2017) |
| Illinois | 7 | Chicago Sparta (1938), Chicago Fire (2003, 2006) |
| Others (14 states) | 1–5 each | e.g., Tennessee (Nashville SC, 2025); Florida (Orlando City, 2022) |
Records and Statistics
Team Achievements
Bethlehem Steel and Maccabi Los Angeles share the record for the most U.S. Open Cup finals appearances, with six each.[33] Bethlehem Steel reached the final in 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, and 1926, winning five of those matches.[33] Maccabi Los Angeles appeared in the final in 1973, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1980, and 1981, securing five titles.[33] DC United holds the record for the most finals appearances among MLS teams, with seven. The U.S. Open Cup has produced numerous upsets, highlighting the tournament's open format that pits professional and amateur teams against each other. The most dramatic giant-killing occurred in 1999 when the Rochester Raging Rhinos of the A-League (now USL Championship), a second-division side, won the entire competition—the only time a non-MLS team has claimed the title since Major League Soccer's inception.[44] En route to the final, the Rhinos defeated four MLS teams: the Miami Fusion (3-1 in the second round), Tampa Bay Mutiny (2-1 in the third round), Kansas City Wizards (2-0 in the quarterfinals), and Colorado Rapids (2-0 in the final).[45] Lower-division teams have also achieved deep runs, such as USL League Two sides reaching the quarterfinals; for instance, the Des Moines Menace advanced to the third round in multiple editions, including a notable upset over MLS opposition in earlier years.[46] Team streaks underscore sustained excellence in the competition. The Seattle Sounders hold the record for the longest unbeaten run, with 18 consecutive matches without a loss from 2009 to 2014, encompassing four titles during that span.[47] This included back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010—the first repeat winners since 1983—and a third straight title in 2011.[36] Sporting Kansas City boasts the most appearances in the semifinals among modern-era teams, reaching that stage in 2012, 2015, 2017, 2022, and 2024, with three finals and two titles.[35] Amateur teams have occasionally made historic deep runs, particularly under the tournament's post-2023 reforms emphasizing open-division participation. In 2025, four amateur clubs upset professional opponents in the first round.Player Records
The player records in the U.S. Open Cup encompass notable individual achievements in scoring and participation, spanning the tournament's century-plus history. These accomplishments underscore the competition's role in showcasing talent from amateur to professional levels, with early-era stars dominating career totals due to multi-leg formats and longer runs, while modern players benefit from structured professional pathways. In terms of career goals, historical figures like Archie Stark exemplified prolific scoring in the 1920s, contributing significantly to Bethlehem Steel's successes with multiple hat-tricks and key final goals across several editions.[48] In the modern professional era (1995–present), Sébastien Le Toux holds the all-time record with 16 goals, achieved across stints with Seattle Sounders and Philadelphia Union, including five in 2007–2008 and additional tallies in later years.[49] Representative modern examples include Dom Dwyer with 10 goals for Sporting Kansas City and Orlando City, and Kenny Cooper with 13 for multiple MLS clubs, highlighting the impact of consistent performers in knockout stages.[50] All-time appearances reflect endurance in the tournament's demanding format, with Chris Albright leading at 25 games played across DC United, Los Angeles Galaxy, and New England Revolution from 1998 to 2012, often as a versatile defender contributing to deep playoff runs. Other enduring figures include Seth Sinovic with extensive involvement for Sporting Kansas City, appearing in multiple title-winning campaigns.[51] Single-season scoring leaders demonstrate explosive individual campaigns, with Sam Surridge topping the 2025 edition with 6 goals for Nashville SC, including a penalty in the final against Austin FC. Modern highs include 6 goals in a season by Kenny Cooper in 2014 for Seattle Sounders FC. Earlier examples, such as Dom Dwyer's 5 goals in 2015 for Sporting Kansas City, illustrate how lower-division upsets and MLS dominance shape seasonal records.[52] The tournament recognizes top performers through awards like the Golden Boot for the leading scorer and MVP honors in finals, often overlapping with decisive contributions. Surridge earned the 2025 Golden Boot for his 6 goals, guiding Nashville to their first title.[9] In the final, Brian Schwake of Nashville SC was named Player of the Round by TheCup.us for his 7 saves, including a penalty stop, securing the 2-1 victory; Surridge also received recognition for his overall impact, including the game-winner. Historical Golden Boots, such as Darwin Quintero's outright win in 2019 with 5 goals for Minnesota United, emphasize the award's role in celebrating standout seasons amid tied races in other years.[53][54]| Award | Year | Recipient | Goals/Contribution | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Boot | 2025 | Sam Surridge | 6 goals | Nashville SC |
| Golden Boot | 2019 | Darwin Quintero | 5 goals | Minnesota United FC |
| Final MVP (Player of the Round) | 2025 | Brian Schwake | 7 saves, penalty stop | Nashville SC |