What Is 1997 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Overview

The 1997 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was the 84th edition of the United States' oldest ongoing national soccer competition. It featured professional and amateur teams from across the country, culminating in a final between Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs Dallas Burn and D.C. United.

This year's tournament was notable for being the first in which MLS teams participated as the top-tier professional league, shifting the competition's landscape. The final was held on October 30, 1997, at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., where Dallas Burn claimed their first Open Cup title.

• Dallas Burn won the 1997 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup by defeating D.C. United 2–1 in the championship match.
• The final was played on October 30, 1997, marking the first time an expansion MLS team won the tournament.
• Mark Dodd, Dallas Burn's goalkeeper, played a crucial role throughout the tournament and made key saves in the final.
• Dallas Burn entered the final as underdogs, having finished sixth in the MLS Western Conference during the regular season.
• D.C. United were the defending MLS Cup champions and heavily favored, having won the 1996 MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield.

How It Works

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a single-elimination tournament open to all affiliated U.S. soccer teams, from amateur to professional levels. In 1997, the format included MLS teams, regional qualifiers, and lower-division clubs competing for the national title.

• Single-Elimination Format: Teams compete in knockout matches; a loss eliminates them from the tournament, increasing stakes with each round.
• MLS Participation: 1997 was the first year all 10 MLS teams entered automatically, raising the competition's overall quality.
• Qualifying Structure: Lower-division and amateur teams advanced through regional qualifiers to face professional sides in later rounds.
• Hosting Rules: Higher-seeded or better-performing teams typically hosted matches, though venue agreements could alter this arrangement.
• Scoring Rules: Matches tied after 90 minutes went to extra time and, if necessary, penalty shootouts to determine a winner.
• Eligibility: Any U.S.-based team affiliated with U.S. Soccer, including amateur, semi-pro, and professional clubs, could enter qualifying rounds.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1997 U.S. Open Cup differed significantly from previous editions due to MLS integration and expanded professional participation.

The table highlights how the 1997 tournament marked a turning point in professionalism and national interest. With MLS fully integrated, the competition gained greater visibility and competitive depth, setting a precedent for future years.

Why It Matters

The 1997 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was a pivotal moment in U.S. soccer history, symbolizing the growing influence of MLS and the professionalization of domestic cup soccer. It demonstrated that expansion teams could compete at the highest level and brought increased media attention to the tournament.

• Dallas Burn's victory made them the first expansion MLS team to win a national title, boosting league credibility.
• The win validated the U.S. Open Cup as a legitimate competition even with professional teams involved.
• It showcased the potential for underdog stories in American soccer, inspiring future lower-division clubs.
• The final drew over 13,000 fans to RFK Stadium, indicating growing public interest in domestic soccer.
• MLS proved it could contribute meaningfully to U.S. soccer heritage just two years after its inception.
• The tournament helped establish MLS's commitment to domestic competitions alongside international friendlies and league play.

Today, the 1997 final is remembered as a foundational moment in modern U.S. soccer, blending tradition with a new professional era and setting the stage for future Open Cup upsets and triumphs.