What Is 1999 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Overview

The 1999 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was a landmark edition in American soccer history, marking the 86th installment of the nation's oldest ongoing national soccer competition. Organized by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), the tournament featured teams from Major League Soccer (MLS), the USL First Division, and regional amateur leagues, emphasizing its open format.

This year's edition was particularly historic due to the underdog triumph of the Rochester Raging Rhinos, a USL First Division team, which captured the title by defeating the MLS side Colorado Rapids. The final, held on October 16, 1999, at the Rhinos' home stadium, symbolized a rare victory for lower-division clubs in the modern era of American soccer.

• Rochester Raging Rhinos won the cup by defeating Colorado Rapids 2–0 in the final, becoming the first non-MLS team to win since 1995.
• The tournament began in June 1999 and included 24 teams from various tiers of the U.S. soccer pyramid.
• MLS contributed 10 teams, while the remaining 14 came from USL and amateur leagues, reflecting the open nature of the competition.
• The final was held at Raging Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, NY, giving the lower-division side home-field advantage.
• Rochester’s victory remains the only time a third-division team has won the U.S. Open Cup in the MLS era.

How It Works

The U.S. Open Cup operates as a single-elimination tournament open to all affiliated U.S. soccer teams, from amateur leagues to MLS franchises. The format ensures that clubs from different divisions can compete, creating opportunities for upsets and national exposure.

• Open Qualifying:Over 100 amateur teams entered regional qualifiers in 1999, with the final 24 spots determined through preliminary rounds.
• Tournament Structure: The 1999 edition used a single-elimination bracket with 24 teams, progressing through four rounds to the final.
• Home Advantage: The lower-division team hosted matches when facing MLS opponents, a rule designed to support grassroots clubs.
• MLS Participation:10 of 12 MLS teams entered in the second round, skipping early qualifying stages.
• Final Location: The final site was pre-determined based on bids, not team performance, which benefited Rochester in 1999.
• Player Eligibility: Teams could field MLS-contracted players, but Rochester relied primarily on USL roster talent.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1999 U.S. Open Cup champion with typical MLS champions of the era:

The contrast highlights how the U.S. Open Cup provides a unique platform for lower-division clubs to achieve national success. While MLS Cup is confined to top-tier teams, the Open Cup’s inclusive structure allows for dramatic upsets and broader representation across the soccer landscape.

Why It Matters

The 1999 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup remains a pivotal moment in American soccer, illustrating the potential for underdog teams to succeed in a national competition. Its legacy continues to influence how lower-division clubs approach the tournament.

• Historic Achievement: Rochester became the first USL team to win the cup, breaking MLS’s dominance since 1996.
• Financial Impact: The Rhinos earned $100,000 in prize money, a significant sum for a second-division club.
• Media Attention: The victory brought national TV coverage and increased fan interest in lower-league soccer.
• Pathway for Clubs: It inspired other USL teams to invest in cup runs as a route to recognition.
• Legacy of Lamar Hunt: The tournament’s renaming in 1999 honored Hunt’s contributions to U.S. soccer.
• Model for Inclusion: The 1999 format reinforced the Open Cup as a true open competition across divisions.

The 1999 tournament not only celebrated a champion but also reaffirmed the democratic spirit of American soccer, where any team can rise to the top with determination and skill.