What Is 2004 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2004 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was the 91st edition of the tournament, won by D.C. United after defeating the Kansas City Wizards 3–2 in the final on October 27, 2004, at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.

Key Facts

D.C. United won the 2004 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on October 27, 2004
The final score was 3–2 in favor of D.C. United over Kansas City Wizards
The championship match was held at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.
This was D.C. United's third U.S. Open Cup title, previously winning in 1996 and 2000
The tournament featured 32 teams from various U.S. soccer leagues, including MLS, USL, and amateur divisions

Overview

The 2004 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was the 91st edition of the United States' oldest ongoing national soccer competition, dating back to 1914. Organized by U.S. Soccer, the tournament featured professional and amateur clubs from across the country competing for the prestigious title and a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League.

D.C. United emerged as champions after defeating the Kansas City Wizards 3–2 in a tightly contested final held on October 27, 2004. The match took place at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., marking the first time since 1998 that the final was hosted at a team's home venue.

D.C. United claimed their third U.S. Open Cup title, having previously won in 1996 and 2000, solidifying their legacy in American soccer history.
The final match saw a dramatic comeback, with D.C. United overcoming a 2–1 deficit in the second half to secure a 3–2 victory.
Forward Brian Carroll scored the winning goal in the 84th minute, marking a pivotal moment in the championship match.
The tournament began in June 2004 with 32 teams participating, including clubs from Major League Soccer, USL First Division, and amateur leagues.
As champions, D.C. United earned $100,000 in prize money and qualification for the 2005 CONCACAF Champions' Cup.

How It Works

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup operates as a single-elimination tournament open to all affiliated U.S. soccer teams, from amateur to professional levels. The structure allows lower-division clubs to compete against MLS teams, creating opportunities for upsets and national exposure.

Eligibility: Any U.S.-based team affiliated with U.S. Soccer is eligible, including MLS, USL, NPSL, and local amateur champions. This inclusivity promotes grassroots competition.
Format: The tournament uses a single-elimination bracket, with matchups determined by geographic proximity in early rounds to reduce travel costs.
Hosting: The higher-seeded or more financially capable team typically hosts matches, though neutral sites are used for the final. In 2004, D.C. United hosted due to higher attendance capacity.
Advancement: Winners progress through six rounds, starting with local qualifiers and culminating in the final. MLS teams enter in the third round.
Prize: The winner receives $250,000 in prize money (adjusted in later years), a trophy, and qualification for the CONCACAF Champions League, now known as the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
History: Named after Lamar Hunt in 1999, the tournament honors the soccer pioneer who helped found MLS and the NASL, contributing significantly to U.S. soccer development.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2004 U.S. Open Cup with other editions in terms of structure, participants, and outcomes:

Year	Champion	Runner-Up	Final Score	Host Venue
2004	D.C. United	Kansas City Wizards	3–2	RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
2003	Chicago Fire	MetroStars	1–0	Toyota Park, Bridgeview, IL
2002	L.A. Galaxy	New England Revolution	1–0 (OT)	Titan Stadium, Fullerton, CA
2001	Los Angeles Galaxy	San Jose Earthquakes	2–1	Kezar Stadium, San Francisco
2000	D.C. United	Chicago Fire	3–2	Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium

The 2004 edition continued the trend of MLS dominance, with all finalists coming from the league since 1997. However, lower-division teams like the Richmond Kickers and Charleston Battery remained competitive in early rounds, showcasing the tournament’s unique open structure. The final’s high attendance and national broadcast highlighted growing interest in domestic cup soccer.

Why It Matters

The 2004 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was significant for reinforcing the tournament’s role in American soccer culture and providing smaller clubs a platform to challenge MLS giants. It also underscored the importance of legacy and competitive balance in U.S. soccer.

D.C. United became the first team to win three U.S. Open Cups in the MLS era, joining Chicago Fire as a dominant cup-side.
The victory qualified D.C. United for the 2005 CONCACAF Champions' Cup, where they reached the semifinals, enhancing U.S. representation internationally.
The match drew over 20,000 fans to RFK Stadium, demonstrating strong local support and the appeal of domestic knockout soccer.
Amateur teams like the Pia Stars and Des Moines Menace participated, highlighting the inclusive nature of U.S. Soccer’s national tournament.
The 2004 final was televised nationally, increasing visibility and setting a precedent for future broadcast deals with ESPN and other networks.
Winning the cup allowed D.C. United to claim a domestic double possibility, though they did not win MLS Cup that year.

The 2004 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup remains a landmark event in U.S. soccer history, illustrating the drama, parity, and tradition that define the competition. Its legacy endures in the continued growth and popularity of the tournament today.