What Is 2007 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Overview

The 2007 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup marked the 94th edition of the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States. Organized by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), the tournament featured teams from various levels of American soccer, including Major League Soccer (MLS), USL First Division, and amateur leagues.

This year’s competition culminated in a decisive victory for the New England Revolution, who claimed their first Open Cup title. The final, held on September 26, 2007, showcased dominant performance from the Revolution, defeating FC Dallas 3–1 in front of a crowd of over 13,000 fans.

• New England Revolution won the 2007 title, securing their first U.S. Open Cup championship after several previous final losses.
• The final match was played at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas, home stadium of FC Dallas at the time.
• Scoring was led by Steve Ralston, who netted one goal and assisted on another during the final.
• FC Dallas advanced through five rounds, defeating teams like Chivas USA and Charleston Battery to reach the final.
• The tournament began in June 2007 with qualifying rounds and concluded with the final in late September.

How It Works

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup operates as a knockout competition open to all affiliated U.S. soccer teams, from amateur to professional levels. The 2007 edition followed a single-elimination format with seeded matchups and home advantage awarded based on club level and performance.

• Knockout Format: Teams competed in single-elimination matches, with extra time and penalties used to decide draws after 90 minutes.
• Eligible Teams: Over 40 clubs participated, including MLS, USL, PDL, and amateur qualifiers from local tournaments.
• Qualifying Rounds: Lower-division and amateur teams entered in early rounds, with winners advancing to face higher-tier clubs.
• Scheduling: Matches were held from June through September, with later rounds scheduled around MLS fixtures.
• Hosting Rules: The higher-seeded team or better-performing club hosted each match, a policy designed to reward consistency.
• Award: The winner received $100,000 in prize money and qualification for the CONCACAF Champions League.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key teams and results from the 2007 U.S. Open Cup:

The 2007 tournament highlighted the competitive balance between MLS and lower-division clubs, though only MLS teams reached the semifinals. Charleston Battery’s run as a USL team demonstrated the potential for underdog success, but ultimately MLS clubs dominated the later stages.

Why It Matters

The 2007 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was a pivotal moment in American soccer, underscoring the growing professionalism and structure within the U.S. soccer pyramid. It also marked a breakthrough for the New England Revolution, who had previously lost three Open Cup finals.

• The victory gave New England Revolution their first major trophy in franchise history, boosting team morale and fan engagement.
• Winning qualified them for the 2008 CONCACAF Champions League, offering international exposure and competition.
• The tournament reinforced the inclusivity of U.S. soccer by allowing amateur and lower-division teams to compete against MLS clubs.
• High attendance and media coverage in the final demonstrated growing interest in domestic soccer competitions.
• FC Dallas’s strong run highlighted the team’s resurgence under head coach Schellas Hyndman.
• The 2007 edition helped solidify the U.S. Open Cup as a premier domestic competition alongside MLS Cup.

Overall, the 2007 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup remains a significant chapter in American soccer history, symbolizing both competitive excellence and the sport’s expanding footprint across the United States.