What Is 2007 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

Overview

The 2007 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was the 94th edition of the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States. Organized by U.S. Soccer, the tournament featured professional and amateur teams from across the country vying for the prestigious title and a $100,000 prize for the winner.

This year’s edition culminated in a decisive victory for the New England Revolution, who claimed their first Open Cup title. The final, held on September 26, 2007, saw the Revolution overcome FC Dallas 3–1 at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas, in front of 12,324 spectators.

• Final score: New England Revolution defeated FC Dallas 3–1 in the championship match on September 26, 2007.
• Host venue: The final was played at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas, home stadium of FC Dallas at the time.
• Champions: The New England Revolution won their first U.S. Open Cup title after multiple previous final appearances.
• Tournament size: A total of 39 teams participated, including MLS, USL, and amateur sides.
• Historical context: The competition has been held annually since 1914, making it the oldest ongoing national soccer tournament in the U.S.

How It Works

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a single-elimination tournament open to all affiliated soccer teams in the United States, from amateur to professional levels. Teams are seeded and enter at different stages based on their league and competitive level, ensuring a mix of MLS clubs and lower-division teams.

• Format: A single-elimination tournament where one loss eliminates a team, leading to a final champion after several rounds.
• Eligibility: Open to all U.S.-based teams sanctioned by U.S. Soccer, including MLS, USL, NPSL, and amateur clubs.
• Entry rounds: Lower-division and amateur teams enter in early qualifying rounds, while MLS teams join in the third round.
• Hosting: The higher-seeded team typically hosts each match, though bids can be submitted for neutral venues.
• Prize: The winner receives $100,000 and qualifies for the CONCACAF Champions League (at the time, the Champions Cup).
• Namesake: Renamed in 1999 to honor Lamar Hunt, a key figure in the development of American soccer.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2007 U.S. Open Cup compares to other major domestic soccer competitions in structure and participation:

Unlike league-based championships, the U.S. Open Cup emphasizes inclusivity and unpredictability, allowing amateur teams to face professional clubs. The 2007 edition followed this tradition, with several lower-division teams advancing deep into the competition before being eliminated by MLS sides.

Why It Matters

The 2007 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was significant not only for crowning a champion but also for showcasing the depth and competitive balance in American soccer. It highlighted the potential for underdog stories and gave smaller clubs national exposure.

• National exposure: The tournament provided national television coverage and media attention to lower-division teams.
• Development pathway: Amateur and USL teams used the Cup as a platform to recruit talent and attract investors.
• Historical legacy: Winning the Open Cup added to a club’s historical prestige and legacy in U.S. soccer.
• CONCACAF qualification: The winner earned a spot in the 2008 CONCACAF Champions Cup, increasing international visibility.
• Financial incentive: The $100,000 prize was a significant sum for lower-budget teams.
• Community engagement: Hosting a match boosted local interest and fan engagement in cities across the U.S.

The 2007 tournament reinforced the Open Cup’s role as a unifying force in American soccer, bridging professional and amateur levels while celebrating the sport’s grassroots history.