What Is 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Overview

The 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was the 98th edition of the United States' oldest ongoing national soccer competition. Organized by U.S. Soccer, the tournament featured professional and amateur teams from across the American soccer pyramid, culminating in a final between Seattle Sounders FC and Chicago Fire.

Seattle Sounders FC claimed their third consecutive title, defeating Chicago Fire 2–0 in the championship match. The victory solidified their dominance in the competition during the early 2010s and earned them a $100,000 prize and a berth in the 2012–13 CONCACAF Champions League.

• Final result: Seattle Sounders FC defeated Chicago Fire 2–0 on October 26, 2011, securing their third straight U.S. Open Cup title.
• Venue: The final was hosted at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, drawing 24,244 fans, the largest crowd for a U.S. Open Cup final since 2008.
• Goalscorers:Fredy Montero opened the scoring in the 63rd minute, followed by Osvaldo Alonso in the 70th minute.
• Participation: A total of 40 teams competed, including 16 MLS, 12 USL Pro, 8 PDL, and 4 NPSL clubs.
• Prize: The winner received $100,000, while the runner-up earned $35,000, with smaller amounts awarded to earlier-round participants.

How It Works

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a single-elimination tournament open to professional and amateur teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The 2011 edition followed a structured format with multiple qualifying rounds leading to a six-round knockout stage.

• Qualification:Amateur teams from the USL PDL and NPSL entered through regional qualifiers, with 17 amateur sides advancing to the first round.
• First Round: Held on June 14–15, 2011, it featured 17 amateur teams and 7 USL Pro clubs competing in 12 matches.
• Second Round: On June 28–29, 12 winners faced off against 12 USL Pro and MLS reserve teams, advancing to the third round.
• Third Round: Played July 19–20, 12 winners joined 8 MLS teams, reducing the field to 12 teams for the fourth round.
• Fourth and Fifth Rounds:MLS teams entered progressively, with the quarterfinals held on August 30–31 and semifinals on September 28.
• Final Format: The championship match was a single game hosted by the higher-seeded team, with extra time and penalties used if necessary to determine a winner.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2011 U.S. Open Cup compared to the previous two editions in key structural and performance metrics:

The 2011 tournament maintained consistent structure with the prior years, reflecting U.S. Soccer's effort to standardize the competition. Seattle's three-peat demonstrated both organizational strength and home-field advantage, as all three finals were hosted in Seattle. Prize money remained unchanged, and the inclusion of amateur teams continued to highlight the tournament's inclusive ethos.

Why It Matters

The 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was significant not only for crowning a champion but also for reinforcing the tournament's role in American soccer culture. It provided smaller clubs a rare opportunity to compete against MLS teams, fostering excitement and unpredictability.

• Historic achievement: Seattle became the first MLS team to win three consecutive U.S. Open Cups since the league's inception in 1996.
• Amateur participation: Teams like BYU Cougars and AC St. Louis advanced deep into qualifying, showcasing grassroots soccer talent.
• Financial incentive: The $100,000 prize helped fund club operations and youth development programs for the winner.
• CONCACAF berth: The title granted entry into the 2012–13 CONCACAF Champions League, offering international exposure.
• Attendance growth: Rising crowds from 2009 to 2011 indicated increasing fan interest in domestic cup competitions.
• Media coverage: The final was broadcast on FOX Soccer, enhancing visibility for lower-division and amateur teams.

The 2011 edition exemplified the U.S. Open Cup’s enduring appeal as a platform for parity, passion, and national pride in American soccer. Its format and outcomes continue to influence how domestic competitions are structured and valued in the U.S.