What Is 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Overview

The 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was the 104th edition of the United States' oldest ongoing national soccer competition. Organized by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), it featured clubs from all levels of American soccer, including Major League Soccer (MLS), the United Soccer League (USL), and amateur leagues such as USL League Two and the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).

This single-elimination tournament determined the U.S. representative for the CONCACAF Champions League and offered domestic glory to lower-division clubs capable of defeating top-tier opposition. The 2017 edition saw 99 teams compete, beginning with preliminary rounds in May and culminating in a final between two MLS clubs.

• Sporting Kansas City claimed their second U.S. Open Cup title by defeating the New York Red Bulls 2–1 in the final on September 20, 2017.
• The final match was held at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, marking the first time the venue hosted the championship game.
• 99 teams participated, making it one of the largest editions in the tournament’s history, including 12 MLS teams entering in the fourth round.
• The tournament began on May 10, 2017, with local amateur qualifiers and progressed through seven rounds to determine the champion.
• As winners, Sporting Kansas City earned a berth in the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League, a key incentive for all participating clubs.

How It Works

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup follows a single-elimination format where clubs from different tiers of U.S. soccer compete for the national title. Teams enter at different stages based on their league level, with lower-division clubs starting earlier and MLS teams joining in later rounds.

• Single-Elimination Format: Each match is winner-takes-all; a loss at any stage eliminates a team from the competition. This creates high stakes throughout the tournament.
• Entry by Tier: Amateur teams from NPSL and USL League Two enter in the first round, while MLS clubs join in the fourth round to balance competitive fairness.
• Home Field Advantage: The team with the higher league standing or better performance in previous rounds typically hosts the match, decided by tournament rules.
• Extra Time and Penalties: If tied after 90 minutes, two 15-minute extra time periods are played; if still tied, the winner is decided by penalty shootout.
• Byes and Seeding: Higher-tier teams often receive byes in early rounds, ensuring they enter when the bracket aligns with their competitive schedule.
• CONCACAF Qualification: The winner earns a spot in the following year’s CONCACAF Champions League, providing international exposure and competition opportunities.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 U.S. Open Cup with previous editions based on participation, structure, and outcomes.

The 2017 tournament continued the trend of increasing participation, reaching a record 99 teams. Unlike 2015, when a lower-division team reached the final, both finalists in 2017 were MLS clubs, reflecting the growing dominance of top-tier teams in later stages. The competition structure remained consistent with staggered entries, but the rise in amateur participation highlighted the tournament’s inclusive nature.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup reinforced the tournament’s role in American soccer by offering competitive balance and national exposure to clubs across divisions. Its format allows for potential upsets, such as lower-league teams defeating MLS sides, which energizes fans and promotes grassroots soccer.

• Historic Legacy: As the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the U.S., dating back to 1914, the Open Cup holds significant cultural and historical value.
• David vs. Goliath Matches: The format enables amateur or lower-division clubs to face professional teams, creating dramatic and memorable upsets.
• Path to International Play: Winning the cup grants entry into the CONCACAF Champions League, offering clubs a rare chance at continental competition.
• Development Opportunity: Young and reserve players often feature in early rounds, giving MLS academies valuable match experience.
• Community Engagement: Local clubs gain visibility and fan support when hosting matches, boosting regional interest in soccer.
• Revenue and Exposure: Prize money and national broadcasts increase financial and promotional benefits for participating teams, especially smaller clubs.

Ultimately, the 2017 edition exemplified the tournament’s enduring appeal and competitive integrity, maintaining its status as a cornerstone of the American soccer calendar.