What Is 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Overview

The 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup marked the 107th edition of the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States. Organized by U.S. Soccer, the tournament brought together professional and amateur teams from across the country, showcasing the depth and diversity of American soccer talent.

Unlike previous years, the 2022 format included a record number of teams, reflecting expanded access for lower-division and amateur clubs. The competition concluded with Houston Dynamo FC capturing their first title, defeating the Philadelphia Union 2–1 in a dramatic final held at PNC Stadium in Houston.

• Houston Dynamo FC won the tournament for the first time in franchise history, ending a 17-year title drought in U.S. Open Cup play.
• The final match took place on September 7, 2022, with over 20,000 fans in attendance at PNC Stadium, Houston.
• Philadelphia Union reached the final as the top seed from Major League Soccer but lost 2–1 despite strong early pressure.
• The tournament featured 103 participating teams, including clubs from MLS, USL Championship, USL League One, and amateur leagues like USL League Two and NPSL.
• March 22, 2022 marked the opening round, with amateur side Christos FC defeating Lansdowne Yonkers FC 3–1 in the first match.

How It Works

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup operates as a single-elimination tournament where clubs from all levels of American soccer compete for the national championship title. Entry is open to any affiliated team, making it one of the most inclusive tournaments in U.S. sports.

• Single-Elimination Format: Teams are eliminated after one loss; winners advance to the next round until a champion is crowned after seven rounds.
• Open Qualification: Over 100 amateur and professional teams enter through local qualifying rounds, with 11 spots allocated to amateur clubs in 2022.
• Seeding and Byes: Higher-division teams like MLS clubs receive byes into later rounds to reduce fixture congestion during the regular season.
• Home Advantage: The team with better regular-season performance hosts the match, determined by U.S. Soccer’s bracketing rules.
• Extra Time and Penalties: If tied after 90 minutes, two 15-minute extra time periods are played; if still tied, a penalty shootout decides the winner.
• Prize and Recognition: The winner earns $300,000 in prize money and a berth in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League, the region’s premier club competition.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key aspects across recent U.S. Open Cup editions, highlighting the 2022 tournament’s unique features:

The 2022 edition stood out not only for its expanded field but also for being the first since 2019 due to cancellations in 2020 and 2021 from the pandemic. The return of the tournament signaled a revival of grassroots soccer competition, with increased participation and national viewership.

Why It Matters

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup remains a cornerstone of American soccer, promoting parity and opportunity across divisions. Its revival in 2022 reinvigorated interest in domestic cup soccer and provided smaller clubs a rare chance to compete against MLS giants.

• David vs. Goliath matchups are common, such as when amateur side Newtown Pride FC advanced in earlier qualifying rounds, capturing public imagination.
• The tournament offers MLS teams a path to international competition through the CONCACAF Champions League berth awarded to the winner.
• For lower-division clubs, participation brings national exposure, prize money, and increased fan engagement even with early exits.
• U.S. Soccer uses the Open Cup to promote competitive balance and validate the American soccer pyramid’s inclusivity.
• The 2022 edition helped rebuild momentum after two years of cancellations, reinforcing the tournament’s cultural significance.
• Houston Dynamo’s victory was historically significant, marking the first Open Cup title for the club and their first major trophy since 2007.

With growing support and expanded formats, the U.S. Open Cup continues to serve as a vital platform for American soccer development and national pride.