What Is 1998 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Overview

The 1998 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was the 85th edition of the United States' oldest ongoing national soccer competition. Organized by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), it featured professional and amateur teams from across the country, culminating in a dramatic final between two Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs.

This tournament marked a significant milestone as it was the first U.S. Open Cup held after the naming rights were officially dedicated to Lamar Hunt, a key figure in American soccer development. The 1998 edition showcased the growing strength of MLS, with all semifinalists coming from the league.

• Chicago Fire won the 1998 U.S. Open Cup in their inaugural MLS season, completing a historic double after also winning MLS Cup 1998.
• The final match was played on October 31, 1998, at Soldier Field in Chicago, drawing a crowd of over 17,000 fans.
• Chicago defeated the Columbus Crew 2–1, with goals from Jerzy Podbrożny and Diego Gutiérrez sealing the victory.
• Diego Gutiérrez scored the decisive goal in the 84th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to secure the win.
• The tournament featured 32 teams, including MLS clubs, USISL teams, and regional amateur qualifiers from various parts of the U.S.

How It Works

The U.S. Open Cup is a single-elimination tournament open to all affiliated U.S. soccer teams, from amateur to professional levels. In 1998, the format included multiple rounds leading to a final hosted at a predetermined venue.

• Single-Elimination Format: Teams competed in knockout matches; a loss eliminated them from the tournament. This created high-stakes drama throughout the rounds.
• Eligibility: Any U.S.-based team affiliated with U.S. Soccer could enter, including MLS, USL, and amateur clubs registered through local qualifying tournaments.
• Qualifying Structure: Regional qualifiers determined amateur entrants, while MLS teams received automatic berths based on league participation in 1998.
• Match Rules: Games lasting 90 minutes; ties were broken by two 15-minute overtime periods, then penalty kicks if needed.
• Hosting Rights: The higher-seeded or better-performing team typically hosted matches, though finals were pre-assigned—Soldier Field hosted in 1998.
• Trophy and Recognition: Winners received the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and earned a berth in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, though U.S. teams did not consistently participate at the time.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1998 U.S. Open Cup compared closely with prior and subsequent editions in structure and prestige, but stood out due to the Fire's debut-season success.

The table highlights how the 1998 final continued a trend of close, one-goal margins in U.S. Open Cup finals. Chicago Fire’s victory was unique because no expansion team had previously won the cup in its first year. Their run demonstrated the competitive balance emerging in MLS and elevated the tournament’s profile.

Why It Matters

The 1998 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup remains a landmark event in American soccer history due to the Chicago Fire’s unprecedented debut-season triumph and the tournament’s rebranding in honor of Lamar Hunt.

• The victory made Chicago Fire the first expansion team to win the U.S. Open Cup in their inaugural season, setting a new benchmark for MLS newcomers.
• It highlighted the growing parity in American soccer, proving that new teams could compete with established franchises.
• The Fire’s double win—MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup—cemented 1998 as one of the most successful debut seasons in professional sports history.
• The rebranding of the tournament as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup honored a pivotal soccer advocate and increased national recognition.
• Amateur teams’ participation emphasized the tournament’s inclusive ethos, preserving its tradition since 1914.
• Success in the cup gave U.S. clubs limited international exposure, laying groundwork for future CONCACAF Champions League participation.

This edition helped solidify the U.S. Open Cup as a prestigious competition, blending grassroots soccer with professional excellence and honoring American soccer’s evolving legacy.