What Is 2000 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Overview

The 2000 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup marked the 87th edition of the United States' oldest ongoing national soccer competition. Organized by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), the tournament brought together professional and amateur teams from across the country in a single-elimination format.

This year's edition was notable for showcasing the growing strength of Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs, with all eight MLS teams advancing deep into the competition. The final match drew significant attention as it was hosted in Chicago, home of one of the league’s most passionate fanbases.

• Chicago Fire claimed their second U.S. Open Cup title by defeating Miami Fusion 2–1 in the final on October 17, 2000.
• The final match was held at Soldier Field, Chicago’s iconic lakeside stadium, which hosted over 15,000 fans.
• This was the first Open Cup final appearance for the Miami Fusion, who were in just their third MLS season.
• The tournament began in June 2000 and included 32 teams from MLS, USL, and amateur leagues.
• Chicago Fire previously won the Open Cup in 1998, making them the first MLS team to win multiple titles.

How It Works

The U.S. Open Cup operates as a knockout tournament where teams from different tiers of American soccer compete for the national championship. Entry is open to professional and amateur clubs affiliated with the USSF, creating opportunities for underdog stories.

• Format: The tournament uses a single-elimination bracket, with matchups determined by regional draws to reduce travel costs.
• Eligibility: Any USSF-sanctioned team can qualify, including MLS, USL, NPSL, and amateur sides meeting entry requirements.
• Match Rules: Games consist of 90 minutes of regulation, followed by extra time and penalty kicks if necessary to determine a winner.
• Hosting: The higher-seeded team typically hosts each match, though neutral sites may be used for finals or safety reasons.
• Prize: The winner earns $100,000 in prize money and qualifies for the CONCACAF Champions Cup (now Champions League).
• History: The competition dates back to 1914, making it the oldest ongoing national soccer tournament in the U.S.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2000 U.S. Open Cup compares to other editions in terms of structure, participants, and outcomes:

The 2000 final had lower attendance than Chicago’s 1998 title win but remained one of the better-attended Open Cup matches of the decade. Unlike earlier years, the 2000 edition saw no amateur teams reach the semifinals, highlighting the increasing dominance of MLS squads.

Why It Matters

The 2000 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was a pivotal moment in American soccer history, reinforcing MLS’s growing influence while maintaining the tournament’s tradition of competitive integrity. It also underscored the importance of domestic cup competitions in a league still establishing its identity.

• MLS dominance: The rise of MLS teams like Chicago Fire signaled a shift from amateur-era champions to professional league supremacy.
• Player development: Young stars such as Ante Razov and Piotr Nowak used the Open Cup to showcase their talents on a national stage.
• Fan engagement: The final in Chicago demonstrated strong local support, helping boost MLS attendance trends in the early 2000s.
• Historical continuity: As the 87th edition, the tournament maintained its legacy as the oldest ongoing soccer competition in the U.S.
• International qualification: Winning the Open Cup granted Chicago Fire entry into the 2001 CONCACAF Champions Cup, expanding their global exposure.
• Legacy of Lamar Hunt: The tournament was renamed in 1999 to honor the soccer pioneer, emphasizing his role in U.S. sports history.

The 2000 U.S. Open Cup remains a benchmark for MLS clubs striving to balance league and cup success, proving that domestic tournaments can deliver both prestige and meaningful competition.