What Is 2008 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Overview

The 2008 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was the 95th edition of the United States' oldest ongoing national soccer competition. It featured professional and amateur teams from across the country, culminating in a final between two Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs.

Chicago Fire emerged victorious, defeating D.C. United 2–1 in the championship match. The tournament showcased the inclusive nature of American soccer, allowing lower-division teams to compete against MLS sides.

• Chicago Fire claimed their fourth U.S. Open Cup title, adding to previous wins in 1998, 2000, and 2003, solidifying their legacy in American soccer history.
• The final was held on September 3, 2008, at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., a venue historically significant for hosting multiple Open Cup finals.
• D.C. United entered as defending champions, having won the 2007 edition, but were unable to retain the trophy after their loss in the final.
• Two goals by Chicago Fire's Brian McBride and Chad Barrett secured the win, while D.C. United's Luciano Emilio scored a consolation goal.
• Over 30 teams participated, including MLS clubs, USL First Division teams, and amateur sides from the PDL and Open Division qualifiers.

How It Works

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup operates as a single-elimination tournament open to all affiliated soccer teams in the United States, regardless of division.

• Eligibility: Any team affiliated with U.S. Soccer, from amateur leagues to MLS, can qualify through regional or league-based pathways. This inclusivity defines the tournament’s unique character.
• Qualification: Lower-division teams earn spots via local qualifying rounds, while MLS teams enter in later rounds, ensuring early opportunities for underdog stories.
• Tournament Format: Single-elimination matches are played to determine advancement, with ties resolved by extra time and penalty kicks if necessary, increasing unpredictability.
• Hosting Rules: The higher-seeded team typically hosts matches, though venue decisions consider capacity, field conditions, and logistical readiness for larger crowds.
• Prize and Recognition: The winner earns $100,000 in prize money and a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League, providing international exposure and financial incentive.
• Historical Significance: First held in 1914, the Open Cup predates MLS by decades and honors soccer heritage, named after Lamar Hunt, a key U.S. soccer advocate.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2008 U.S. Open Cup with recent editions to highlight structural and competitive changes.

The 2008 final had a lower attendance than several surrounding years, possibly due to regional fan distribution and lack of local team advantage. However, the match maintained competitive intensity, typical of Open Cup finals, and contributed to the Fire's storied cup history.

Why It Matters

The 2008 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup remains a significant chapter in American soccer, highlighting competitive balance and tradition. Its outcome influenced team legacies and qualification for continental play.

• Chicago Fire earned $100,000 in prize money, a financial boost for the club and recognition of their cup campaign success throughout the tournament.
• The win secured a spot in the 2009–10 CONCACAF Champions League, giving Chicago Fire the chance to compete against top clubs from North and Central America.
• Amateur teams gained visibility, as clubs like Cal FC later inspired future upsets, proving the format allows for genuine underdog narratives.
• MLS dominance continued, with MLS teams winning every Open Cup since 1996, underscoring the gap between professional and amateur levels despite open eligibility.
• The tournament reinforced U.S. Soccer’s commitment to open competition, maintaining a format that honors the sport’s grassroots while showcasing professional excellence.
• Historical continuity was preserved, as the 2008 edition marked the 95th running of the tournament, linking modern MLS teams to early 20th-century soccer roots.

Ultimately, the 2008 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup exemplifies the enduring appeal of knockout soccer in the United States, combining tradition, competition, and opportunity across all levels of the sport.