What Is 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final

Overview

The 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final was the 100th edition of the United States' oldest ongoing national soccer competition. It featured Major League Soccer clubs D.C. United and Real Salt Lake, marking a rare instance where both finalists came from the same league.

The final took place on October 1, 2013, at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, giving Real Salt Lake home-field advantage. D.C. United emerged victorious with a 1–0 win, securing their third U.S. Open Cup title in club history.

• Final Score: D.C. United defeated Real Salt Lake 1–0, with the only goal scored in the 74th minute by midfielder Lewis Neal.
• Venue: The match was hosted at Rio Tinto Stadium, home of Real Salt Lake, due to their higher seeding and better tournament progression.
• Attendance: A crowd of 19,230 attended the final, reflecting strong regional support despite D.C. United being the visiting team.
• Tournament Path: D.C. United advanced through five rounds, defeating teams from lower divisions including the Richmond Kickers and Chicago Fire.
• Historical Context: This was D.C. United’s first Open Cup title since 1996, ending a 17-year drought in the competition.

Match Details

The 2013 final was a tightly contested match, with both teams creating chances but unable to break through until the second half. D.C. United relied on disciplined defense and timely counterattacks to secure the win.

• Goal Scorer:Lewis Neal scored in the 74th minute, finishing a well-placed cross from substitute Lionard Pajoy to give D.C. United the lead.
• Goalkeeper Performance: D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid made four key saves, preserving the clean sheet under heavy second-half pressure.
• Discipline: The match saw four yellow cards issued, two to each team, reflecting the high stakes and physical nature of the contest.
• Substitutions: Coach Ben Olsen’s tactical use of substitutes, including Pajoy and Chris Pontius, helped shift momentum in D.C. United’s favor.
• Weather Conditions: Played under cool, overcast skies, the 52°F (11°C) game-time temperature had minimal impact on play.
• Referee: The match was officiated by Jair Marrufo, a veteran MLS referee known for consistent Open Cup assignments.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing D.C. United and Real Salt Lake’s performances in the 2013 Open Cup highlights key differences in path, performance, and outcome.

Despite Real Salt Lake recording more shots on target in the final, D.C. United’s efficiency and defensive resilience proved decisive. Their ability to capitalize on limited opportunities contrasted with RSL’s missed chances, underscoring the importance of precision in knockout soccer.

Why It Matters

The 2013 final was significant not only for the teams involved but also for the broader recognition of the U.S. Open Cup as a prestigious competition.

• Historic Milestone: The 2013 final celebrated the 100th edition of the tournament, the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the U.S.
• Underdog Path: D.C. United’s victory was notable as they finished last in MLS that season, proving Open Cup success isn’t tied to regular-season form.
• Qualification for CCL: The win earned D.C. United a berth in the 2014–15 CONCACAF Champions League, a major international opportunity.
• Club Legacy: The title increased D.C. United’s total major trophies to 13, reinforcing their status as one of MLS’s most decorated clubs.
• Increased Visibility: The match was broadcast nationally on ESPN3, boosting exposure for domestic cup soccer in the U.S.
• Inspiration for Lower Teams: The tournament format allows amateur and lower-division clubs to compete, and D.C.’s run inspired similar ambitions across tiers.

The 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final remains a landmark event in American soccer history, illustrating the drama, unpredictability, and tradition that define the competition.