What Is 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Overview

The 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was the 101st edition of the United States' oldest ongoing national soccer competition. Organized by the United States Soccer Federation (U.S. Soccer), the tournament featured professional and amateur clubs from across the American soccer pyramid.

It culminated in a final between Seattle Sounders FC and the Philadelphia Union, marking a significant milestone for both teams. The competition provided lower-division clubs a rare chance to compete against top-tier MLS sides, maintaining the tournament's tradition of upsets and drama.

• 68 teams participated, the largest field in the tournament’s history up to that point, including clubs from MLS, NASL, USL Pro, and amateur leagues.
• The final was held on September 17, 2014, at PPL Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, home of the Philadelphia Union.
• Seattle Sounders FC won 3–1, securing their fourth U.S. Open Cup title and becoming the first MLS team to achieve that feat.
• Obafemi Martins scored twice in the final, while Kenny Cooper tallied for Philadelphia, and Lamar Neagle sealed the win with a late goal.
• As champions, Seattle earned $250,000 in prize money and a berth in the 2015–16 CONCACAF Champions League.

How It Works

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a single-elimination tournament open to all affiliated U.S. soccer teams, from amateur to professional levels. Entry is based on league affiliation and qualification rounds, ensuring broad representation across the soccer landscape.

• Eligibility: Any U.S.-based team affiliated with U.S. Soccer can enter, including MLS, USL, NPSL, and local amateur clubs that qualify through regional tournaments.
• Format: The tournament uses a single-elimination bracket with home-field advantage awarded to the team from the lower division or determined by draw.
• Qualification: Lower-division teams enter in early rounds, while MLS teams join in the third or fourth round depending on seeding and scheduling.
• Scoring: Matches tied after 90 minutes go to two 15-minute overtime periods; if still tied, a penalty shootout determines the winner.
• Prize Money: The winner receives $250,000, the runner-up $60,000, and advancing teams earn smaller payouts at each stage.
• CONCACAF Berth: The winner qualifies for the following year’s CONCACAF Champions League, providing access to continental competition.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2014 U.S. Open Cup with recent editions to highlight structural and competitive trends.

The table shows a clear trend: the 2014 edition expanded both participation and prize value. Seattle’s repeat success highlights their dominance in the tournament during the early 2010s, while increasing team numbers reflect U.S. Soccer’s push for inclusivity. Prize money also rose significantly, peaking at $250,000 starting in 2013, to incentivize competitive play across divisions.

Why It Matters

The 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was significant for its competitive depth, historic achievements, and role in American soccer development. It underscored the tournament’s value as a platform for parity and exposure across the soccer pyramid.

• Historic win: Seattle became the first MLS team to win the Open Cup four times, cementing their legacy in U.S. soccer history.
• Amateur inclusion: Over a dozen amateur teams competed, with some advancing past professional sides, showcasing the tournament’s open nature.
• Player development: Young and reserve players gained valuable experience in high-stakes matches, especially from MLS teams rotating squads.
• Financial incentive: The $250,000 prize provided meaningful revenue for smaller clubs and motivated full-strength lineups from MLS sides.
• Media exposure: The final was broadcast nationally, increasing visibility for lower-division teams and growing the sport’s fanbase.
• Path to international play: Qualification for the CONCACAF Champions League offered U.S. clubs a rare chance to compete regionally.

The 2014 edition exemplified the U.S. Open Cup’s enduring appeal—equal opportunity, dramatic upsets, and national significance. It remains a cornerstone of American soccer, uniting diverse levels of the game under one historic banner.