What Is 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final

Overview

The 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final marked the 101st edition of the United States’ oldest ongoing national soccer competition. It featured a clash between Major League Soccer clubs Seattle Sounders FC and Philadelphia Union, culminating in a 3–1 victory for Seattle at PPL Park on September 16, 2014.

This final was notable for Seattle’s dominance in the tournament over the previous decade, having already claimed the Open Cup in 2009, 2010, and 2011. The win in 2014 solidified their status as the most successful MLS team in the competition’s modern era, showcasing their depth and consistency in domestic cup play.

• Seattle Sounders FC won the match 3–1, securing their fourth U.S. Open Cup title in six seasons between 2009 and 2014.
• The game was hosted at PPL Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, home of the Philadelphia Union, on September 16, 2014.
• Obafemi Martins scored two goals, including the opening goal in the 11th minute, proving pivotal to Seattle’s victory.
• Lamar Neagle added a third goal in the 77th minute, sealing the result after Philadelphia had briefly pulled one back.
• Cristian Maidana scored Philadelphia’s only goal in the 63rd minute, briefly making it 2–1 before Seattle regained control.

How It Works

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a knockout tournament open to professional and amateur teams across the American soccer pyramid. The 2014 edition followed a structured bracket format leading to a single final match between the last two remaining teams.

• Knockout Format: Teams from MLS, USL, NASL, and amateur leagues competed in a single-elimination bracket starting in May. Each round eliminated half the participants.
• Eligibility: Any U.S.-based team affiliated with U.S. Soccer was eligible, including amateur sides like Cal FC, who famously reached the fifth round in 2012.
• Home Advantage: Lower-division teams often hosted early rounds, but higher-seeded teams like Seattle earned home ties in later stages based on seeding and performance.
• Final Venue: The final was hosted by the finalist with the better regular-season record; Philadelphia hosted due to their higher MLS standing at the time.
• Scoring Rules: Matches tied after 90 minutes went to 30 minutes of extra time, followed by penalty kicks if necessary. The 2014 final did not require extra time.
• Trophy & Prize: The winner received the Lamar Hunt Trophy and a $250,000 prize, plus qualification for the CONCACAF Champions League.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2014 final compared across key performance metrics between the two teams:

Seattle’s edge in shots, possession, and efficiency in front of goal highlighted their tactical superiority. Philadelphia had moments of pressure, especially in the second half, but failed to capitalize on chances beyond Maidana’s strike. The stats reflect a match where Seattle controlled tempo and converted opportunities.

Why It Matters

The 2014 final reinforced the significance of the U.S. Open Cup as a platform for MLS teams to demonstrate depth and competitive spirit beyond the regular season. For Seattle, it was a milestone in building a legacy of domestic cup excellence.

• Seattle’s fourth title tied them with Chicago Fire for the most Open Cup wins in MLS history at the time, a mark later surpassed.
• The win qualified Seattle for the 2015–16 CONCACAF Champions League, giving them continental exposure and competition.
• It highlighted the importance of squad depth, as Seattle managed multiple competitions without sacrificing performance.
• For Philadelphia, reaching the final was a historic achievement, marking their first-ever appearance in an Open Cup final.
• The match drew 18,563 fans, showcasing strong local support and growing interest in domestic cup soccer.
• It underscored the tournament’s role in bridging professional and amateur soccer, even as MLS teams dominated the later stages.

The 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final remains a defining moment for both clubs—cementing Seattle’s dynasty and marking a breakthrough for Philadelphia on the national stage.