What Is 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final

Overview

The 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final was the 102nd edition of the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States. Held on September 30, 2015, it featured Sporting Kansas City and the Philadelphia Union, two Major League Soccer clubs vying for domestic cup glory and a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League.

The match, hosted at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, ended in a 1–1 draw after 90 minutes, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout. Sporting KC ultimately triumphed 7–6 from the spot, securing their second U.S. Open Cup title after previously winning in 2012.

• Sporting KC hosted the final at Children's Mercy Park due to their higher seed and better regular-season performance, giving them home-field advantage on September 30, 2015.
• Philadelphia Union opened the scoring in the 5th minute through forward CJ Sapong, marking the fastest goal ever scored in a U.S. Open Cup Final at the time.
• Sporting KC equalized in the 74th minute when Dom Dwyer converted a penalty kick after a handball call in the box, shifting momentum back to the hosts.
• No goals were scored in extra time, despite both teams creating chances, forcing the first U.S. Open Cup Final to be decided by a penalty shootout since 2008.
• The shootout lasted 10 rounds, with Sporting KC winning 7–6 after Union goalkeeper R.J. Allen missed the decisive penalty kick.

How It Works

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a single-elimination tournament open to professional and amateur teams across the U.S. soccer pyramid. It culminates in a final match that determines the national champion and awards a CONCACAF Champions League qualification spot.

• Eligibility: Any U.S.-based team from amateur leagues up to MLS can enter. Over 100 teams participated in the 2015 edition, representing 13 different leagues.
• Tournament Format: Single-elimination matches are played at the home field of the higher-seeded team, determined by a blind draw and seeding criteria.
• Match Duration: Games consist of 90 minutes of regulation; if tied, two 15-minute extra time periods are played before advancing to penalties.
• Penalty Shootout Rules: Teams take five initial kicks, followed by sudden death. The 2015 final required 10 rounds, setting a tournament record.
• Prize: The winner earns $250,000 in prize money and an automatic berth in the following year’s CONCACAF Champions League.
• Historical Significance: Named after soccer pioneer Lamar Hunt, the tournament dates back to 1914, making it the oldest ongoing national competition in U.S. soccer history.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2015 final compared across key performance metrics:

Sporting KC held a slight edge in possession and attacking pressure, particularly in the second half, where they recorded 12 shots compared to Philadelphia’s 5. Despite the Union’s early goal, Sporting KC’s composure in the shootout and home support proved decisive. The match highlighted the unpredictability of cup soccer, where lower-seeded teams can challenge MLS powerhouses.

Why It Matters

The 2015 final was a landmark moment for both clubs and U.S. soccer, showcasing the drama and competitive balance inherent in the Open Cup format. It reinforced the tournament’s role in giving all teams a shot at glory, regardless of league status.

• Sporting KC earned $250,000 in prize money and a spot in the 2016–17 CONCACAF Champions League, enhancing their international profile.
• The win solidified Peter Vermes’ legacy as Sporting KC’s head coach, marking his second major trophy with the club.
• Philadelphia Union reached their first final in club history, signaling progress despite the loss.
• The match drew over 19,000 fans to Children's Mercy Park, setting a strong attendance benchmark for future Open Cup finals.
• Dom Dwyer became a hero by scoring the equalizer and converting his penalty, finishing the tournament with 5 goals as top scorer.
• The marathon shootout renewed calls for potential rule changes to reduce fatigue and increase fairness in future editions.

The 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final remains one of the most memorable in tournament history due to its dramatic finish and historic milestones for both clubs. It exemplifies the magic of cup competitions and continues to inspire lower-division teams across the country.