What Is 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final

Overview

The 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final was the climactic match of the 103rd edition of the United States' oldest ongoing national soccer competition. It featured FC Dallas from Major League Soccer (MLS) and the New England Revolution, also an MLS side, in a high-stakes showdown for domestic silverware.

The match took place on September 13, 2016, at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas—the home ground of FC Dallas. This final marked a significant moment for both clubs, as FC Dallas sought their first Open Cup title in nearly two decades, while the Revolution aimed to end a long trophy drought.

• FC Dallas won 4–2 after extra time, overcoming a 2–2 draw in regulation to claim their second Open Cup title in club history.
• The match was played at Toyota Stadium, which hosted the final for the first time and drew an attendance of 17,296 fans.
• Mauro Díaz scored the decisive goal in the 112th minute, sealing the victory after a tense back-and-forth contest.
• FC Dallas had not won the Open Cup since 1997, making this their first major trophy in 19 years.
• The New England Revolution reached their fifth Open Cup final but remained winless, extending their streak of near-misses in domestic finals.

How It Works

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a knockout tournament open to professional and amateur teams across all levels of American soccer, culminating in a final between the last two remaining clubs. The 2016 edition followed a traditional single-elimination format with teams from MLS, USL, and lower divisions competing for the title.

• Knockout Format: Teams play single-elimination matches, with ties resolved by extra time and penalties if needed. This format heightens drama and unpredictability.
• Eligibility: Open to all affiliated U.S. soccer teams, including amateur and semi-pro sides, though MLS clubs dominate the later stages.
• Seeding & Draw: Early rounds use a random draw; later stages may include seeding based on league performance to avoid early MLS matchups.
• Home Advantage: The higher-seeded or better-performing team typically hosts, as FC Dallas did in the 2016 final due to their regular-season record.
• Extra Time & Penalties: Matches tied after 90 minutes go to two 15-minute extra time periods; if still tied, a penalty shootout decides the winner.
• Trophy & Prize: The winner earns $250,000 in prize money and qualifies for the CONCACAF Champions League, the region’s premier club competition.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how FC Dallas and the New England Revolution compared heading into the 2016 final:

The table highlights FC Dallas’s slight edge in form and home advantage, though both teams had strong runs to the final. The Revolution’s experience in high-pressure games didn’t translate into victory, as FC Dallas’s depth and momentum proved decisive in extra time.

Why It Matters

The 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final was more than just a trophy match—it symbolized resilience, legacy, and the growing parity in American soccer. For FC Dallas, it was a breakthrough moment that validated years of development and investment in their academy and first team.

• The win marked FC Dallas’s first major trophy since 1997, ending a 19-year drought and boosting morale for the franchise.
• Qualifying for the 2017 CONCACAF Champions League gave FC Dallas a platform to compete internationally.
• The match showcased domestic talent, with key contributions from U.S.-born players like Kellyn Acosta and Jesse González.
• It highlighted the importance of the Open Cup as a pathway for underdog teams to challenge MLS giants.
• The 17,296 attendance demonstrated strong local support and growing interest in domestic cup competitions.
• For the Revolution, the loss underscored a pattern of near-misses in finals, fueling calls for strategic changes.

Ultimately, the 2016 final remains a landmark event in U.S. soccer history, illustrating the drama and unpredictability that define the Open Cup tradition.