What Is 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final

Overview

The 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final marked the 104th edition of the United States' oldest ongoing national soccer competition. It featured Sporting Kansas City and the New York Red Bulls, representing Major League Soccer (MLS), in a high-stakes showdown to determine the national champion.

The match was notable for its dramatic finish and historic significance for both clubs. Held at Children's Mercy Park, the venue provided a strong home advantage for Sporting KC, who lifted the trophy after a hard-fought victory in extra time.

• Sporting Kansas City won the match 2–1 after extra time, securing their fourth U.S. Open Cup title in club history.
• The game took place on September 20, 2017, making it one of the latest final dates in the tournament’s modern era.
• Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, hosted the final, drawing an attendance of 19,228 fans.
• Ike Opara scored the winning goal in the 112th minute, sealing the victory during the second period of extra time.
• The New York Red Bulls reached their first-ever Open Cup final, having defeated four opponents en route to the championship match.

Match Details

The final unfolded as a tightly contested battle, with both teams creating chances but unable to break the deadlock in regulation time. The match showcased tactical discipline and resilience from both squads, ultimately requiring extra time to determine a winner.

• Regulation Time: The match ended 1–1 after 90 minutes, with Bradley Wright-Phillips scoring for New York in the 23rd minute and Daniel Salloi equalizing in the 41st.
• Extra Time: The game extended beyond regulation, with Sporting KC finding the decisive goal in the 112th minute through defender Ike Opara.
• Goalkeeper Performance: Tim Melia made crucial saves throughout the match, including a key stop in the 80th minute that preserved the tie.
• Discipline: The match saw five yellow cards, reflecting the intensity and physicality of the final stages.
• Historic Context: This was the first Open Cup final appearance for the New York Red Bulls since the club’s founding in 1996.
• Trophy Presentation: Sporting KC captain Graham Zusi lifted the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy in front of a jubilant home crowd.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of key match statistics and team performances highlights the narrow margin between victory and defeat.

The table illustrates Sporting KC’s slight edge in offensive pressure and control, which ultimately translated into the winning goal late in extra time. Despite New York’s strong defensive organization, they were unable to withstand the sustained pressure in the final minutes.

Why It Matters

The 2017 final had lasting implications for both clubs and the broader landscape of American soccer. Winning the Open Cup qualified Sporting KC for the CONCACAF Champions League, enhancing their international profile.

• CONCACAF Qualification: As champions, Sporting Kansas City earned a berth in the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League, entering in the preliminary round.
• Prize Money: The victory brought a $250,000 cash prize, a significant financial boost for the club’s operations.
• Club Legacy: This fourth title tied Sporting KC with several historic franchises in total Open Cup wins, elevating their domestic stature.
• Player Recognition: Ike Opara’s match-winning goal and defensive performance earned him widespread acclaim and bolstered his 2017 MLS Defender of the Year campaign.
• Attendance Impact: The near-capacity crowd demonstrated strong local support, reinforcing the importance of cup soccer in MLS markets.
• Historic First: For the Red Bulls, reaching the final marked a milestone, despite the loss, and signaled progress in their pursuit of silverware.

The 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final remains a memorable chapter in American soccer history, combining drama, tradition, and competitive excellence on a national stage.