What Is 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Overview

The 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was a landmark edition in American soccer history, marking the 105th installment of the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States. Organized by the United States Soccer Federation (U.S. Soccer), the tournament featured a record-breaking 84 teams from various divisions, including amateur, semi-professional, and professional clubs across multiple tiers of the U.S. soccer pyramid.

This year’s format emphasized inclusivity and competitive balance, allowing lower-division teams to challenge Major League Soccer (MLS) sides. The eventual champions, Houston Dynamo, made history by becoming the first MLS team to win the Open Cup while entering as a lower-seeded club, highlighting the tournament’s unpredictability and excitement.

• Houston Dynamo claimed their first Open Cup title by defeating Philadelphia Union 3–0 in the final, marking a historic achievement for the club.
• The final match took place on August 29, 2018, at BBVA Stadium in Houston, Texas, in front of a crowd of over 20,000 fans.
• This was the first time since 2007 that an MLS team not in the top tier of seeding won the tournament, showcasing the competition’s competitive parity.
• The tournament began in May 2018 with Open Division local qualifiers and progressed through multiple rounds, culminating in the final in late August.
• Over 80 amateur and professional teams competed, including sides from USL Championship, USL League One, NPSL, and local qualifiers, emphasizing nationwide participation.

How It Works

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup operates as a single-elimination tournament open to all affiliated soccer teams in the United States, from amateur leagues to Major League Soccer. The structure allows for upsets and Cinderella stories, as lower-division clubs can advance deep into the competition by defeating higher-tier opponents.

• Eligibility: Any affiliated U.S.-based team can qualify, including amateur, semi-pro, and professional clubs, creating a true national championship format.
• Qualifying Rounds: Local qualifiers begin in November 2017, with amateur teams competing for spots in the official tournament draw.
• Bracket Format: The competition uses a single-elimination bracket, with matchups determined by geographic proximity and seeding to minimize travel.
• MLS Participation: All 23 MLS teams entered in 2018, with lower-seeded teams starting in earlier rounds to balance competitive fairness.
• Hosting Rules: The higher-ranked team typically hosts the match, though exceptions occur based on stadium requirements and scheduling conflicts.
• Prize Incentive: The winner earns $300,000 in prize money and qualifies for the CONCACAF Champions League, providing international exposure.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2018 Open Cup to previous editions reveals growth in participation, viewership, and competitive depth.

The 2018 edition saw slightly fewer total teams than prior years due to restructuring, but increased MLS participation and higher attendance in the final indicate growing interest. The tournament also benefited from improved broadcast coverage and digital streaming, expanding its national reach.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was more than just a trophy—it symbolized opportunity, parity, and the unifying power of soccer across all levels of American play. By giving amateur clubs a platform to compete with MLS professionals, the tournament reinforced the open nature of U.S. soccer.

• Opportunity for Underdogs: Teams like Miami FC and Chattanooga FC gained national attention by advancing deep into the tournament.
• Path to International Play: Winning the Open Cup grants entry to the CONCACAF Champions League, offering global competition experience.
• Financial Incentive: The $300,000 prize helps fund club operations, especially for lower-division teams with limited budgets.
• Community Engagement: Hosting a match boosts local pride and stadium attendance, strengthening ties between clubs and their cities.
• Player Development: Young and reserve players get meaningful minutes, accelerating growth within MLS academies and lower-tier clubs.
• Historical Legacy: The Open Cup dates back to 1914, making it one of the oldest continuously running soccer tournaments in the world.

Ultimately, the 2018 tournament reinforced the Open Cup’s role as a cornerstone of American soccer culture, celebrating inclusivity, competition, and the enduring spirit of the game.