Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for Dummies
June 16, 2015
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, commonly known as the U.S. Open Cup), is one of the most magnificent soccer competitions in the world. It is a soccer spectacle that brings out the true spirit of the beautiful game. This event actually proves that the US Nation has the heritage, tradition and passion it takes to become a key player in the planet’s biggest game.
With the first season dating back to 1913, and its 112 year held now in 2015, the US Open Cup is world’s 3rd oldest open-soccer tournament.
Beyond the great heritage and tradition, the Lamar Hunt US Cup Open is an amazing celebration of soccer, with clubs from every level of the game and every corner of the country having a chance to qualify and participate. It involves all three US professional soccer leagues: 1st league MLS, 2nd NASL and 3rd USL; as well as amateur clubs that need to qualify through their leagues to enter early tournament stages.
Competitor numbers are growing steadily, with 2015 season seen no less than 91 clubs from different leagues, states and divisions. All 17 US-based MLS teams are participating in the competition.
The US Open Cup is a knock-out competition, where the loser of a match will be automatically eliminated from winning the tournament. The Champion receives a prize of $250,000, and the runner-up $60,000. Furthermore, the top club from every lower division league receives $15,000 (which for MLS teams may not be a lot, but does go a long way for lower division teams).
The event commenced in 1913 and was called the National Club Challenge. The first trophy was donated by Scottish whisky distiller Thomas Dewar, and is called the Dewar Cup to this day. In 1990 the competition was renamed the U.S. Open Cup, and in 1999 renamed again as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in honour of a long-time promoter/sponsor of soccer amongst other American sports (football, basketball, tennis and ice hockey.
Reigning Champions are MLS Seattle Sounders (with 4 titles), the most titles ever won were by Bethlehem Steel F.C and Maccabi Los Angeles (5 titles each).
Many of the matches are showing online at no charge (YouTube), so stay tuned and watch one of the most amazing soccer tournaments in the world in the comfort of your own home!!
