The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, also known as the U.S. Open Cup, is one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments in American sports. Since its inception in 1913, the competition has seen its share of thrilling matches, spectacular goals, and dramatic twists. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most unforgettable U.S. Open Cup finals in recent history.
1992: The "Miracle of Michelin" (Maryland Bays over San Jose Earthquakes)
In the final of the 1991-92 tournament, an underdog Maryland Bays team faced off against MLS power San Jose Earthquakes. Despite being vastly outmatched, the Maryland Bays pulled off the unthinkable, winning 2-0 in a surprise upset. The victory ranks as one of the most shocking in U.S. Open Cup history, leading many to dub it "The Miracle of Michelin" (the tournament final was held at Michelin Park in Baltimore).
1997: The Last-Minute Winner (D.C. United wins over the Los Angeles Galaxy)
In the thrilling 1996-1997 final, D.C. United and the LA Galaxy clashed in a winner-takes-all showdown at RFK Stadium. Just as it seemed the tie would go to extra time, D.C. United’s Raul Diaz Arce scored a stunning winning goal in the 124th minute, securing the championship for the home side.
2002: The Underdog Storybook Ending (Columbus Crew beats the LA Galaxy)
In the heartwarming 2002 final, the Columbus Crew, then a relatively humble team in the MLS ladder, faced off against heavyweight LA Galaxy. Despite heavy odds against them, Columbus stunned the Galaxy with three goals in the final hour of play, securing their first U.S. Open Cup title in a drama-filled 2-0 victory.
2019: The Historic Upset (New York City FC over LAFC)
In a thrilling 2019 final, New York City FC, a massive underdog, pulled off one of the greatest upset victories in U.S. Open Cup history. Seeded 10th compared to LAFC’s dominant form in the regular season, NYCFC came away with a 4-3 win in a scintillating match-up at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City.
Each of these unforgettable finals underscores the unpredictable nature of the U.S. Open Cup, where upsets abound and any team can emerge victorious in a single-elimination format. As the annual tournament continues to captivate fans across the United States, these captivating matches will forever be remembered as some of the most thrilling in the competition’s storied history.
Throughout the tournament’s rich heritage, teams have consistently etched their names into memory, whether through stunning comeback victories, dramatic late wins, or simply by providing unforgettable moments of excitement for fans. As the modern era of the U.S. Open Cup continues, one thing is certain: many more unforgettable finals await to be written.
