The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is the oldest soccer competition in the United States, dating back to the 1913-14 campaign.
New York City FC, Major League Soccer's newest franchise, is making their U.S. Open Cup debut on Wednesday. The Club plays the New York Cosmos at 7:30 p.m. EDT at Shuart Stadium (Hofstra University) in Hempstead, N.Y. in the competition's fourth round.
Here are some Facts & Figures regarding the the tournament.
- The U.S. Open Cup was founded for the 1913-14 season and is the longest-running soccer competition in the United States.
- The U.S. Open Cup is the third-longest running soccer tournament in the world.
- The U.S. Open Cup is a knockout-style, single-elimination tournament.
- The U.S. Open Cup was renamed the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 1999 to honor the long-time soccer supporter and pioneer.
- The winning club has its name engraved on the Dewar Challenge Trophy, which remains at the U.S. Soccer House in Chicago.
- The tournament's winner receives $250,000, while the runner up earns $60,000.
- The winner not only takes home prize money, but also qualifies for the CONCACAF Champions League.
- The annual competition is open to all amateur and professional soccer teams in the United States.
- The 21 American-based United Soccer League (USL) clubs enter the U.S. Open Cup in the second round.
- The nine American-based North American Soccer League (NASL) clubs enter the U.S. Open Cup in the third round.
- The 17 American-based Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs enter the U.S. Open Cup in the fourth round.
- This year's tournament is comprised of the largest field in history (91 clubs: 44 amateur, 47 professional).
- The Seattle Sounders are the reigning U.S. Open Cup champions after beating the Philadelphia Union in 2014.
- Seattle has won four of the last six U.S. Open Cup championships.
- Brooklyn Field Club beat Brooklyn Celtic 2-1 to claim the inaugural U.S. Open Cup title in 1914.
- Thomas Stewart of Sacramento Republic FC leads all goalscorers with four goals in the 2015 U.S. Open Cup.
- Home teams are determined by a random selection process among those clubs that have applied to host and whose venues meet the minimum tournament requirements.
- This year's U.S. Open Cup runs from April 25 to Sept. 30.
- Teams from New York City won 15 U.S. Open Cup titles between 1950-85.
- Bethlehem Steel F.C. and Maccabi Los Angeles are tied for the most U.S. Open Cup championships (5).
Remaining Schedule
Fifth Round -- June 30-July 1
Quarterfinals -- July 21-22
Semifinals -- Aug. 11-12
Final -- Sept. 29 or 30
