Definition
The 2023 U.S. Open Cup, officially the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, was the 108th edition of the United States’ annual open knockout soccer competition, open to professional and amateur clubs affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).
Overview
The tournament began in early April 2023 and concluded with a final in September 2023. A total of 99 clubs entered, comprising teams from Major League Soccer (MLS), the USL Championship, USL League One, National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), USL League Two, the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), and various amateur qualifiers. Matches were single‑elimination, with lower‑division clubs typically hosting higher‑division opponents in early rounds. The competition maintained the traditional structure of a bracket culminating in a championship match, the winner earning a berth in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Etymology/Origin
The “U.S. Open Cup” derives its name from the sport’s concept of an “open” tournament—one in which clubs of all levels may compete, analogous to the British FA Cup. The competition was first held in 1914 and was renamed in 1999 to honor Lamar Hunt, a key promoter of American soccer and founder of MLS.
Characteristics
- Eligibility: Open to any USSF‑affiliated club meeting competitive and administrative criteria.
- Format: Single‑game knockout rounds; draws determine home venues, with lower‑division teams often granted home advantage in early stages.
- Schedule: Preliminary rounds (April), first round (April–May), second round (May), third round (June), fourth round (July), round of 16 (July), quarter‑finals (August), semi‑finals (August), final (September).
- Prize: The champion received the “Lamar Hunt Trophy” and qualification for the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
- Broadcasting: Matches were streamed online via USSF platforms and selected games televised on regional sports networks.
Accurate information regarding the identity of the champion of the 2023 edition is not confirmed in publicly available, reliable sources as of the knowledge cutoff date.
Related Topics
- Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup (overall competition)
- Major League Soccer (MLS)
- CONCACAF Champions Cup
- United States Soccer Federation (USSF)
- American soccer league system (MLS, USL Championship, USL League One, NISA)
- 2023 CONCACAF Champions Cup qualification process