US Open Cup 2024: Los Angeles FC Claims First Title
The 2024 US Open Cup, the premier knockout competition in American soccer, concluded with Los Angeles FC (LAFC) securing their first-ever title. Spanning from March 19 to September 25, the tournament brought together a diverse array of clubs from across the United States soccer pyramid, ranging from local amateur sides to Major League Soccer (MLS) giants.
The competition is designed to be inclusive, allowing teams from various tiers—including the USL Championship, USL League One (USL1), USL League Two (USL2), and NISA—to compete against the top professional clubs in the country. This year's edition saw a total of 95 teams battle through multiple rounds of high-stakes soccer.
Key Facts
- Champion: Los Angeles FC (1st title)
- Tournament Duration: March 19 – September 25, 2024
- Total Participants: 95 teams
- Total Goals Scored: 292 (Average of 3.17 per match)
- Final Match Attendance: 22,214 spectators
Tournament Structure and Progression
The tournament followed a rigorous knockout format, gradually introducing higher-tier teams as the rounds progressed. The early stages were dominated by regional qualifiers and lower-division clubs, creating a "giant-killing" atmosphere typical of open cup competitions.
Early Rounds
The First Round began on March 19–21 with 63 teams. The Second Round, held April 2–3, saw the 32 winners from the first round joined by 16 USL Championship teams, bringing the total to 79 teams. By the Third Round on April 16–17, the field expanded to 95 teams as 8 additional USL Championship teams and 8 Major League Soccer teams entered the fray.
The Road to the Final
The competition narrowed down through the Round of 32 (May 7–8) and the Round of 16 (May 21–22). The Quarterfinals took place on July 9–10, followed by the Semifinals on August 27–28. The journey culminated in the final on September 25, where Los Angeles FC emerged victorious.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | United States |
| Winner | Los Angeles FC |
| Final Date | September 25, 2024 |
| Total Teams | 95 |
| Average Goals/Match | 3.17 |
Participating Leagues and Notable Teams
The 2024 edition featured a wide spectrum of soccer organizations. The NPSL (National Premier Soccer League) and USL2 provided 19 teams, while MLS Next Pro, NISA, and USL1 contributed 31 teams. The USL Championship provided 24 professional clubs.
Notable participants included MLS powerhouses like Atlanta United FC, FC Dallas, and the Seattle Sounders FC, alongside ambitious lower-division sides such as Rhode Island FC (USLC) and Spokane Velocity FC (USL1).
Regional Representation
The tournament highlighted strong regional clusters, with cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Seattle fielding multiple teams across different league tiers, emphasizing the depth of soccer talent across the United States.
The Grand Final
The final match on September 25 saw Los Angeles FC face off against a determined opponent in a high-tension encounter. The match was decided in extra time, with goals from Campos (102') and Kamara (109') securing the victory for LAFC in front of a crowd of 22,214 fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2024 US Open Cup?
Los Angeles FC won the tournament, claiming their first title in the competition's history.
How many teams participated in the 2024 tournament?
A total of 95 teams from various levels of the US soccer pyramid participated.
What was the average number of goals per match?
The tournament saw a high-scoring trend with an average of 3.17 goals per match, totaling 292 goals overall.
When did the tournament take place?
The competition ran from March 19 to September 25, 2024.
Which leagues were represented in the competition?
Participants came from Major League Soccer (MLS), USL Championship, USL League One, USL League Two, NISA, NPSL, and other local leagues like the UPSL and MSSL.