Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The U.S. Open Cup’s storied history comes alive in a burst of color and energy, reflecting the passion and drama of America’s oldest soccer tournament.NYC Today
As Minnesota United FC prepares to enter the Round of 32 in the 2026 U.S. Open Cup, the author takes a deep dive into the rich history of America’s oldest soccer competition. From the original Dewar Cup trophy to the dominance of long-defunct clubs like Bethlehem Steel and Maccabee Los Angeles, the article uncovers a treasure trove of little-known facts about the tournament’s past champions and storied legacy.
Why it matters
The U.S. Open Cup represents the most comprehensive and consistent source of American soccer history, predating even the original North American Soccer League. As Minnesota United FC aims to become the first team from the state to win the prestigious trophy, this article helps contextualize the significance of their quest within the broader narrative of the sport’s development in the United States.
The details
The U.S. Open Cup, originally known as the National Challenge Cup, was first played during the 1913-14 season. In 1999, the competition was renamed the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to honor the American sports icon who was a pioneer in the growth of the NASL, MLS, and NFL. The original Dewar Cup trophy, donated by Scottish whiskey distiller John Dewar, was retired in 1979 and now resides in the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
The first edition of the tournament was played during the 1913-14 season.The competition was renamed the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 1999.The original Dewar Cup trophy was retired in 1979.
The players
Lamar Hunt
An American sports icon who was a pioneer in the growth of the NASL, MLS, and NFL.
John Dewar
A Scottish whiskey distiller who donated the original Dewar Cup trophy to help grow the game of soccer in the USA.
Bethlehem Steel
A now-defunct club that won five U.S. Open Cup titles between 1915 and 1926, sponsored by local steel manufacturers in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Maccabee Los Angeles
A now-defunct club that won five U.S. Open Cup titles between 1973 and 1981, representing the west coast and playing in the Greater Los Angeles Soccer League.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying
“When Jose Mourinho said that, he was being a little cheeky. When I say it, I mean it.”
— Kyle Hayward, Author
What’s next
Minnesota United FC will face Sacramento Republic FC in the Round of 32 of the 2026 U.S. Open Cup, with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals.
The takeaway
The U.S. Open Cup’s rich history, featuring dominant champions from long-defunct clubs, underscores the tournament’s significance as the most comprehensive and consistent source of American soccer heritage. As Minnesota United FC aims to become the first team from the state to win the prestigious trophy, their quest is part of a broader narrative about the sport’s development in the United States.