2005 U.S. Open Cup

Lore & Background

Although two Major League Soccer sides played in the final, the tournament featured several runs by underdogs. The Des Moines Menace of the Premier Development League beat two USL First Division teams to reach the Fourth Round. The Minnesota Thunder of the USL First Division beat three MLS teams in succession to reach the semifinals. The Rochester Raging Rhinos continued to play to record crowds and beat the MetroStars before losing in a shootout to the Chicago Fire. Four of the tournament's final 15 games went to overtime.

In Their Own Story

The humid California air hung heavy over the Home Depot Center as the final whistle approached. Landon Donovan, breathless but eyes fixed on the ball, received a pass near the edge of the box. With a flick of his left foot, he sent the ball sailing into the top corner, silencing the D.C. United defense and igniting the home crowd. The roar that followed was not just for a goal, but for history being made in Carson.

Reader's Guide

The tournament bracket lists home teams on top. Scorelines use the standard U.S. convention of placing the home team on the right-hand side of box scores. The schedule includes a qualifying round, first round, second round, third round, fourth round, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final.

Did You Know?

• The Los Angeles Galaxy won their second Open Cup championship in 2005.
• The final was a 1–0 victory over FC Dallas.
• The Minnesota Thunder beat three MLS teams in succession to reach the semifinals.
• Four of the tournament's final 15 games went to overtime.