2007 U.S. Open Cup Championship

Lore & Background

The defining moment arrived in extra time when Landon Donovan scored the decisive third goal, sealing a 3-1 victory. However, this triumph did not complete a domestic double—the Galaxy had lost the 2007 MLS Cup final to the Houston Dynamo on November 18. The win highlighted the team's depth and tactical flexibility under coach Sigi Schmid, with Chris Klein and an own goal by Jeff Parke providing the other scores.

In Their Own Story

The humid air of Carson hung heavy over Home Depot Center as the clock ticked past the ninety-minute mark. The stadium was a sea of yellow and blue, roaring for a miracle after New York had taken a shock lead. Then, Landon Donovan received the ball on the edge of the box. With the weight of the season on his shoulders, he drove forward, weaving through defenders with practiced ease. A sudden shift of the ball, a precise finish into the far corner—the roar was deafening. It wasn't just a goal; it was the sound of history being written in extra time.

Reader's Guide

The 2007 season was a landmark year for LA Galaxy, culminating in a historic domestic double that solidified their status as MLS royalty. The U.S. Open Cup run saw the team navigate through lower-division sides before facing the formidable New York Red Bulls in the final. Landon Donovan was the undisputed architect of this victory, scoring two crucial goals in the final match to lead his side from behind. His performance earned him the Landon Donovan MVP Award for the tournament, highlighting his individual brilliance within a collective triumph. This championship marked the Galaxy's fourth U.S. Open Cup title, extending their record as one of the most successful clubs in the competition's history at that time. The victory also set the stage for an unforgettable summer, proving that the Galaxy could dominate on multiple fronts simultaneously.

Did You Know?

• Despite winning the U.S. Open Cup, the Galaxy did not complete a domestic double in 2007—they lost the MLS Cup final to the Houston Dynamo.
• Landon Donovan scored one goal in the final (the decisive third in extra time); the other goals came from Chris Klein and an own goal by the Red Bulls' Jeff Parke.
• No official MVP award was given for the 2007 U.S. Open Cup final or tournament.
• The 2007 title was the Galaxy's second U.S. Open Cup win, following their first in 2001.