The 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was the 101st edition of the oldest ongoing competition in American soccer. Qualification began in November 2013 in the fifth tier. The USSF announced the tournament format on April 24, 2014.[1]
The cash prize amounts remain the same as last year. The champion receives $250,000 and the runner-up receives $60,000. Also, the team from each lower division that advanced the furthest received $15,000: Laredo Heat (USL PDL), Rochester Rhinos (USL Pro), and Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL).[citation needed]
The First Round draw was announced Thursday, April 24, 2014. A total of 16 teams will compete, ten from the fourth tier of American soccer and six from the fifth tier.
Stadium: StubHub Center Training Field Referee: Jesse Yzaguirre
Second Round
The Second Round draw was announced Thursday, April 24, 2014. A total of 48 teams will compete, including the eight winners from the first round and 40 new entries from the 3rd and 4th tiers of American soccer. The lowest ranked teams in this round are RWB Adria, Red Force FC, and PSA Elite of the 5th tier United States Adult Soccer Association.
A total of 16 teams will compete in the Fifth Round, all of which have progressed from the previous round. The lowest qualified side in this round are the Rochester Rhinos of the 3rd tier USL Professional Division.
Of the teams that qualified for the semifinals of the 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, all four come from Major League Soccer, the top tier of professional soccer in the United States.