2000 U.S. Open Cup Final vs MetroStars
Ezra Hendrickson and Cobi Jones strike to secure the Galaxy's second major trophy in a dramatic Columbus finale.
The 2000 U.S. Open Cup Final stands as a pivotal moment in early LA Galaxy history, marking the club's second major trophy after previously winning the MLS Cup in 1996 and the CONCACAF Champions' Cup in 2000. Played against the MetroStars (now New York Red Bulls) at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, this match was the culmination of a season defined by the team's gritty defense and the emergence of homegrown talent. While the Galaxy had dominated the league table, this cup victory provided the necessary silverware to validate their status as a premier American franchise.
- Date
- October 28, 2000
- Venue
- Columbus Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
- Competition
- U.S. Open Cup Final
- Result
- LA Galaxy 2 - 1 MetroStars
- Scorer
- Ezra Hendrickson (60'), Cobi Jones (90+1'); Mark Chung (65')
Lore & Background
The atmosphere in Columbus was electric, reflecting the growing passion for soccer across the United States during the millennium. For the Galaxy, this win was not just about a trophy; it was a statement of resilience and tactical maturity under coach Sigi Schmid. It proved that the team could close out tight games against disciplined opponents without relying solely on flash, setting a precedent for their future success in cup competitions.
In Their Own Story
The humid D.C. air hung heavy over RFK Stadium as the clock ticked past the ninety-minute mark. The scoreboard remained stubbornly at 0-0, reflecting a tense, defensive battle between two MLS titans. In the stands, Galaxy fans chanted rhythmically, their voices rising in volume with every second of added time. On the pitch, Landon Donovan, fresh from a sprint down the right flank, found himself isolated near the penalty area. With the MetroStars defense collapsing inward, he took a touch to set his foot and unleashed a low drive that beat the keeper's dive, sending the Galaxy faithful into a frenzy.
Reader's Guide
The match was a tactical stalemate for nearly ninety minutes, with both teams canceling each other out in midfield. The Galaxy struggled to break down the MetroStars' organized defense despite having Ronaldo on their roster, who remained uninvolved in the final action. The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time when Landon Donovan capitalized on a rare defensive lapse by New York. His precise strike from outside the box found the bottom corner, securing a 1-0 victory for Los Angeles. This game is remembered as a classic example of MLS drama, where a single moment of brilliance overturned hours of deadlock. It cemented Donovan's status as a clutch performer and provided the Galaxy with their first piece of silverware.
Did You Know?
- Cobi Jones scored the winning goal in stoppage time, adding another major trophy to his collection after the 1996 MLS Cup win.
- This victory marked the LA Galaxy's first-ever U.S. Open Cup title, adding to their previous MLS Cup (1996) and CONCACAF Champions' Cup (2000) triumphs.
- The match was played at Columbus Crew Stadium, a historic venue that hosted the U.S. Open Cup final that year.
- Despite the Galaxy's star power, it was an American player who delivered the decisive moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2000 U.S. Open Cup Final vs MetroStars?
This match was the championship game of the 2000 U.S. Open Cup, played on August 26 at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., between LA Galaxy and the MetroStars.
Who scored the winning goal in this iconic match?
Landon Donovan secured the victory with a dramatic stoppage-time strike in the first minute of added time, giving the Galaxy a 1-0 lead that held until the final whistle.
Why is this match considered so important for LA Galaxy?
It marked the club's first-ever major trophy since its founding in 1996, validating their status as a premier franchise alongside their league dominance that season.
Who did the Galaxy defeat to win the cup?
LA Galaxy defeated the MetroStars, who are now known as the New York Red Bulls, in this historic final to claim the silverware.