The 2005 US Open Cup Final is set. On September 28th, FC Dallas will square off against the Los Angeles Galaxy at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.
Ronnie O’Brien’s 20th minute goal was the difference as FC Dallas defeated the three-time Open Cup champion Chicago Fire 1-0. Chicago was hoping to advance to their fifth Open Cup Final appearance in their eight-year history, but they were unable to capitalize on a man advantage for the majority of the second half.
This is FC Dallas’ first trip to the Open Cup Final since 1997 when they, known at the time as the Dallas Burn, lifted the trophy after penalty shootout against DC United.
At the Home Depot Center, the Galaxy ended the Minnesota Thunder’s cinderella run just after midnight (Eastern Time) with a 5-2 victory. Landon Donovan had a goal and an assist in the first half and veteran Cobi Jones added two assists to lead the way.
The win also signified the end of a legendary career with Thunder manager Buzz Lagos set to retire at season’s end. The Thunder defeated three MLS teams (Real Salt Lake, Colorado and Kansas City) on their way to their best Open Cup finish ever. Minnesota also walks away with the $10,000 prize for the best finish for a USL First Division club.
This is the third appearance in the championship game in the last five years for the Galaxy, who won the tournament in 2001, and were the runner-up in 2002. They hosted the 2001 championship where they defeated New England 2-1, but this will be the first time that the Home Depot Center will be the host of an Open Cup Final.
The time of the kickoff is not yet determined, but what is known is that the game will be broadcast live on GolTV. The winner of the US Open Cup receives a $100,000 prize, and the runner-up receives $50,000.
O’Brien leads FCD to Open Cup Final - MLSnet.com
September 14, 2005 - Semifinal
Pizza Hut Park - Frisco, Texas
FC Dallas 1-0 Chicago Fire
Goals: 20’ Ronnie O’Brien (DAL)
Lineups
FC Dallas: Scott Garlick - GK, Bobby Rhine, Steve Jolley, Greg Vanney, David Wagenfuhr,
Ronnie O’Brien, Simo Valakari, Mark Wilson, Ramon Nunez, Roberto Mina, Carlos Ruiz,
Chicago: Zach Thornton - GK, Logan Pause, Samuel Caballero, Gonzalo Segares, Ivan Guerrero,
John Thorrington, Chris Armas, Jesse Marsch, Justin Mapp, Lubos Reiter, Chris Rolfe
Substitutions
FC Dallas: 61’ Drew Moor for Roberto Mina, 69’ Aaron Pitchkolan for Ramon Nunez,
80’ Carey Talley for Mark Wilson, 90’+ Chris Gbandi for Bobby Rhine
Chicago: 63’ Thiago for Jesse Marsch, 70’ Andy Herron for Chris Rolfe,
70’ Tony Sanneh for Logan Pause, 81’ Will Johnson for John Thorrington
Discipline
Cautions: 16’ Simo Valakari (DAL), 17’ Jesse Marsch (CHI), 21’ Gonzalo Segares (CHI),
44’ Samuel Caballero (CHI), 55; Simo Valakari (DAL), 90’ Gonzalo Segares (CHI)
Expulsions: 55’ Simo Valakari (DAL), Gonzalo Segares (CHI)
Match Stats
Shots: DAL 9, CHI 16 Saves: DAL 4, CHI 4 Fouls: DAL 20, CHI 16
Offside: DAL 5, CHI 6 Corners: DAL 3, CHI 7
Referee: Baldomero Toledo
Assistant Referees: Robert Fereday, Fabio Tovar
Att: 7,311
September 14, 2005 - Semifinal
The Home Depot Center - Carson, California
Los Angeles Galaxy 5-2 Minnesota Thunder
Goals: 29’ Landon Donovan (LAG), 44’ Herculez Gomez (LAG), 54’ Johnny Menyongar (MIN)(,
77’ Tyrone Marshall (LAG), 81’ Herculez Gomez (LAG), 82’ Joseph Ngwenya (LAG),
85’ Chad Dombrowsli (MIN)
Lineups
LOS ANGELES: Kevin Hartman - GK, Michael Umana, Chris Albright, Tyrone Marshall, Pablo Chinchilla,
Peter Vagenas, Ned Grabavoy, Cobi Jones, Paulo Nagamura; Landon Donovan, Herculez Gomez
MINNESOTA: Joe Warren - GK, Nathan Knox, Chris Brunt, Chad Dombrowski, Freddy Juarez,
Jeff Matteo, Godfrey Tenoff, Jay Alberts, Matt Schmidt, John Menyongar, Melvin Tarley
Substitutions
Los Angeles: 46’ Guillermo Remirez for Ned Grabavoy, 66’ Joseph Ngwenya for Peter Vagenas,
71’ Troy Alberts for Pablo Chinchilla, 85’ Alan Gordon for Herculez Gomez
Minnesota: 58’ Tighe Dombrowski for Godfrey Tenoff, 74’ Kevin Frieldand for Matt Schmidt,
78’ Aaron Paye for Freddy Juarez, 88’ Michael Wilson for Chad Dombrowski
Discipline
Cautions: 2’ Pablo Chinchilla (LAG), 41’ Cobi Jones (LAG),
52’ Godfrey Tenoff (MIN), 68’ Chad Dombrowski (MIN)
Expulsions: None
Match Stats
Shots: LAG 22, MIN 11 Saves: LAG 2, MIN 5 Fouls: LAG 13, MIN 11
Offside: LAG 2, MIN 4 Corners: LAG 6, MIN 3
Referee: Jair Marrufo
Assistant Referees: Jose Corro, Emilano Monje
Att: 4,373
