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The Kansas City Wizards won the competition named after the club's owner, 1-0 on a golden goal over the Chicago Fire. The Wizards controlled much of the first half trying to create chances using long balls, but Chicago still managed to nearly tale the lead instead, most notably on Logan Pause's low shot in the 43rd minute went past the post. Kansas City came out in the second half looking to take the lead. Davy Arnaud just missing the post, and Kerry Zavagnin denied by Fire goalkeeper Henry Ring. The Fire exerted control over the final 20 minutes of normal time, as Andy Williams tried to connect with Dipsy Selolwane on some through balls, only to be broken up most times by Nick Garcia. Diego Gutierrez had a chance to win the game in regulation for KC but Ring forced Gutierrez to shoot wide of the goal. Five minutes into extra time, Josh Wolff was brought down by Evan Whitfield about 19 yards out of the goal. Igor Simutenkov, who had come on as a sub to start the second half, stepped up and fired a low shot past the wall. Ring managed to only get a partial touch on the ball, sending it off the underside of the crossbar and over the line, to the delight of the 8,819 in attendance at Arrowhead Stadium. The win marks Kansas City's second major championship in club history, along with their 2000 MLS Cup victory, which also was at the expense of Chicago, 1-0.
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final Arrowhead Stadium - Kansas City, Missouri Kansas City Wizards 1-0 Chicago Fire
Scoring
Match Reports - Kansas City Wizards, US Soccer
Kansas City Wizards Tony Meola (GK), Alex Zotinca, Jimmy Conrad, Nick Garcia, Jose Burciaga Jr., Francisco Gomez (Igor Simutenkov 46'), Jack Jewsbury (Taylor Graham 68'), Kerry Zavagnin, Diego Gutierrez, Josh Wolff, Davy Arnaud. Cautions: 80' Diego Gutierrez Ejections: None Shots 15, Saves 1, Fouls 16, Corners 1, Offside 4
Chicago Fire Henry Ring (GK), C.J. Brown, Jim Curtin, Evan Whitfield, Kelly Gray, Logan Pause (Chris Armas 88'), Jesse Marsch, Andy Williams, Dipsy Selolwane, Nate Jaqua, Damani Ralph. Cautions: 21' Logan Pause Ejections: None Shots 9, Saves 4, Fouls 25, Corners 8, Offside 2
Referee -
Terry Vaughn |