The Chicago Fire won their 3rd Open Cup title with a 1–0 victory over the MetroStars in the final at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Chicago missed out on a domestic treble (with the Supporters' Shield) when the Fire lost MLS Cup 2003.
The Open Cup tournament was dominated by MLS squads, as only two non-MLS teams reached the quarterfinals.
The Pro Select League's Wilmington Hammerheads were the story of the tournament, winning four straight games to reach the quarterfinals, including a 4-1 thrashing of MLS side Dallas Burn.
Home teams listed on top of bracket Note: Scorelines use the standard U.S. convention of placing the home team on the right-hand side of box scores.