The Pioneer Cup: A tribute to Lamar Hunt
FC Dallas and the Columbus Crew are two clubs with an undeniable connection. Both franchises are integral parts of the legacy of American sports pioneer Lamar Hunt. While the Crew represents Hunt’s initial investment and belief in the potential of Major League Soccer, FC Dallas represents his vision for the growth of soccer in his hometown – a dream that dates back to his 1967 NASL venture.
Lamar Hunt’s vision for soccer in North America lives on every time a match is played at Columbus Crew Stadium and Pizza Hut Park, two of the first three soccer-specific stadiums built in the United States. Both stadiums memorialize Hunt with 10-foot tall statues of the visionary, and both clubs honor his legacy by wearing the emblem with the initials “LH” on the back of their jerseys.
This Saturday, FC Dallas and the Columbus Crew will pay tribute to the legacy of Lamar Hunt once again when they meet in the second leg of the 2011 Pioneer Cup at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco (8:00 p.m. CT, FSSW+).
Here's how the two clubs match up.
 |
Accomplishment |  |
| 0 | MLS Cup | 1 (2008) |
| 0 | Supporters Shield | 3 (2004, 2008, 2009) |
| 1 (2010) | Conference Championship | 1 (2008) |
| 1 (1997) | Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Championship |
1 (2002) |
| 201 | Franchise Wins | 199 |
| 53 | All-Time Head-to-Head Goals | 54 |
| 12-4-14 (50 pts) | 2010 Record | 14-8-8 (50 pts) |
| MLS Cup Final | 2010 Playoff Result | MLS Cup Quarter-finals |
| 15-16-8 | Head-to-Head Record | 16-15-8 |
| 2002 | Year Acquired/Founded by Hunt Sports Group |
1994 |
| 2005 | Year Moved into Soccer-Specific Stadium |
1999 |
| Approximately 2,000 | Number of Players enrolled in Youth system |
Approximately 3,000 |
|
2011 Season Stats |
|
| 9-4-4 (31 pts) |
Overall Record | 6-4-6 (24 pts) |
| 2nd - Western Conference |
Conference Position | 2nd - Eastern Conference |
| 24 | Goals |
20 |
| 79 | Shots on Goal | 69 |
| Brek Shea (7) | Goals Leader | Andres Mendoza (7) |
| Andrew Jacobson and Marvin Chavez (4) | Assists Leader | Dilly Duka and Justin Meram (2) |
| 1.38 | Goals Against Average | 1.36 |
| 8 | Shutouts | 5 |