Having already clinched a playoff spot, D.C. United again turns its attention to the U.S. Open Cup and what would be the team’s first trophy of the 2006 season.
“It’s been made pretty clear last year we were pretty unhappy not to get any silverware, any trophies out of the whole season,” said United forward Alecko Eskandarian. “Our goal this season was to try to get all of them, this being one of them.”
A win earns United a trip to face either the Los Angeles Galaxy or Houston Dynamo in the final on Sept. 23.
D.C. will take a full-strength roster to Chicago, but its injured list continues to grow.
“My injuries are definitely taking a toll on me to the point where I’m probably playing at 80 percent,” said Eskandarian.
The status of Jaime Moreno (knee) is also in doubt after missing training Tuesday, all of which leaves room for players like rookie Rod Dyachenko, a surprise starter in D.C.’s quarterfinal win.
“There will be changes, that’s for sure,” said United head coach Peter Nowak on Tuesday. “We have another important game on the weekend. We have to see who is ready to play. Iwill play the guys who are 100 percent fit and ready to play.”
Note
United forward Christian Gomez was named MLS player of the week for his two-performance in United’s 2-1 win over Chivas USA on Sunday.
U.S. OPEN CUP SEMIFINALS
» Who: D.C. United at Chicago Fire
» Where: Toyota Park, Bridgeview, Ill.
» When: Tonight, 8:30
» TV: None
» Radio: dcunited.com
