It was a loss that epitomized D.C. United’s disappointing 2005 season.
Matched against F.C. Dallas in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals at Maryland SoccerPlex last August, United dominated much of the game. But leading, 1-0, it all unraveled late. First, United’s Dema Kovalenko was ejected; then Brian Carroll missed a sitter with just moments remaining. Dallas striker Carlos Ruiz equalized just seconds from the final whistle, and hometown forward Abe Thompson (Maryland/W.T. Woodson High) sealed the visitors’ victory in the penalty shootout.
“That still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. That’s something that I hope not to repeat,” said United defender Bryan Namoff, who will likely be among a formidable first 11 when United returns to SoccerPlex this evening to host the Columbus Crew in the U.S. Open Cup’s fourth round. “I don’t think we’ve really done that well in the Open Cup the last few years so I think that’s one of goals, to be competitive, because we’re as good as any team to win that.”
Namoff puts it lightly. D.C. United has struggled in the Open Cup since winning the title its inaugural season in 1996. It hasn’t beaten another MLS team in the tournament since 1997.
Tonight’s winner will face Red Bull New York or the minor-league Wilmington Hammerheads in the quarterfinals on Aug. 23.
Many MLS teams field weaker sides earlier in the tournament. Most of D.C.’s reserves played on Sunday in reserve league match Sunday in Salt Lake City. Other than the seven players appearing in the MLS All-Star game this weekend, United won’t play again until it travels to Seattle next week to face Real Madrid.
The U.S. Open Cup is the oldest team competition in the United States, dating back to 1914. It is a knockout tournament modeled after the English Football Association Cup and nearly exactly like it — except for being virtually unknown outside of the American soccer community. It is open to all amateur and professional teams affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation.
Play begins with regional qualifying for teams affiliated with the United States Adult Soccer Association then adds minor-league teams from the United Soccer Leagues and the Premier Development League. MLS clubs have byes in the early rounds, and some games are played in smaller venues due to interest and scheduling.
Players on the Open Cup’s winning team split $100,000 and claim the Dewar Cup, with the runner-up getting $50,000. MLS teams have won the competition the past six years and in nine of the past 10 years.
D.C. United (13-2) vs. Columbus Crew (4-9)
» What: U.S. Open quarterfinal
» Where: Maryland SoccerPlex, Germantown
» When: Tonight,7:30
