By IVES GALARCEP
It is hard to argue the fact that the 2013 MLS season has been a nightmare for D.C. United, but their dream run through the U.S. Open Cup has provided a much-needed consolation for the floundering club.
D.C. was expected to see that run end on Wednesday night at Toyota Park against a surging Chicago Fire side playing at home, but Ben Olsen’s side went away from the expected script yet again.
Goals from Dwayne DeRosario and Nick DeLeon, coupled with some strong defending, helped D.C. earn a 2-0 victory over the Fire to secure their place in the 2013 U.S. Open Cup Final. They will face Real Salt Lake in the final on Oct. 1st at Rio Tinto Stadium after RSL’s 2-1 victory over the Portland Timbers on Wednesday night.
The Fire-D.C. match was a back-and-forth affair, and looked to be a scoreless stalemate heading into halftime before a Sean Johnson blunder opened the door for D.C. A deflected DeLeon shot floated in the air to Johnson, who mishandled it in the penalty area. The ball fell to DeRosario, who quickly deposited the chance to make it 1-0.
Before the Fire could really mount a comeback, DeLeon made it 2-0 just three minutes into the second half, finishing off a pass from James Riley.
Chicago pushed hard to get back into the match, but never could break through the D.C. United defense, with Perry Kitchen providing a vital goal-line clearance on an Austin Berry chance in the 78th minute.
D.C. United goalkeeper Joe Willis makes six saves to record the shutout and book D.C. United’s fifth trip to the U.S. Open Cup Final, and first trip since 2009. D.C. United won the tournament in both 1996 and 2008.
As bad as the play was at times, I am ecstatic that my team has something to play for this season.
I have said all season at this team (albeit with lots if new faces now) was better than its record showed. Hope they can win the Cup and prove my point! Vamos united
this is what the team couldve looked like if ben/kasper hadnt chosen pajoy as our go-to guy
when you can score goals everyone looks better and plays with confidence
DC United are two time USOC (National) Champions however they are not “defending” champions as stated at the end of the article. I am looking forward to the final.
Does anyone know what happens as far as CL participation if Let’s say RSL wins USOC and then wins Supporters’ Shield? Does DCU go to CCL or SS runner-up? And then similarly, what happens if they win USOC, don’t win SS and lose in the MLS Cup?
Per Wikipedia, if RSL were to win the U.S. Open Cup and also get to the MLS Finals (both finalists qualify, not just the winner), then the next qualifying team is the team with the best MLS regular season record who didn’t otherwise qualify. So, no DCU.
Thanks VA Law! This is a relief for me as a fan of MLS and US teams. We all know that things can change, but as of today, I would much rather have the SS runner-up than DCU in 2014-2015 CONCACAF CL.
look i understand that DC sucks right now
but has ANY mls team ever avoided embarassing collapse in CCL?
its not like we could do worse…
-1
As a MLS fan, I think RSL will represent MLS a little better in the champions league.
They probably would. However, for a we know, DCU might be a better team than RSL come a year from now. Unlikely, but its too early to tell.
As a D.C. Fan, your point sucks.
LOL +1
Very well put and might I add very insightful. Speaking on behalf of As DCU fans, no gives a d@mn what you think!
+13 trophies
Uff FREAKIN’ DA!
That was actually more sarcasm than serious, but whatever. Should have used a 😉 face I guess……
Just to clarify, I wiz talkin to Derrick.
Nick Rimando is the man (again)!
Best of luck to them in the Rio Tinto Cup final.