Wednesday, August 13, 2008

D.C. United Advance to U.S. Open Cup Final

A 3-1 win over New England last night earned the United a berth in the U.S. Open Cup for the first time in 11 years and a chance to win the Cup for the first time in 12 years.

Luciano Emilio netted a brace and Santino Quaranta scored one (taking four shots on goal himself in the game) to give the United the win.

Now before we get all excited, the Revs fielded a team comprising mostly of reserves, rookies with a smattering of veterans. Wells Thompson, Shalrie Joseph, Adam Christman, and Khano Smith were the only Revs who see regular playing time, as the New England side is resting players due to their crowded schedule, including upcoming CONCACAF Champions League play (on the road in Montreal and the Carribean) as well as having just played Chicago to a loss over the weekend.

DC United on the other hand fielded their first team.

Still, a win is a win is a win. The United will play host to the USL-1's Charleston Battery on September 3 with a berth in the 2009-2010 CONCACAF Champions League on the line. This will be DC's best opportunity to earn a place in international play next year as winning the MLS Cup or the Supporter's sheild will be tough.

Hats off to the Revs though. They won't get the quadruple, but they do look like a formidable team when even their rookies make a solid go of it.

It was good to see Tino and Gonzalo Peralta back from injury.

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