Sweet win tonight at RFK for D.C. United, who won their second U.S. Open Cup title 2-1 over the Charleston (SC) Battery. D.C. United took a 1-0 lead 4 minutes into the game on a goal by Luciano Emilio. Charleston answered back in the 10th minute on a goal by Ian Fuller. In the second half Fred got the game winner for United in the 50th minute.
The U.S. Open Cup is the U.S. Soccer Federation’s National Championship. It is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. It is the oldest annual team tournament in U.S. sports history and among the oldest soccer tournaments of its type in the world.
D.C. United's last championship prior to tonight was the 2004 MLS Cup win over Kansas City.
While the team is struggling in MLS this season, it's nice to see this team gel and win a championship. Hopefully this win will boost their confidence headed into the last games of the season and they can seal a berth in the MLS playoffs.
Charleston plays in the USL1, an hour or so drive from my Mom's house. I think a visit to Blackbaud Stadium where the Battery play is in the cards for us next time we visit Mom.
Recap here
Spend some time at Behind the Badge for a recap and photos.
I've asked friends of mine who were at the game to comment as I want to archive this. Benjamin and I watched the match last night until his bed time and when he's old enough to read and understand this, he can see what this means to United and the supporters.
3 comments:
An electric atmosphere that I hope came through the screen. I'm proud to know that you're son is learning about what it means to bond with a larger group through your example, Bill.
Peace.
Benjamin loved watching the game, screaming Fred, Fred, Fred! after the goal. Since we took him to the 6/29 Galaxy game, he's developing a real interest in the sport and it is a lot of fun explaining the game to him via TV games, Matt's photos and kicking the ball back and forth.
Benjamin, this was a special trophy for United. The Open Cup is the second oldest Cup in the World and is one of my favorite things in soccer. It was also special because we have a long friendship with Charleston and their fans so it was a really special to meet them in a Cup final. It isn't likely to happen again soon!
Trophies don't always come every year so each one is precious. I'm sure in your lifetime you'll see the Black and Red win many, many more.
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