United Captures Open Cup, Ends Battery's Run 2-1

Even before the kickoff, home field advantage bode well for United, as hosting sides had won eight of the last ten Open Cup finals and were 23-9-6 in this year's competition. La Barra Brava ensured that advantage, flying tall banners depicting "RFK Fortress," mocking the Battery right from the warmups. The South Carolinian outfit did bring a small contingency of fans waving their side's black and yellow, and was certainly no stranger to top flight competition, defeating a pair of MLS sides in the Houston Dynamo (1-1, 4-3 PKs), and FC Dallas (3-1) to get to the Cup final. But oddly, Battery manager Mike Anhaeuser opted to leave midfielder and his squad's leading 2008 Open Cup scorer Darren Spicer (four goals) on his bench at the beginning of the game, instead opting for a three-forward formation - likely looking to keep offensive pressure on United's midfield.

The first half was like watching a flower bloom immediately — only to have it quickly crushed under a barrage of sloppy feet. It took only four minutes for United's attack to grow to fruition. Emilio engaged his penchant for scoring early goals, when, in the fourth minute, United surged forward and Guerrero played a nice back heel flick on to the feet of Moreno, who was toppled over — but the referee played the advantage and Emilio sliced home a superb, off-balance strike from the top of the area, just grazing keeper Dusty Hudock's fingertips on its way to the back of the net. Unfortunately for United, Emilio had to make way mere minutes later after aggravating a groin strain. He made way for Rod Dyachenko, who lacked the touch of the in-form Emilio and eventually left the match for Marcello Gallardo in the second half.

Any nerves that the Battery may have had dissipated shortly though, as a pretty ball through the midfield found its way past defender Marc Burch and to Charleston winger Chris Williams. Williams's resulting back pass led the ball to the feet of striker Ian Fuller, who slotted a shot past goalie Louis Crayton to equalize. At 1-1, the game reverted back to its initial awkwardness. Players on each side were often caught out of position in the first half, as neither team seemed to be able to decide between hyper-aggressively lunging into passing lanes, or sitting back conservatively to strike on the counter. United's frustration began to show, when, in the 35th minute, Gonzalo Martinez was stripped of the ball, and made a sloppy tackle to attempt to retrieve possession. Referee Mark Geiger didn't hesitate to show yellow, but the card motivated D.C. Moreno curled his run and found space, almost squeezing a shot under Hudock. Fred entered in the 40th minute for Joe Vide (hamstring strain), and right before the interval, a lofted lead pass from Moreno found his boot - but his delicate chip was just high and wide.

The second half was nothing but deja vu for United, chippy and then, boom, a goal — but this time, the Battery had no immediate answer. Simms was cautioned, again motivating the team, and then, revelation: Fred broke free suddenly down the right side, brazenly challenged Hudock, and easily bagged his first Cup marker to put United back into the lead, 2-1. Just like their semifinal match against New England, D.C. found spaces as the Battery pushed their three forwards up into full attack mode, but with Emilio out, they lacked the final control needed to strike the all important third goal.

United saved their most competent defense for the final third, finally settling into the correct rhythm of playing the passing lanes so that Charleston had nowhere to go upon committal. The Battery's super-sub Spicer made his entrance in the 73rd, and immediately entered the fray for an equalizer. With four constantly attacking options at their disposal, Charleston tried to first work the wings. Then up the middle. Then, finally, the last push to tie the match. Through it all, the United back line stood firm. Who would have thought? As the final whistle blew and United stood prepared to accept their rewards, the oft-maligned defense was largely responsible.

Soehn might have wanted to keep the upcoming MLS Playoffs and the CONCACAF Champions League in focus, but basking in the glow of silverware for the first time together, the vociferous Crayton might have summed up the feeling best: "We gave everything tonight...MORE MUSIC!"