DC United let one get away last night, losing to FC Dallas 4-1 on penalties in US Open Cup play at the soccer complex in Germantown, Maryland. United had hoped to advance to the Open Cup semifinals for the third time in five years, and appeared to be in control, up 1-0 in the final minute as Freddy Adu sliced deep into the Dallas defense and laid a pass off to an open Brian Carroll with only the Dallas keeper to beat.

Unfortunately Carroll’s shot was wide and Dallas capitalized. Carlos Ruiz made his way towards United’s goal and put a shot by keeper Troy Perkins to tie the game just as time expired. The teams then played a scoreless 30 minute overtime which led to a penalty kick shootout. United’s John Wilson and Josh Gros both failed to convert their PK’s and when former Maryland Terrapin Abe Thompson drilled the next shot for Dallas, it was all over for DC.

United was forced to play a man down for much of the second half when Dema Kovalenko, who scored in the 47th minute, was awarded his second yellow card in the 72nd minute and ejected from the match. Kovalenko was less than pleased with referee Abiodun Okulaja. “Horrendous, horrendous refereeing,” Kovalenko told the Post. “I don’t care if I get fined or whatever. It’s unacceptable and right now it’s got to get better. Not just for our team, but for everybody. Terrible calls both ways.”

Despite the loss, there were positive signs for United. Newly signed Argentine defender Facundo Erpen made his first start for United and played the entire 120 minutes. Freddy Adu also returned to the line-up after recovering from his knee injury. He came on in the 65th minute and played well. “I felt good. I had no problems running, no problems doing anything,” Adu said.

United returns to MLS play this Saturday when they take on the first place New England.