SANDY, UT – Who could have ever seen this coming? Trudging through the worst season in franchise (and possibly league) history, D.C. United somehow, someway, managed to win the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday evening. A stunning 1-0 victory over Real Salt Lake capped off an improbable run to the title, shedding a bit of light on an otherwise horrific campaign.
The Open Cup is an annual tournament that pits teams from all walks of life against each other. Any club affiliated with the U.S. Soccer Federation can compete – from amateur and lower tier sides all the way up to Major League Soccer franchises. United has now won the competition three times in its 17-year history.
As the final whistle blew last night, players and coaches streamed onto the playing field, mobbing their teammates. Head coach Ben Olsen got the traditional gatorade shower, while United co-owner Will Chang found himself thrown skywards by a group of players. Tears were shed, embraces exchanged. Chest bumping abounded.
Some twenty minutes later, after a post-game medal and trophy presentation, the party moved to the locker room. Countless bottles of champagne and beer were sprayed about. United midfielder John Thorrington cleared the media aside, then dove headfirst onto the plastic sheeting that covered the floor, which he used as an impromptu slip n’ slide.
D.C. United, at least for one night, were happy. It was a strange – and very refreshing – sight to see.
“I’m so happy for the fans and the players and the organization for hanging in there,” said an elated Ben Olsen. “I think that we’ve done a good job this year of sticking together. The wheels never fell off and there were a lot of times when they could’ve when you go through this much turmoil within the league. It’s tough to stay together but they did that—the fans didn’t turn us off, and the organization supported us. And now we’ve found a way to get something positive out of a really tough season.”
Something positive indeed. The Open Cup title – United’s 13th major trophy (no MLS team has more) – gives United a berth in next years CONCACAF Champions League competition, and also puts some loot in their pockets. The $250,000 take from the tournament will be split among 25 or so players.
Facing an RSL side that sits atop the Western Conference, D.C. executed their game plan to perfection. It was a classic rope-a-dope. United surrendered 70 percent of possession, yet simultaneously managed to frustrate RSL, forcing them to the wings and disrupting their play through midfield. The black and red only needed one chance, and they got it just before halftime.
Thorrington cut in from the left and played a driven cross into the penalty area. RSL defender Carlos Salcedo failed to clear the ball from danger, playing it instead to an onrushing Lewis Neal, who one-timed a shot from 13 yards out to the far post. RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando never really had a chance.
Neal’s goal would prove to be the winner – which is good, because his shot on goal was United’s only one of the evening.
Real picked up the pace in the game’s second stanza. Sebastian Velasquez struck the crossbar in the 59th minute, while Alvaro Saborio nearly struck pay dirt nine minutes from time. After a nerve-wracking six minutes of added time – during which RSL hit the post once more – the celebration was on. D.C. United were champions.
So what now? While many players spoke of building on this – perhaps salvaging a point or two out of their last four league matches – I really got the sense on Tuesday night that most of the players were content to simply enjoy the moment.
And who can blame them? Soak it in, United. You deserve it.
