United to face Rochester in Open Cup
06/24/2008 9:26 PM by Kyle Sheldon
Following a 3-0 win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the Rochester Rhinos have advanced to the third round and will now face D.C. United in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play next Tuesday, July 1. The game, which will take place at the Maryland SoccerPlex, is set for a kickoff of 7:30 p.m. ET.
United and the Rhinos have met twice in Open Cup play. The first time came in the championship game back in 1996 during D.C.'s inaugural year, when United topped Rochester 3-0. The other meeting came in 2000 and saw United replicate its 3-0 win in the third round.
A perennial contender in United Soccer League's first division (USL-1), the team has struggled this year putting together a record of only 2-4-5, which places them in second to last place. Their best player seems to be Mauricio Salles, who leads the team with four goals and two assists this year.
Perhaps the most interesting story line would have been the Rhino's Steve Guppy making his way back to D.C. after spending part of 2005 with the Black-and-Red. Unfortunately for Guppy, however, the 39-year old was red carded in the 70th minute and will be ineligible for next Tuesday's match. The Englishman will likely be on the sidelines, though, as he also serves as an assistant coach.
Get your tickets for next Tuesday's game by calling the United offices at 202-587-5000.
What do you think about the U.S. Open Cup? How should Coach Soehn prioritize Tuesday's game? Would you prefer to see reserves or first-teamers?
(photo courtesy of 20 Toe Photo)
Comments
9 Comments
About This Blog | Contact Us | dcunited.com
© 2008 D.C United & MacFarlane Chang DC Soccer, LLC - All Rights Reserved
06/25/2008 3:33 AM by marksman
Play a "mostly" first squad. This tourney is gaining in importance with its awarding of a Champion's League spot. It needs to be taken seriously.
That and I have friends in Rochester that need to be reminded of their place in the pecking order.
I saw the Rhinos this spring in an exhibition up there. They are OK, at best. Guppy stood out by far. But since he won't be there, it should not be a tough game for DCU.
That noted, play the 1st squad and when a lead is in hand sub freely.
06/25/2008 7:30 AM by Section 130
Play a reserve-focused squad with a key player or two. It's going to sound snobby, but let the Columbus and Chicagos of the world worry about this issue, we've played 1 international club tournament so far, will start one 10 days after this game, and will play in another in Sept/Oct.
06/25/2008 9:48 AM by Lucius
I say mostly reserves.
I'd like to see people who are regular subs but don't see much action get a ton of time get some action, like Doe, Mediate, and Cordiero.
06/25/2008 10:16 AM by EdTheRed
I could be wrong, but I do believe that a red card is a red card is a red card, and Guppy will have to watch from the stands, like any other coach who picked up a red the previous match.
06/25/2008 10:40 AM by HeroicBlackandRed
I would hate to see another first stage knockout like last year. Also, the tournament is more important with the CL spot BUT this is still below the Superliga on priority and its a few days after a league match for what that is worth. It is hard choice but this is why having a great squad from top to bottom needs to get more attention in the league. Good luck making the right choice Tom
P.S. I am wearing my new authentic jersey today.
I LOVE THE STARS!!!
HBR
06/25/2008 11:13 AM by DC_DURSK
Lets not see what happened last year agaist Harrisburg when we started all reserves. That Champions League spot is going to be very very valuable if DC cannot get into a dec spot in the standings. I am positive though Cordeiro and Doe could put a few in the net at top together - as for Franco Niell - will he be gone before the Open Cup match? -- Maybe we can see Santino or Clyde in the match to at least fortify the MF.
06/25/2008 11:22 AM by BurchFan4
I'm hoping they give Kirk 90 minutes on the wing...I wanna see what this kid can do.. I'd start Stratford, Corderio, and Doe as well... maybe start Tino up top with Doe for a change... I'd definitely rest Gallardo, Fred, Emilio, Moreno... have them available off the bench in case of extra time or PKs or something..
06/25/2008 12:13 PM by ArlingtonforUnited
But Niell has benn scoring lately on every game and sometimes two goals.
06/25/2008 5:01 PM by KellyE
first squad for the most part, but reserve players deserve a chance too!