After being played even for much of its third round match with the amateur Ocean City Barons, the fully professional D.C. United scored two late goals to advance in the U.S. Open Cup. Despite the score, United did not dominate the field of play, unable to organize a sustained attack with many starters being rested or out due to injury.
United's game winner came in the 74th minute off a penalty kick from usual starter turned reserve Christian Gomez. The PK was called after Barons goalkeeper Tunde Ogunbiyi flipped Gomez up and over in an attempt to stop a scoring drive. Otherwise, Ogunbiyi largely thwarted United on the night. The second goal came from DCU reserve Ange N'Silu in second half stoppage time.
The bizarre moment of the match occurred in the second half when Ocean City coach Neil Holloway was thrown off the sideline for arguing with an official, subsequently being escorted out by a police officer when he refused an order to depart.
After an MLS game against Columbus this Independence Day, D.C. United will meet the Harrisburg City Islanders in a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal next Tuesday night, also at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Harrisburg upset a similarly depleted New England MLS squad this week in extra time.
______________________Labels: d.c. united, men's pro soccer, sports
