Pair Of MLS Teams Score US Open Cup Upsets

In a sign that the US Open Cup has become more of an afterthought than ever to MLS clubs, four of the top-flight's six teams in action on Tuesday night were unceremoniously dumped out of the tournament in the third round. It's gotten to the point where it could be considered an upset when a lower-division opponent actually loses to an MLS club.


Let's recap Tuesday's "upsets":

First, defending champions DC United outlasted powerhouse club Ocean City Barons, stunning all in attendance by walking away with a 2-0 victory over the amateur side. After holding the Barons scoreless for the first two-thirds of the match, the referee awarded the underdogs a penalty kick in the 75th minute, which was buried by United's Christian Gomez. Despite a fierce Barons push for an equalizer, United stunned observers by tallying for a second goal in stoppage time when Ange N'Silu tapped home a rebound off a Gomez free kick, putting the game out of reach.

For their hard work, DC United has earned a matchup with the Harrisburg City Islanders in the tournament's next round, a match in which United will again be considered long-shots to win. But for now, they will celebrate their historic victory over the Ocean City Barons, a well-earned result that will go down as one of the biggest upsets in club history.

In the night's other shocker, the Kansas City Wizards squeaked by the Minnesota Thunder, winning 4-2 on penalty kicks after regulation and two added-time periods couldn't separate the clubs. The Thunder clearly underestimated their opponent and were perhaps looking past them early on, giving up two goals within the game's first twenty minutes.

As the game progressed, Minnesota hit the panic button, fighting back to score two goals of their own (both from the penalty spot) to send the game into added-time. In the first of two extra periods, the Wizards again found the back of the net, but Minnesota answered back in the second period, leaving the game to be decided on penalty kicks. Kansas City goalkeeper Boris Pardo proved to be the hero, stymying Jeremiah Bass and Dale Weiler on back-to-back attempts in the PK session. The Wizards converted all four of their attempts, bringing the game to an unlikely conclusion and sending Kansas City to the next round, where they will either face the Portland Timbers or Seattle Sounders FC.

There were no other upsets in Tuesday's night's action.

Rochester Rhinos 1 : 1 Columbus Crew
- Rochester advances 5-3 in PKs.

Wilmington Hammerheads 1 : 0 Chicago Fire

New England Revolution 1 : Harrisburg City Islanders 2

Charleston Battery 3 : Chivas USA 1


There are two games on the docket for Wednesday night, as the upstart Houston Dynamo will look to continue their magical run in the tournament, but will have to knock off the Austin Aztex in order to advance, and the Portland Timbers will have their hands full with the gritty Seattle Sounders FC coming to town.