Audi Field – Washington, D.C.
Kickoff: June 19 – 7 p.m. ET
BROADCAST: ESPN+
By Michael Stewart Allen
New York City FC finally got the US Open Cup monkey off their back last week when they defeated North Carolina FC 4-0 in the Fourth Round. It was the first tournament win for the club after four straight one-and-done entries since the club launched in 2015. Now the club must make a trip to nation’s capital to face a very good D.C. United team looking for a win of their own.
Domenec Torrent’s men are in good form of late, having not lost a game in 11 matches. Last week, the NYCFC coach relied on younger players to get him though the match-up and they performed beautifully. Keaton Parks was a true stand out scoring two goals and helping dominate the midfield. He will likely be back on the starting sheet again alongside Maxi Moralez. The question is who else will fill out the pitch. It is likely that Anton Tinnerholm returns again in the center back position and Tony Rocha take up post at left back. The two performed very well against North Carolina but they will face a different kind of test against DC.
D.C. United needed two late overtime goals to defeat Philadelphia 2-1 last week to advance to the Round of 16. They are very good at home, boasting a seven-game unbeaten streak in the Open Cup dating back to 2013, and should have a great fan base there to back them up. Wayne Rooney is insisting that he will play in this match and could give the piecemeal back line of NYCFC real problems. If Luciano Acosta joins in, then it could be a hard test for the boys in blue.
This promises to be a game to watch with lots of goals coming from several different positions. NYCFC have one of the most potent attacks in MLS right now with Alexandru Mitria, Heber, and Ismael Tajouri Shradi. United have a proven cup champion in Wayne Rooney who showed no signs of pressure icing Philadelphia last week. They game will be fast paced and fun with both sides having an equal chance at winning. D.C. are one of the most successful teams in the history of the Open Cup though, capturing the title three times and finishing as runners up twice. It will be a good one.
US OPEN CUP HISTORY
New York City FC (MLS)
5th US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 1-3-1 (0-1 PK)
Away: 0-2-1 (0-1 PK)
MLS: 0-2-0
Best finish: TBD (2019)
D.C. United (MLS)
21st US Open Cup appearance
Overall: 33-13-7 (3-4 PK)
Home: 24-5-4 (1-3 PK)
MLS: 11-9-3 (0-3 PK)
Best finish: US Open Cup champions (1996, 2008, 2013)
