D.C. United returns to Open Cup to defend title 2008 champions erupt for four early goals, defeat New York Red Bulls 5-3
D.C. United’s Greg Janicki battles for the ball as Chris Pontius looks on during United’s 5-3 win over the New York Red Bulls. Photo by Tony Quinn | DCUnited.com
New York Red Bulls 3:5 D.C. United 8’ - DCU | Chris Pontius (Gomez)
18’ - DCU | Thabiso Khumalo (Gomez)
21’ - DCU | Brandon Barklage (Unassisted) 26’ - DCU | Fred (Pontius)
44’ - NYR | Dane Richards (Wolyniec)
48’ - NYR | Jorge Rojas (Wolyniec) 52’ - DCU | Chris Pontius (Fred)
61’ - NYR | Jorge Rojas (PK)
The 2008 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup champions D.C. United will have a chance to defend their title after defeating the New York Red Bulls 5-3 in their final MLS play-in game. In a "Win & You’re In" game at RFK Stadium, rookie Chris Pontius led a four-goal barrage in the opening half hour of the match, and despite signs of life early in the second half, the Red Bulls were unable to recover. Pontius finished with two goals and an assist as the Black-and-Red will participate in their seventh straight Open Cup.
Thabiso "Boyzzz" Khumalo, Brandon Barklage and Fred also scored in the opening 26 minutes to put the home team up 4-0. New York battled back with goals on either side of halftime by Dane Richards and Jorge Rojas, but four minutes after the Rojas strike, Pontius added his second to increase the lead back to three. Rojas would add a penalty kick in the 61st minute, but that would be the last goal scored in an entertaining evening.
The Red Bulls fail to qualify for the tournament for the second time in the last three years, while D.C. are scheduled to begin Open Cup play in the third round on June 30.
The eighth and final MLS entry into the tournament will be determined on May 26 when the Colorado Rapids travel to Starfire Soccer Complex in Tukwila, Wash. to take on the Seattle Sounders at 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
