DC United 2, Philadelphia Union 1 | 2019 US Open Cup Match Recap

After lacking the final product for much of 115-plus minutes, D.C. United scored two goals in the final few minutes of extra time to earn a 2-1 win over the Philadelphia Union in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night.

The late rally came after Union youngster Anthony Fontana grabbed a 113th-minute opener, as he was slipped through by Jamiro Monteiro. But then D.C. sparked to life, previously frustrated time and time again by Philadelphia goalkeeper Matt Freese.

Their first strike came in the 118th minute when Freese flapped at a Wayne Rooney corner kick, only for extra-time substitute Chris McCann to head home at the back post.

Then Luciano Acosta barreled through the Union backline as penalty kicks loomed and was tripped up, prompting head referee to Marcos de Oliveira to give a penalty kick. Rooney, cool as ice in the 120th minute, made no mistake from the spot to make it 2-1.

The Eastern Conference sides traded chances through the first and second halves, with D.C. even twice hitting the woodwork. But no breakthrough arrived until late, providing a frantic finish to the rain-soaked match.

Goals

113' – PHI – Anthony Fontana | WATCH
118' – DC – Chris McCann | WATCH
120' – DC – Wayne Rooney (PK) | WATCH

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: The Union have finished as runners-up in the Open Cup three times, including last year’s loss to the Houston Dynamo. That elusive title remains, while D.C.'s quest for a fourth is alive and well, with their last one arriving in 2013.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: Rooney came up clutch in extra time, providing an assist and the eventual game-winner. He’s no stranger to cup games, having played in dozens while in England’s Premier League. Simply, the pressure never got to him.

Wayne Rooney tells me he absolutely wants to play in the next match “whether it’s against a USL team or an MLS team, it doesn’t matter.” Will be interesting to see how close #DCU’s 5th round match falls to their next league one. #MLS
— Pablo Iglesias Maurer (@MLSist) June 13, 2019

MAN OF THE MATCH: When Rooney stepped up the spot in the 120th minute, his attempt would either end the game or ensure penalty kicks were next. With a powerful finish, he made clear a shootout wasn't necessary.

Next Up

DC: June 18-23, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16
PHI: Wednesday, June 26 at New England Revolution (7 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada)

Jonathan Sigal -

@JonathanSigal