US Open Cup Update

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Tough Night for MLS Sides as Four of Six are Eliminated

June 30

MLS sides found the going tough in the US Open Cup. At the Marina Auto Stadium in Rochester, Columbus Crew had midfielder Alex Grendi sent off in the 56th minute against Rochester Raging Rhinos. Ty Harden, on loan from the Colorado Rapids, had put the Rhinos ahead in the 31st minute but New Zealand international Duncan Oughton equalised for Columbus five minutes later. It went to penalties and the USL Rhinos triumphed 5-3 to cap a a memorable victory over their MLS opponents.

Kansas City stormed into a two goal lead in 18 minutes when Michael Kraus and an Abe Thompson penalty seemed to have killed Minnesota’s challenge early. However two penalties from Ricardo Sanchez pulled Thunder back into the match at the National Sports Center in Blaine. Kansas went ahead in extra time but Thunder scored a late equaliser three minutes from the end of the extra half hour to send the game to penalties. In the shoot out however, Kansas City survived to win 4-2 and become only the second MLS side to progress.

USL Charleston Battery thumped Chivas USA 3-1 in another tie, while Wilmington Hammerheads beat the Chicago Fire 1-0, but some MLS pride was saved by DC United who beat the Ocean City Barons 2-0.

Harrisburg City Islanders beat the New England Revs 2-1 after extra time. Austin Aztex play their first ever competitive Texas derby against the Houston Dynamo tomorrow night while everyone in the Pacific Northwest is waiting for the clash between the Portland Timbers and Sounders FC at PGE Park.