DC down Union on PKs in USOC play-in round

BOYDS, Md.–D.C. Unitedadvanced in US Open Cup qualification rounds with a 4-2 win on penalty kicks over thePhiladelphia Unionafter a 2-2 draw Wednesday evening at the Maryland SoccerPlex.

The two sides exchanged first half goals, and then went scoreless until extra time when DC defenderDaniel Woolardgave his side the lead, smashing home off a goalmouth scramble. Not to be outdone, Philadephia’sBrian Carrollequalized from a corner kick in the 118th minute to force penalty kicks.

In penalties, Union forwardJack McInerneymissed a spot kick, and DC goalieBill Hamidsaved one fromRoger Torres, setting up United midfielderBranko Boskovicto seal the win. The Montenegrin obliged, sending his shot high to the right of Union goalie Faryd Mondragon.

The frenetic ending to the game was as sharp contrast to its slow start, as the two sides battled for possession in the midfield. Things picked up after the quarter-hour, and Philadelphia struck first in the 18th minute. A long throw-in from defenderSheanon Williamswasn’t properly cleared, and an unmarked Carlos Ruiz had time to settle and fire past D.C. goalie Hamid.

The home side sent numbers forward in search of an equalizer. United’sAndy Najarcreated a great chance, dribbling past Williams, only to see Faryd Mondragon snare his cross.

United eventually netted the equalizer a minute before halftime. DefenderEthan Whitehad his shot blocked off a corner, forwardJoseph Ngwenyapounced on the deflection and crossed the ball back in to an openJosh Wolff, who headed in from inside the six-yard box.

Each side had second half chances to take the lead. Sebastian Le Toux got behind the United defense on the left flank, and Hamid bobbled his low cross– though the DC defense was able to scramble clear.

Looking to break the deadlock, Najar almost gave DC the lead.

Stephen Kingfound Najar in space at the top of his box and the Honduran attacker unleashed a low shot inches wide of the far post. United kept the pressure on, as Branko Boskovic forced a save from Mondragon in the 78th minute.

Philadelphia answered back, and substituteDanny Mwangatested Hamid in the 85th minute. A wild finish to regulation saw Philadelphia go down to ten men when Carlos Valdes was sent off two minutes later for his second yellow card, and Union rookieMichael Farfancleared a Stephen King cross off the line.

Up a man in extra time, D.C. United dominated possession, and created the majority of scoring opportunities.Blake Brettschneiderhit the post, and Mondragon was alert to save an Ngwenya opportunity setting up the wild finish in the game’s last fifteen minutes.

DC moves on to host theNew England Revolutionon Tuesday, April 26 at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm

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