U.S. Open Cup - DC United x Columbus Crew
August 1, 2006
Germantown Soccerplex
Germantown, Maryland

- By Joseph Schoenbauer, Wednesday, August 2, 2006

DC United emerged victorious in the US Open Cup when Jamil Walker headed home a Christian Gomez free kick in the 3^rd minute of extra time to finally break the 1-1 score line on a steamy Tuesday night at the Germantown SoccerPlex in front of nearly 5,000 fans. 

Following a grueling 120 minutes, in which DC United managed an incredible 32 shots, DC United had reason to celebrate when the final whistle blew.  Coming off only their second defeat of the entire season, to Real Salt Lake on Saturday evening, DC United looked to be on the verge of replicating their performance last year in the US Open Cup, where they dominated but could not score against the Dallas Burn before losing out on penalties.  But DC United proved their pedigree this time around, much to the relief of Head Coach Peter Nowak.

The game came to life in minute 18 when Columbus Crew’s 6’4” defender Chad Marshall leaped unchallenged 6 yards out to head home a corner to put Columbus ahead 1-0. 

Moments later, in the 22nd minute, Jaime Moreno capitalized on equally porous defending to flick home a Christian Gomez corner to tie the game at 1-1.

From then on, it was shot after shot from the black and white.  Alecko Eskandarian, Freddy Adu, Ben Olsen, Gomez, and Moreno all managed to put the ball in the goalie’s hands, off the cross bar and post, just over or just wide of the mark for the remainder of regular time.  The most notable chance came from Freddy Adu in minute 45, when after skillfully breaking through the Columbus back line and rounding the goalie, he somehow managed to shoot wide with an empty goal at his mercy, much to the amazement of the DC United faithful, which included Adu’s younger brother, who could be seen running down the bleachers with arms outstretched.

Columbus never gave up hope though, and DC United was made to sweat up until the final seconds of the game.  In minute 120, Columbus came forward with purpose, and after 4 players were involved, Chris Leitch found himself unmarked 6 yards out on the left side, only to have his shot deflect off of Nick Rimando’s left post and away.

DC United advances to the quarterfinals where they will face the New York Red Bulls on August 23rd.