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
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.
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)