BOYDS, Md. -- Christos FC, the last amateur team standing in the 2017 U.S. Open Cup, tried to continue their run with an improbable win over D.C. United on Tuesday, but fell short, losing 4-1.
Christos stunned their MLS opponent in the 22nd minute of play, scoring first off of a Mamadou Kansaye free kick feet outside the 18-yard box.
It took United about ten minutes to respond. Midfielder Julian Buescher saved United from embarrassment in the first half. Showing his fancy footwork, the German dribbled by two Christos defenders before laying a low ball just inside the post.
Despite the fact that Christos FC does not have a regular training schedule, as it conflicts with many of the players' other professions, the amateur team was able to stick toe-to-toe with United throughout a brutal and scorching 80 minutes.
But United midfielder Lloyd Sam secured the win for United in the 81st minute scoring from way outside the 18-yard box. The typical starter in league play scored less that five minutes after subbing on for Jose Ortiz. Buescher went on to add an insurance tally in the game with a third goal for United in the 90th minute, before Ian Harkes added a fourth, his first professional goal, for good measure in the 92nd minute. United move on to the fifth round, putting to bed Christos' Cinderella story.
Box Score
- 23' -- CFC -- Mamadou Kansaye
- 35' -- DC -- Julian Buescher (Lamar Neagle)
- 81' -- DC -- Lloyd Sam (Julian Buescher)
- 90' -- DC -- Julian Buescher (Lloyd Sam)
- 90' + 2' -- DC -- Ian Harkes (Julian Buescher)
- Box score
- Stats
Lineups
D.C. UNITED (4-2-3-1, left to right): #1 Travis Worra — #22 Chris Korb, #32 Bobby Boswell (Kofi Opare, 88'), #20 Jalen Robinson, #3 Chris Odoi-Atsem — #21 Chris Durkin (Ian Harkes, 57'), #7 Marcelo Sarvas — #13 Lamar Neagle, #33 Julian Buescher, #11 Sebastien Le Toux — #9 Jose Guillermo Ortiz (Lloyd Sam, 77')
SUBS: Kofi Opare, Ian Harkes, Lloyd Sam
CHRISTOS FC (4-5-1, left to right): #99 Phil Saunders — #8 Mamadou Kansaye (Geaton Caltabiano, 83'), #15 Joshua Taylor, #19 Joseph Glos, #4 Collin Fisher — #25 Cody Albrecht, #11 Levi Houapeu, #6 Kaoru Forbess (Christopher Ports, 62'), #5 Daniel Baxter, #10 Elton Joe — #92 Pete Caringi (Brian Graham, 38')
SUBS: Geaton Caltabiano, Christopher Ports, Brian Graham
