WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United will open its 2006 U.S. Open Cup against the Columbus Crew, after the MLS side defeated the Mid-Michigan Bucks (PDL) 3-1 in Rochester Hills, Michigan earlier tonight. The fourth round game will take place Tuesday, Aug. 1 at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown, MD. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. The Black-and-Red has never faced the Crew in Open Cup play.
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, which dates back to 1914, is the oldest cup competition in United States soccer. All affiliated amateur and professional teams in the United States are eligible to participate. D.C. United won the U.S. Open Cup in 1996, the club's inaugural season, and was the runner-up in 1997.
In MLS play, United has a record of 19-13-7 against the Crew. The two teams have faced each other three times this season, with United posting a 2-0-1 record against its Eastern Conference rival. The sides played to a 1-1 tie in their first meeting in Columbus on May 20, but United won the next two games with a 5-1 victory at RFK Stadium on May 31 and a 1-0 win back in Columbus on July 8. The teams meet again at RFK for their final regular season match-up this Saturday, July 15. Kick-off for the finale is set for 7:30 p.m.
