Following a 3-0 win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the Rochester Rhinos have advanced to the third round and will now face D.C. United in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play next Tuesday, July 1. The game, which will take place at the Maryland SoccerPlex, is set for a kickoff of 7:30 p.m. ET.
United and the Rhinos have met twice in Open Cup play. The first time came in the championship game back in 1996 during D.C.'s inaugural year, when United topped Rochester 3-0. The other meeting came in 2000 and saw United replicate its 3-0 win in the third round.
A perennial contender in United Soccer League's first division (USL-1), the team has struggled this year putting together a record of only 2-4-5, which places them in second to last place. Their best player seems to be Mauricio Salles, who leads the team with four goals and two assists this year.
Perhaps the most interesting story line would have been the Rhino's Steve Guppy making his way back to D.C. after spending part of 2005 with the Black-and-Red. Unfortunately for Guppy, however, the 39-year old was red carded in the 70th minute and will be ineligible for next Tuesday's match. The Englishman will likely be on the sidelines, though, as he also serves as an assistant coach.
Get your tickets for next Tuesday's game by calling the United offices at 202-587-5000.
What do you think about the U.S. Open Cup? How should Coach Soehn prioritize Tuesday's game? Would you prefer to see reserves or first-teamers?
(photo courtesy of 20 Toe Photo)
