D.C. United had to put in an extra shift to avoid upset to the third-division Richmond Kickers in US Open Cup play on Tuesday, but Marcelo Saragosa fired home in the 107th minute at Richmond City Stadium to give the Black-and-Red a 2-1 win over their nearest rivals.
Hamdi Salihi got the scoring under way in the 24th minute, thanks to the inventiveness of Maicon Santos. With Salihi eyeing a run into the box, Santos dinked a delicate pass in to the Albanian striker, who took the ball in stride, rounded ‘keeper Ronnie Pascale and slotted home for the lead.
Former RSL and Philadelphia man Chris Agorsor had a golden chance to pull Richmond level in the 38th minute. Gerson dos Santos’ cross found the speedy striker, but with the goal begging, he turned his shot wide of the frame.
The Kickers got the equalizer just before first-half stoppage time, as Agorsor was tripped up in the box by Saragosa for a penalty. Stanley Nyazamba took the honors for Richmond and sent Joe Willis the wrong way to level the proceedings.
Neither team threatened much in the first half of extra time, setting the stage for Saragosa’s winner. Branko Boskovic’s corner wasn’t cleared by Richmond, and the loose ball fell to the Brazilian veteran, who slammed it home from eight yards out to send United to the next round.
D.C. United will play the Philadelphia Union in the next round on Tuesday, June 5 at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Tickets are $15 in advance ($20 at the stadium on matchday). Buy tickets
