D.C. United will host the Philadelphia Union for a Fourth Round matchup in the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, June 12 at Audi Field. The Black-and-Red have been crowned champions of the Open Cup three times in club history (1996, 2008, 2013) and have an overall record of 39-17-0 in the competition. D.C. United are currently tied for second place in the Eastern Conference of MLS, while Philadelphia sit atop the standings.
The Black-and-Red are undefeated in their last four competitive matches at Audi Field as they look to continue that streak against Philadelphia. In their most recent match, D.C. United recorded a 1-1 draw against San Jose Earthquakes on June 1. San Jose forward Chris Wondolowski opened the scoring with a close-range header in the 37th minute. After injuries to Russell Canouse and Steven Birnbaum, Head Coach Ben Olsen was forced to make some tactical adjustments. After halftime, D.C. United kept the pressure going with Luciano Acosta eventually grabbing the equalizer in the 67th minute.
D.C. United captain Wayne Rooney leads the team with eight goals and five assists in MLS this season. Luciano Acosta has been in scoring form for the Black-and-Red after scoring in consecutive games against Chicago (May 29) and San Jose (June 1). The midfielder will be looking to continue his streak at Audi Field and record his second goal in consecutive Open Cup fixtures after scoring the lone goal in the loss against Orlando in 2018. Bill Hamid is enjoying another career season for the Black-and-Red and leads MLS in saves (68) and has recorded seven clean sheets this year; the most in an MLS season for Hamid since 2015 (8). With Paul Arriola and Júnior Moreno on international duty with the USMNT and Venezuela, respectively, other players will be called on to fill their void.
Philadelphia Union are coming off a hard-fought victory against the New York Red Bulls at Talen Energy Stadium on June 8. The Red Bulls found themselves ahead 2-0 at halftime with goals from Alejandro Romero and Brian White. Following the break, the Union controlled the game with Jamiro Monteiro opened the scoring for Philadelphia in the 60th minute. Ilsinho then scored to give the Union a 3-2 victory. Philadelphia has four players tied for top scorer on the team with four goals a piece and Ilsinho leads the team in assists with five so far this season.
This will be the first time that D.C. United host a U.S. Open Cup game at Audi Field as they were knocked out of the tournament last season by Orlando in penalties prior to the opening of the stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM ET and will be broadcasted on ESPN+.
