Major League Soccer put two more teams through to the Quarterfinals of the US Open Cup on Wednesday night, taking six of the eight available slots. Though, as expected, it wasn’t easy in the Pacific Northwest derby.
DC 2 – Richmond 0
Playing at George Mason University in the DC suburbs, Jaime Moreno scored in the 47th minute and Santino Quaranta followed in the 56th to see off the USL-2 Richmond Kickers. DC started a strong attack with Moreno and Luciano Emilio in the lineup. DC finished 5 for 11 with shots on goal to Richmond’s 2 from 5. Bill Hamid was in goal for United, picking up the shutout.
Of course it is important to keep going,” Moreno said. “This is a competition that means a lot to the club and to the players, so success is important. We will focus on this (next) game the same way that we prepared for (Richmond), and hopefully we will keep going.”
Portland 1 – Seattle 1 (3-4 on penalties)
The Sounders needed penalties to see off a Portland comeback and advance in front of 15,422 at PGE Park. Seattle took an early lead when Nate Jaqua scored in the 13th minute, but Portland was level through Bright Dike in the 38th. The Sounders went a man down in overtime when Taylor Graham was sent off in the 101st minute. Facing regular Sounders keeper Kasey Keller in goal, Richmond saw their first attempt saved. Though Seattle would let them back in when Patrick Ianni’s shot hit the bar in the 4th round, Keller would save Portland’s 4th attempt and Zach Scott would covert Seattle’s winner.
“Especially in a competition like this where we are the defending champs, this is huge,” Scott said. “We have to take this as far as we can. It’s just another stepping stone toward turning our season around.”
Quarterfinal Pairings
Harrisburg – DC
Charleston – Columbus
Chivas USA – Houston
LA – Seattle
