Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16- D.C. United dramatically survives the storm against Charlotte F.C. at home

elclasicohonduras
May 23
2 min read

Match Recap: D.C. United vs. Charlotte FC – U.S. Open Cup Round of 16Audi Field – Rainy Night Thriller Ends in Penalty Shootout Victory for D.C. United

On a rain-soaked night at Audi Field, D.C. United and Charlotte FC delivered a dramatic Round of 16 clash in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, with D.C. ultimately advancing on penalty kicks after a 3-3 draw through 120 minutes.

First Half: Schnegg’s Golazo Gives D.C. the Edge

D.C. United started brightly, nearly opening the scoring in the 5th minute when Peglow missed a clear opportunity. They continued to press and were rewarded in the 17th minute with a sensational goal. Amadou Schnegg capped off a rare outside back-to-outside back sequence, smashing home a golazo from Aaron Herrera’s cross to give D.C. a 1-0 lead. Kijima later tested Charlotte with a shot on target, but the scoreline held through halftime.

Second Half: Charlotte Storms Back

The second half opened with action at both ends. Agyemang forced a sharp save from D.C. goalkeeper Alex Joon-Hong in the 47th minute. A minute later, Murrell answered with a shot on goal for D.C. United. Tensions rose when Garrison Tubbs received a yellow card in the 51st minute.

Charlotte found their breakthrough in the 58th minute when Agyemang turned brilliantly, nutmegged Tubbs, and slotted home the equalizer, assisted by Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty. Just three minutes later, Bill Tuiloma gave Charlotte the lead, heading in from an Eryk Williamson corner to make it 2-1.

But D.C. wasn’t finished. In the 86th minute, Garrison Tubbs redeemed his earlier error with a crucial goal to tie the game at 2-2 and send it to extra time. Emotions ran high, with D.C. head coach Troy Lesesne picking up a yellow card before the end of regulation.

Extra Time: Goals and Grit

Charlotte struck early in extra time, taking a 3-2 lead in the 94th minute through Tyger Smalls, who finished a composed chance from another Marshall-Rutty assist.

Yet again, D.C. clawed back. In the 104th minute, Jackson Hopkins capitalized on a rebound from a chaotic scramble in the box, calmly placing his shot inside the far post to make it 3-3.

Penalty Shootout: Farr the Hero

With the score tied after 120 minutes, the match was decided by penalty kicks. D.C. United prevailed thanks to a heroic performance from goalkeeper Jordan Farr, who saved four Charlotte penalties.

Aaron Herrera and Jackson Hopkins converted for D.C., while only Brandt Bronico managed to score for Charlotte FC.