Union have no plans to overlook Open Cup

Share

Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Posted: 3:57 p.m.By Ryan BrightCSNPhilly.com Contributor

CHESTER, Pa. -- With a home grudge match looming against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, it would be easy and understandable if the Union didnt fully commit to the Open Cup qualification contest against DC United on Wednesday at Maryland SoccerPlex.

Yet, just because they can overlook the long-running tournament, doesnt mean they will.

We think both of these games are really important, said assistant coach John Hackworth. A league match on Saturday against New York, obviously its a huge game considering were sitting one and two on the table right now. However, we dont want to overlook this game (against DC United) because we, as a team and staff, decided that this is an important competition for us.

With the Union starters slowed with nagging injuries, notably Carlos Ruiz, Carlos Valdes, Danny Califf and a healing Justin Mapp, along with the elevated game against New York just three days later, the team managers will have some decisions to make as to who plays. With that in mind, the Open Cup also gives the Union a golden opportunity to get playing time to the players who havent got into full action with the team yet this season. This list could include Jack McInerney, Chris Agorsor, Keon Daniel and goalie Thorne Holder, among others.

Certainly there are a lot of guys fighting day in and day out that havent seen time in regular-season games, said Hackworth. But if this is the first time they play, the first time is always interesting. We want to put a team on the field tomorrow that can get a result and, at the same time, be mindful of the game we have on Saturday.

Its a really good way to give some of your players who arent in the starting 11 a full 90 minutes to play.

For those not familiar with the event, the top-six MLS teams from last season gain an automatic berth into the tournament, while the Union will face the United and Portland will challenge Chivas USA in the first qualifying stage. The winners advance to face New England and San Jose, with Colorado, Chicago, Kansas City and Houston also in the mix.

Eventually, two teams will join the six already in and from there the tournament will begin. However, losing at any stage and the campaign is abruptly oversomething the Union know about firsthand. Union fans may not even remember the team in the qualifying stage last season, as they were quickly dispatched by the Red Bulls, 2-1.

It is a trophy and something everyone wants to win, said Hackworth. Anytime you can play for and compete for another piece of silverware to put in your trophy case, its important.

The Open Cup is separate from the MLS season and has been active for nearly a century. The tournament is known officially as the U.S. Soccer national club championship and includes just eight qualified MLS teams, 11 professional and 21 amateur squads. The Seattle Sounders are the current champion and have won the title in back-to-back years.

The Open Cup is the oldest competition in the country, said Hackworth. In addition to the history, it is the trophy that amateur teams to top professional teams compete for. Theoretically, you could have a bunch of guys who play for a local pub competing against professional teams from various divisions. It brings something different to the competition.

Its something everyone wants to win.
E-mail Ryan Bright at ryanbright13@gmail.com

Related: Union fall to Galaxy in first loss of seasonMLS and Union debunk common soccer myths

Contact Us