CHESTER, Pa. -- Facing the Rochester Rhinos of the USL in the third round of the 2012 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the Union had a choice.
They could continue the trend of embarrassing play from their loss against previously winless Toronto FC Saturday or they could go the other direction and dominate their inferior minor league opponent.
It took just five minutes for the Union to choose the latter en route to beating the Rhinos, 3-0, Tuesday night at a rain-drenched PPL Park.
The Unions first-ever US Open Cup win advances them to the June 5 match-up against DC United at the Maryland SoccerPlex. The United, who defeated the Richmond Kickers, 2-1, eliminated the Union from the Open Cup last season.
Though it was their first time hosting an Open Cup game, the Union played like veterans. From beginning to end, they dominated and it showed on the scoreboard.
Finding the net in just the fifth minute, the Unions 1-0 lead came courtesy of a corner kick from Freddy Adu and a bit of clumsy defensive play by the Rhinos' backline.
Aimed at the uncovered opposition in the box, Adu's cross was misplayed by multiple defenders before finding the foot of Union striker Josue Martinez, who managed to flick it inside the far post for the game's first lead.
The Unions success was slowed by an hour rain delay in the 22nd minute, which rushed both teams off the field. Not even the extended wait could play the equalizer between the lopsided clubs.
Coming out of the break, the Union doubled their lead in the 29th minute, when Amobi Okugo, starting at center back for suspended Carlos Valdes, played a runner down the left side to Martinez. The bench striker, who has come on strong of late, laced a perfect centering pass that was headed home by Adu for the 2-0 Union lead.
Martinez finished with a goal and assist. His effort was only matched by Adu, who left the game with two goals.
After pressuring for much of the second half, the Union broke through once again in the 73rd minute. Gaining the box with possession, Michael Farfan beat a flurry of defenders but was hauled down from behind, earning the penalty kick. Lining up to take the shot was Adu, who buried a line drive to the right side for his second point of the game and the 3-0 Union advantage.
Preserving the Unions lead was a strong start from third-string goalkeeper Chris Konopka. Although the Union offense was flowing, the defense, made up of Gabriel Farfan, Michael Farfan, Sheanon Williams and Okugo, struggled at times, forcing Konopka to make two tough first-half saves. Primary Union backup Chase Harrison served as the insurance as he recovers from an ankle injury.
E-mail Ryan Bright at ryanbright13@gmail.com