DC United News

Facing a Harrisburg City Islanders team that upset it two years ago in the same tournament was likely enough for the third-tier professional team to garner the full attention of D.C. United entering last night's U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal match.

And if it wasn't, last week's sloppy performance in which D.C. struggled to distance itself from an amateur team provided another reminder that these tournament wins don't come easy.

But after appearing to have squelched any upset hopes early by scoring twice in the opening 20 minutes, United again struggled to put a lesser team away and had to survive its own complacency late to get past USL2 side Harrisburg, 2-1, in front of 2,137 at Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds.

After seeing his play last night against Hondura's, and then reading this story in the Washington Post , I'll have a different view of Santino Quaranta the next time we see him on the pitch Santino Quaranta's right hand was throbbing, the consequence of a Toronto player stepping on him during D.C. United's home opener in early April.

Nothing, not even a seven-game winless streak to start the season, rattled the Crew more than the way it played Saturday in a 1-1 tie with D.C. United.

Santino Quaranta charged toward one of the few corners of RFK Stadium where there were more red-clad fans than those in blue and white and slid on his knees, arms flexed out to the side, 'a million things' rushing through his head.

The moment could not have been more perfect.

Making his return to the U.S. national team for the first time since 2006, and marking yet another inspiring step in his comeback from a drug addiction that nearly derailed his career and his life, Quaranta had just buried a blistering shot from the top of the 18-yard box to give the United States the lead over Honduras -- turning this already special night into the ideal memory.

I don't believe in the "win at home, draw on the road" theory, but that doesn't mean the idea doesn't have value.

Marc Burch and Clyde Simms remember the game well, even though it's one they would rather forget.

Even as the Harrisburg City Islanders finished up their game-day workout Friday morning at Skyline Sports Complex, Nate Baker's mind was beginning to wander.

Crew goalkeeper William Hesmer, left, and Brian Carroll defend against United's Christian Gomez in the second half.

D.C. United and the Columbus Crew battled to a 1-1 draw in Major League Soccer action on Saturday night at Crew Stadium.

D.C. United coach Tom Soehn was excited to have last weekend off in MLS and thinks the Eastern Conference leaders are refreshed for Saturday's trip to the Columbus Crew, even though they continued defense of their U.S. Open Cup title Tuesday.

Crew midfielder Brian Carroll has a right shoulder that only an orthopedic surgeon could love.

D.C. United didn't lose last night, but barely avoided embarrassing itself.

Facing an amateur opponent chock full of college players on summer break and part-timers, United needed 74 minutes to break a scoreless tie and eventually secured a 2-0 victory over the Ocean City (N.J.) Barons in a U.S. Open Cup round-of-16 match before 2,021 at Maryland SoccerPlex.

The Barons were on even terms for long periods, and after Christian Gomez put United ahead with a penalty kick, they had several golden opportunities for an equalizer. United sealed the outcome in added time on Ange N'Silu's goal, clinching United's return trip to this Montgomery County complex for next Tuesday's quarterfinal against the Harrisburg City Islanders, a third-tier pro team that upset MLS's New England Revolution, 2-1, in overtime.

A full rainbow appeared over the Maryland SoccerPlex in the 40th minute of D.C. United's game against the Ocean City Barons in the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night.

The Harrisburg City Islanders came from behind to upset the New England Revolution 2-1 in overtime in a third-round match Tuesday night in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

D.C. United already has beaten two Major League Soccer teams in its attempt to defend the U.S. Open Cup title.

Qwest Field hosts sellout crowds during the N.F.L football season. Now, another football is taking over at the stadium.

D.C. United just passed the midway point of the season, making this a good time to look at some of the most intriguing moments so far.

Comments With a new contract in hand and three years at D.C. United behind him, Devon McTavish approached the new season with confidence and hope.

Goodnight from Seattle This was a fun, wide-open match that featured a pair of own goals, several misplays that lead to scoring opportunities and 27 shots on goal .

Colorado Rapids forward Omar Cummings was voted Major League Soccer's Player of the Week for Week 14, it was announced on Monday.