Major League Soccer will add to their list of Lamar Hunt US Open Cup entries on June 2 when DC United hosts Real Salt Lake at RFK Stadium. DC, the 2008 Open Cup champions who have played 11 straight Cup-related games at home, will bring in the defending MLS Cup champions, who are trying to qualify for the tournament for the first time since 2006
Contributing to their lack of recent success in Open Cup qualifying may be ‘location, location, location.’ While United haven’t played an Open Cup game or a qualifier away from home since 2007, RSL have never won an Open Cup-related match away from home (0-2 in the tournament, 0-3 in qualifying).
United have taken part in MLS’ Open Cup qualifying competition the last two years, despite reaching the Cup final the year before each time. The teams that take part in qualifying are based on their regular season finish from the prior season. United finished in 10th place in 2008 and again in 2009.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. and TheCup.us will be hosting a live blog during the match.
2010 MLS Qualifying schedule
Win & You’re In: Real Salt Lake at DC United – June 2, 7:30 p.m. – RFK Stadium (Washington D.C.)
New England Revolution at New York Red Bulls – May 12, 8 p.m. – Red Bull Arena (Harrison, NJ)
Win & You’re In: Colorado Rapids at New England/New York winner – Date TBA