Cuauhtemoc Blanco has been banned from competing in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for at least two years. The United States Soccer Federation completed a review of the incidents of the Chicago Fire’s 2-1 Quarterfinal loss to DC United on July 8 and decided on the length of the suspension, which could be extended depending on the number of Open Cup games the Fire are involved in over the next two seasons.
Marc Burch
2008 Quarterfinals: DC United finally puts out the Fire; Blanco gets tossed for punch
For the first time in franchise history, DC United eliminated the Chicago Fire in a knockout competition, winning 2-1 after extra time in Tuesday’s US Open Cup Quarterfinal match.
The Fire, winners of four Open Cup titles, looked to be on their way to continue their quest for a fifth when Daniel Woolard opened the scoring in the 36th minute.
2008 Third Round: Marc Burch’s left foot gives DC United another win over Rochester
A pair of Marc Burch free kicks were the difference as DC United defeated the Rochester Rhinos 2-0 in the Third Round of the tournament on Tuesday. It was the third all-time meeting between these clubs (1996, 2000), with United earning 3-0 shutouts in each of the last two.