WASHINGTON -- The most familiar faces -- Jaime Moreno, Cuauhtemoc Blanco and the like -- may or may not be in uniform when D.C. United plays host to the Chicago Fire at the Maryland SoccerPlex on Tuesday night. Yet for United, the challenge remains equally daunting either way: overcome a familiar opponent with a long-running psychological advantage in order to advance in a do-or-die situation.
This time, a berth in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals is at stake, and though their head-to-head record in league play is dead-even, the Fire have simply owned United in knockout competitions.
D.C.'s proud history includes a playoff victory against every side it has ever met in the postseason -- except Chicago. Two of the Black-and-Red's last three MLS Cup playoff adventures have ended, prematurely and at home, at the hands of the Fire. Which team ended United's last meaningful Open Cup run, a ride to the semifinals under Peter Nowak in 2006? Chicago, in an ill-tempered 3-0 victory at Toyota Park.
While neither side is likely to field a full-strength lineup on Tuesday, the simple sight of the Men in Red should be enough to get United's blood boiling. In fact, at least one veteran is prepared to put the Fire ahead of other longtime Eastern Conference enemies like New York and New England.
"Chicago's definitely -- I think -- our biggest rival," said D.C. midfielder Clyde Simms. "We see each other so much. We've already played them twice and we still have to play them [twice in league play] and then this tournament, and possibly playoffs -- that's a lot. I don't know, I think they're fun games though. It's such a battle every time we play them that it makes it more fun."
There is no shortage of individual motivation, either, as role players look to seize the opportunity that Open Cup action represents. Reserves comprised about half of United head coach Tom Soehn's starting lineup against the Rochester Rhinos last week and afterwards the second-year boss made it clear that he was running the rule over his fringe players.
"Some did well and some didn't. This was our chance to find out two things: who can make it and who can't," said Soehn, later adding, "We learned a lot today."
Soehn and his squad are aware that a more complete performance will be needed against Chicago, whose offense is considerably more dynamic than Rochester's. Using a lineup dominated by reserves, the Fire powered to a 4-1 win in their round-of-16 match against the USL2 Cleveland City Stars.
"Maybe we can get a little revenge for them knocking us out of the playoffs last year," said D.C. defender Devon McTavish. "They're a good team. They'll come with a good squad and we just need to bring a better game, better soccer -- keep the competitiveness that we had against Rochester and hopefully put the ball in the back of the net."
Even in an intimate facility like the SoccerPlex, the intensity of Open Cup matches represents a dramatic step up for United's youngsters.
"It's definitely a chance to show yourself, and come out and finally get a chance to play in front of a decent crowd, a big crowd," said United midfielder Quavas Kirk. "There's more at stake. ... In reserve games you can kind of have some slipups or whatever, but now it's like you've got to be on key, ready for everything."
Kirk strained his hamstring against the Rhinos and does not expect to be recovered in time for the Fire clash. But his counterpart on the left wing, Ryan Cordeiro, has probably earned another start after last week's sharp display. With more experienced veterans on the sidelines, the hunger of players like Cordeiro will be a key for United's Open Cup hopes.
"To be honest, this is my first tournament, it's my first opportunity to win something with D.C. United, so it's huge," said the rookie. "It's everything to me."
MLS Clubs Turn On Charm For McBride
Fire look to thwart upstart City Stars
