Charlotte FC faced elimination from the 2025 U.S. Open Cup after a closely contested match against D.C. United in Washington, D.C., marked by challenging weather conditions.
Both teams fielded rotated squads, with Charlotte’s Patrick Agyemang and Adilson Malanda starting the game. Early in the match, Charlotte’s goalkeeper David Bingham narrowly avoided an own goal after nearly passing the ball to a D.C. attacker.
D.C. United capitalized on attacking opportunities down the wings and took the lead in the 18th minute when David Schnegg scored from a deep cross. Charlotte struggled initially but gained momentum towards the end of the first half.
In the second half, Patrick Agyemang equalized for Charlotte with a solo run and finish in the 59th minute. Shortly after, Bill Tuiloma scored from a corner kick to give Charlotte a 2-1 lead.
However, D.C. United equalized late in regulation time through Garrison Tubbs’ strike in the 85th minute, sending the match into extra time.
During extra time, Liel Abada set up Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty for Tyger Smalls to score and put D.C. ahead again at 3-2. Jackson Hopkins then leveled for Charlotte at 3-3 in the 104th minute.
The second period of extra time saw both teams struggle with fatigue and adverse weather conditions before proceeding to penalties.
D.C.’s Jordan Farr was substituted specifically for penalties and made four crucial saves to secure their victory despite three saves from Bingham for Charlotte. Misses by Malanda, Biel, Tavares, and Abada sealed Charlotte’s exit from this year’s tournament.
With their Open Cup journey over, Charlotte FC will now focus on their regular season campaign and prepare for this summer’s Leagues Cup competition.
