D.C. united has been eliminated from contention for the U.S. Open Cup after falling to the New England Revolution 3-2 in a qualifier on Tuesday. They fell behind 3-0 early after some uninspired play in the early part of this game. Two goals from Branko Boskovic helped bring them back into contention, but they were ultimately unable to close the gap.
According to Steven Goff of the Washington Post, D.C. United coach Ben Olsen isn't ready to take any moral victories away from a game with so many implications.
"The energy and fight toward the end was great and exciting, but the good teams don’t have to do that," Coach Ben Olsen said. "The good teams put all that energy and passion early in the game so you don’t have to end up fighting to get a result."
The Revolution responded to the two goals from Boskovic with some very physical play that ultimately forced the striker out of the game. United had already used it's three substitutions, so they were not able to replace him.
The Revolution did not field very many of their starters because they have a league game on Friday against Houston. Check out Black and Red United for more on D.C. United.