Typically, DC United takes the U.S. Open Cup more seriously than most other MLS teams. United won the Cup in 2008, lost in the Cup Final in 2009, and lost in the semifinals in 2010 despite having an otherwise horrible season.
That doesn't seem to be the case though this year. United opens up its U.S. Open Cup campaign tonight at the Maryland SoccerPlex against the Philadelphia Union, and from the looks of the two lineups, United might be sorely overmatched.
United's starting lineup includes mostly reserves, some of which have yet to earn a single minute of action in the regular season, such as Stephen King, Brandon Barklage, and Ethan White. The Union appear to be starting their normal best 11 players.
The game kicks off at 7:30 PM and is not being carried on television or radio. But as always, you can follow along on the United twitter feed, or discuss with fellow fans at SB Nation's DC United blog Black And Red United.