RFK North

No, not Giants Stadium.

No, not Columbus Crew Stadium.

The Maryland SoccerPlex (as it’s known this week).  When RFK is too big or too busy to host a United game, United treks up I-270 to Germantown (that is, when it’s not jetting across the country to someplace like Seattle).  It only holds 4000 or so fans, but it offers something really special.  From the stands, fans are maybe 15-20 feet from the field, or there’s the unseated grassy knoll behind the southern goal.  Players can hear and understand you (even our own players).

Last week United took on the Rochester Raging Rhinos in the US Open Cup.  For those that are new or can’t remember, Rochester is the only non-MLS club to win the Open cup since MLS formed.  They’ve also had great fan support over the years leading some to believe that they may one day be an MLS team.  The club has fallen on some hard times, but a new owner stepped forth mere weeks before the season.  The uncertainty has led to a notso impressive start to their season, but they did move up through the Open Cup bracket to face United.  A hearty bunch from upstate NY took a busride through the perils of Route 15 construction in Pennsylvania to see the last 80 or so minutes of the game.  They deserve credit for taking a midweek roadtrip to support their club.

As it turned out, United rested most of the regulars and appeared to have a ‘program’ when it came to subbing on help.  At times the game lacked rythym and direction, but Marc Burch came through on two free kicks to send United on to face Chicago on July 8. 

The semi-final pairings have been released, and if United beats Chicago, it’ll face New York Red Bulls’ eliminator Crystal Palace Baltimore, or the New England Revolution at RFK on Tuesday August 12.  So this game against Chicago is likely the last time to see United in Germantown this year.