Ironmen In U.S. Open Cup (Third Round Update)

We already reported on how Ironmen players faired in Crystal Palace Baltimore's improbable 2-0 victory over the pitiful Red Bulls. Now let's move on to the other three U.S. Open Cup matches in which Ironmen players took part.

Dan Antoniuk's Carolina RailHawks put up a spirited fight against the Kansas City Wizards, but eventually fell in extra-time by a count of 4-2. The RailHawks got on the board first with goals in the 43rd and 57th minute. Antoniuk picked up an assist on Carolina's second goal when his header into the 18 yard box found Kurt Morsink who beat the keeper to the left side of goal. Unfortunately for the RailHawks, the Wiz woke up and scored in the 68th minute and again in the 85th on a penalty kick to send the match into extra-time where they would add two more goals.

Mauricio Salles and the Rochester Rhinos pressured MLS giant DC Untited for most of their match and even managed to control the game at points. Salles came close to getting the Rhinos on the board first when one of his shots in the second half skimmed over the crossbar and caromed off the net support stanchion behind the goal. The Rhinos were able to hold United scoreless until 78th minute when Marc Burch finally found net. Burch would add another minutes later to end the scoring at 2-0 in favor of United.

Lazo Alavanja's Charleston Battery were far more fortunate in their match with defending MLS champion Houston Dynamo. The Battery came out strong and controlled the pace of the match for most of the first half. Alavanja set up a scoring chance with a flick-on header to a streaking John Wilson whose shot flew just outside the post into the sidenetting. Alavanja would have a go a few minutes later when he turned on a pass inside the box and sizzled a shot that forced a save from Houston 'keeper Tony Caig. Alavanja played 59 minutes in the match.

The Battery scored first on a Marco Reda goal in the first half. But the Dynamo were able to equalize in the 89th minute when the Battery were reduced to 10 men by a straight red card that was issued a few minutes prior. However, the score would remain 1-1 throughout extra-time and the Battery would go on to knock off the Dynamo on penalties 4-3.

Charleston will now travel to Dallas to take on FC Dallas in the quarterfinals. Check the US Open Cup website for details.