The first game of the 2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the Union offered more than just the beginning of a new competition. Interim manager Jim Curtin had just taken control of the team and the players were enjoying their longest break in between games since the regular season started. Certainly, a second chance beckoned.
While Curtin’s managerial debut came after only a single practice, his first mark on the team was noticeable. Curtin called upon Andre Blake, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, to make his professional debut, too. Blake started the game, giving Zac MacMath – who had started every game for the Union – a deserved break. Curtin also moved Maurice Edu into center back to help stabilize the back line while also electing to rest a few key starters as shown in the starting lineup:
Maybe it was a fresh face or even fresh legs, but what followed has perhaps exposed that fourth round win against the Harrisburg City Islanders as the pivotal turning point of the season. The 3-1 victory saw the team scramble back from an early deficit while scoring pivotal late goals.
Of course, change often takes time to produce results. A new style and a long break showcased uncertainty and rust in the first half. The end result was 1-0 deficit thanks to Jason Pelletier, who broke a scoreless tie for Harrisburg City in the 38th minute by knocking home a rebound from in tight. Just like that, the Union were only 45 minutes away from a one-and-done exit in the Open Cup. Little did they know at the time, but they were going to need every last minute.
With more of a sense of urgency, the Union slowly started to dictate play in the second half. But time and time again, the Union were denied by the Islanders' Brian Sylvestre. Perhaps the best scoring chance came in the 63rd minute when Sylvestre made a diving stop on a Michael Lahoud cracking shot from just outside the box. The opportunity was courtesy of solid build-up play that the Union seemed to be stringing together since Sebastien Le Toux entered the game as a substitute.
Sylvestre, a 21-year-old goalkeeper, finished with a remarkable 10 saves on the night and seemed destined for a well-deserved Man of the Match while leading his team to a spot in the Open Cup’s Fifth Round. His performance was particularly impressive, as noted by Union beat writer Dave Zeitlin late in regulation:
But the Union would finally breakthrough in the 89th minute after piling on the pressure for much of the last half hour. Antoine Hoppenot corralled a loose ball and picked out Le Toux inside the box, who followed quickly with a touch pass to Maurice Edu inside the penalty area. Edu then converted past the outstretched left arm of Sylvester to tie the game.
The late equalizer sent the knockout game into extra time. Perhaps realizing what fans go through on a nightly basis, midfielder Amobi Okugo – who was given the night off – had a tough time watching from the sidelines:
Still, the Union were clearly the fresher of the two teams and continued to pile on the pressure. But again, Sylvestre was there to push the Union aside, keeping the game knotted deep into extra time. Perhaps a foreshadowing for the rest of the year, though, the Union offense got the breakthrough thanks to Le Toux, who continued to show his offensive prowess on both wings. After generating a turnover, Le Toux streaked down the left side and found Andrew Wenger in the box, who promptly gave the Union the lead in the 110th minute. Wenger then put the game away for good in the 117th minute with a dazzling display of power and speed – and finishing ability – to cap off his brace.
