D.C. United advanced to the Round of 16 in the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup after a dramatic 2-0 victory over Charleston Battery at Audi Field on May 6. The match remained deadlocked through regulation, with both teams creating chances but unable to break the tie in 90 minutes
The breakthrough came early in extra time. Jacob Murrell put D.C. United ahead with a stunning strike in the 96th minute, igniting the home crowd and shifting momentum firmly in favor of the MLS side Just seven minutes later, Jared Stroud doubled the lead, finishing off a lethal counterattack that sealed the result for the Black-and-Red
Charleston Battery, who had entered the match in strong form after a hat trick from MD Myers in their previous Open Cup outing, struggled to respond in the added period. Despite a resilient defensive effort and flashes of attacking promise, the USL Championship club could not find a way past D.C. United’s backline
With this win, D.C. United moves on to face the winner of the North Carolina FC vs. Charlotte FC matchup in the next round, keeping their Open Cup hopes alive
