April 15th, 2026 — Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
Under a blazing 86-degree sun at Audi Field, DC United saw their Lamar US Open Cup run come to a devastating end, falling 6-5 in penalties to One Knoxville SC after a relentless 3-3 battle through 120 minutes.
This Lamar US Open Cup clash was never calm. From the opening whistle, both sides traded punches in a match defined by urgency, chaos, and moments of real quality. The first and second halves carried a frantic tempo, with neither team able to impose full control despite stretches of dominance.
DC found a breakthrough in the 61st minute when Matti Peltola drove the home side forward, slotting home to ignite the crowd. But Knoxville responded with precision and pace. Babacar Diene leveled things in the 75th minute before Denis Krioutchenkov struck again just three minutes later, flipping the match on its head at 2-1.
With elimination looming in this win-or-go-home cup tie, DC refused to fold. In the 83rd minute, Nikola Markovic delivered the equalizer, sending Audi Field into a frenzy and forcing extra time after a breathless regulation.
Extra time only amplified the drama.
Early in the first extra half, João Peglow rose to meet a soft, well-placed header that gave DC United a 3-2 edge and what felt like a decisive moment in their Lamar US Open Cup survival. But Knoxville had one final answer. In the 113th minute, Denis Krioutchenkov struck again with an incredible finish, silencing the crowd and leveling the match at 3-3.
Penalties would decide it.
The shootout mirrored the match itself, tight and unforgiving. Both sides converted under pressure until the decisive moment arrived. DC United’s Gabriel Pirani (10) stepped up with everything on the line—but his effort was denied by Knoxville goalkeeper Jon Burke, sealing a 6-5 shootout victory and a stunning Lamar US Open Cup upset.
Statistically, DC United pushed the game. They registered 27 shots to Knoxville’s 17 and edged physicality with 20 fouls committed compared to Knoxville’s 9. Possession slightly favored Knoxville at 52.5% to DC’s 47.5%, while both teams stood even in saves at 3-3. Discipline remained relatively controlled, with DC picking up one yellow card to Knoxville’s two.
But none of that mattered in the end.
The night belonged to Knoxville’s resilience—and to the brutal, unforgiving nature of the Lamar US Open Cup.
DC United now turns its focus back to MLS play, where they will face the Philadelphia Union on April 18th at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
Article by Omar Yair Soto
Photo Credits by Omar Yair Soto
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