D.C. United Hosts Charleston Battery in U.S. Open Cup

WASHINGTON, D.C. — D.C. United kicks off its 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign against the Charleston Battery on Tuesday, May 6, at Audi Field. The Round of 32 match is set to begin at 7 p.m. ET.

After securing a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, D.C. United aims to continue its winning streak under Head Coach Troy Lesesne, who has a past with the Battery. Lesesne played for Charleston from 2005-2007 and was instrumental in their USL Championship semifinal run in 2006. He also served as an assistant coach in 2014.

Lesesne’s assistant, Zach Prince, also brings history to the field, having played for the Battery from 2010 to 2016. With 11 goals and seven assists in 153 appearances for the Battery, Prince aims to contribute to another successful outing for D.C. United.

A win in this match will advance D.C. United to the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of the match between North Carolina FC and Charlotte FC. Last season, the Black-and-Red faced Charleston in a preseason game, winning 2-1.

The Black-and-Red has a favorable history in the U.S. Open Cup against the Battery, boasting a 2-1-0 record, including a significant 2-1 victory in the 2008 Final at RFK Stadium to clinch their second U.S. Open Cup title.

Multiple players from D.C. United have connections to the Battery. Defender Derek Dodson played for Charleston last season and contributed significantly with three goals and five assists. Midfielder Fidel Barajas won individual accolades while he was with the Battery and has now transitioned to D.C. United.

D.C. United’s Christian Benteke is looking to add to his scoring tally, seeking his seventh goal of the season following a strong performance against Colorado. Meanwhile, the Battery’s MD Myers enters this match with momentum, having scored a hat-trick in his last Open Cup outing.

As D.C. United seeks to honor its legacy in the Open Cup, the team is focused on securing a home victory against familiar foes, the Charleston Battery. Tickets for the match are available for fans eager to support their home team.