D.C. United wins the U.S Open Cup

D.C United won the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night by narrowly defeating the Charleston Battery from the United States Soccer League's First Division 2-1. More coverage can be obtained by clicking on this link as there is a story by Sports Illustrated.

As I've said before and I'll say it again, this Cup competition should be given a much more prestigious ranking within the world of United States soccer. Its the oldest annual tournament in American sports, and is a true competition that is similar to the English F.A. Cup in that each amateur and professional side in the U.S has an opportunity to play in it. If marketed correctly, this competition could turn into the Super Bowl like game that MLS is looking for with its convoluted league and playoff system. Making this cup, the official cup and keeping the league games purely as league games with no playoff would make MLS similar to the most prominent soccer leagues throughout the world. Plainly speaking, it just would make more sense and give fans more reasons to get excited about both. At least D.C United will get a place in the CONCACAF Champions League, which give the teams something really significant to play for.