When D.C. United enters the US Open Cup, we normally expect to see a non-MLS opponent, and that opponent is usually looking at the game as arguably their biggest game of the year. That might not be the case for North Carolina FC, who are struggling along in 12th place in the USL’s Eastern Conference right now and coming off of a stunning 2-1 home loss to Bethlehem Steel, who scored twice after the 80th minute to shock NCFC.
On top of that, veteran center back Futty Danso left just before that game for the Malaysian league, causing upheaval to their starting lineup.