DC United head coach Ben Olsen felt a sense of relief as his side took out the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Tuesday night.
The Washington club defeated Real Salt Lake 1-0 at Rio Tinto Stadium thanks to a 45th minute goal from English midfielder Lewis Neal prompting Olsen to speak of the feeling within the DC dressing room after the triumph.
"It's tough to get the smiles off the guys - that's a good thing but it's also a little challenge when you are trying to go after a game tomorrow, which we are taking very seriously," he said of his side which sits bottom on overall MLS standings.
"There is a sense of relief. There is a sense of joy. It's a better year than last year. Somehow, ironically. We didn't have a trophy last year; we didn't get one.
"Last time I checked, that is what this is about - winning trophies. We found a way to get one this year. I am under no illusions who we are and what we need to do going forward, that we need to get better and improve this group. But we got a championship this year. We didn't get one last year, so it's important they understand this is a great accomplishment for this club."
