1996 D.C. United season
Encyclopedia
The 1996 D.C. United season was the clubs' second year of existence, as well as their debutant season in Major League Soccer
. The United would become the first club to win the MLS Cup
this year.
's inagural season, it had been six years since the Washington Metropolitan Area had a professional soccer club play within the region. The last team, was the late 1980s/early 1990s version of the Washington Diplomats. The Diplomats, played in the American Soccer League
, which at the time was, by de facto, the top division of soccer in the United States although it was not sanctioned by U.S. Soccer
or FIFA
as a top tier soccer league. With the installation of the D.C. United franchise, it was the first time since the 1981 that a top division pro soccer club played in the region.
The foundation of the team came on June 15, 1994, when Major League Soccer
selected Washington, D.C. out of twenty-two applicants to host one of the first seven teams, with three more added before the league's launch. Once an MLS franchise was awarded to Washington, the new club management sought a name for the club. Attempting to allude to the American sporting culture
, original suppositions included the area's name followed by a mascot for the club. Some ideas included the "Spies", "Americans" and "Eagles". Eventually, the idea of simply naming the team "D.C. United" was decided upon as the club name. The moniker "United" alluded to European club names such as Leeds and Manchester United
as well as reflecting on being based in capital of the United States.
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
. The United would become the first club to win the MLS Cup
MLS Cup
The MLS Cup is the championship match of Major League Soccer, the highest tier of professional soccer in the United States and Canada. As the final match of the MLS Cup playoffs, the winner is crowned the season champion in the same manner as other North American sports leagues...
this year.
Background
Prior to Major League SoccerMajor League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
's inagural season, it had been six years since the Washington Metropolitan Area had a professional soccer club play within the region. The last team, was the late 1980s/early 1990s version of the Washington Diplomats. The Diplomats, played in the American Soccer League
American Soccer League
The American Soccer League has been a name used by three different professional soccer leagues in the United States. The first American Soccer League was established in 1921 by the merger of teams from the National Association Football League and the Southern New England Soccer League. For...
, which at the time was, by de facto, the top division of soccer in the United States although it was not sanctioned by U.S. Soccer
United States Soccer Federation
The United States Soccer Federation is the official governing body of the sport of soccer in the United States. Its headquarters are located in Chicago, Illinois. It is a member of FIFA and is responsible for governing amateur and professional soccer, including the men's, women's, youth, futsal...
or FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
as a top tier soccer league. With the installation of the D.C. United franchise, it was the first time since the 1981 that a top division pro soccer club played in the region.
The foundation of the team came on June 15, 1994, when Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
selected Washington, D.C. out of twenty-two applicants to host one of the first seven teams, with three more added before the league's launch. Once an MLS franchise was awarded to Washington, the new club management sought a name for the club. Attempting to allude to the American sporting culture
Sports in the United States
Sports in the United States is an important part of American culture. The four most popular team sports are ones that developed in North America: American football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey...
, original suppositions included the area's name followed by a mascot for the club. Some ideas included the "Spies", "Americans" and "Eagles". Eventually, the idea of simply naming the team "D.C. United" was decided upon as the club name. The moniker "United" alluded to European club names such as Leeds and Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
as well as reflecting on being based in capital of the United States.
Regular season
Playoffs
U.S. Open Cup
Conference
| Club | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tampa Bay Mutiny Tampa Bay Mutiny The Tampa Bay Mutiny was a charter franchise of Major League Soccer active from 1996 - 2001. They initially played in Tampa Stadium and were immediately successful, winning the first MLS Supporters' Shield behind MLS MVP Carlos Valderrama and high-scoring forward Roy Lassiter, whose 27 goals in... |
32 | 20 | 1 | 3 | 12 | 66 | 51 | 15 | 58 |
| 2 | D.C. United | 32 | 16 | 1 | 3 | 16 | 62 | 56 | 6 | 46 |
| 3 | NY/NJ MetroStars | 32 | 15 | 3 | 2 | 17 | 45 | 47 | ||
| 39 | ||||||||||
| 4 | Columbus Crew Columbus Crew The Columbus Crew is an American professional soccer club based in Columbus, Ohio which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada... |
32 | 15 | 4 | 5 | 17 | 59 | 60 | ||
| 37 | ||||||||||
| 5 | New England Revolution New England Revolution The New England Revolution is an American professional association football club based in Foxborough, Massachusetts which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada... |
32 | 15 | 6 | 2 | 17 | 43 | 56 | ||
| 33 |
Overall
| Club | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tampa Bay Mutiny Tampa Bay Mutiny The Tampa Bay Mutiny was a charter franchise of Major League Soccer active from 1996 - 2001. They initially played in Tampa Stadium and were immediately successful, winning the first MLS Supporters' Shield behind MLS MVP Carlos Valderrama and high-scoring forward Roy Lassiter, whose 27 goals in... |
32 | 20 | 1 | 3 | 12 | 66 | 51 | 15 | 58 |
| 2 | Los Angeles Galaxy Los Angeles Galaxy The Los Angeles Galaxy are an American professional soccer team, based in the Los Angeles suburb of Carson, California, which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, and the league's second... |
32 | 19 | 4 | 4 | 13 | 59 | 49 | 10 | 49 |
| 3 | D.C. United | 32 | 16 | 1 | 3 | 16 | 62 | 56 | 6 | 46 |
| 4 | Dallas Burn | 32 | 17 | 5 | 3 | 15 | 50 | 48 | 2 | 41 |
| 5 | Kansas City Wiz Kansas City Wizards Sporting Kansas City is an American professional soccer club based in Kansas City, Kansas that competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States of America and Canada... |
32 | 17 | 5 | 2 | 15 | 61 | 63 | ||
| 41 | ||||||||||
| 6 | San Jose Clash | 32 | 15 | 3 | 6 | 15 | 50 | 50 | 0 | 39 |
| 7 | NY/NJ MetroStars | 32 | 15 | 3 | 2 | 17 | 45 | 47 | ||
| 39 | ||||||||||
| 8 | Columbus Crew Columbus Crew The Columbus Crew is an American professional soccer club based in Columbus, Ohio which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada... |
32 | 15 | 4 | 5 | 17 | 59 | 60 | ||
| 37 | ||||||||||
| 9 | New England Revolution New England Revolution The New England Revolution is an American professional association football club based in Foxborough, Massachusetts which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada... |
32 | 15 | 6 | 2 | 17 | 43 | 56 | ||
| 33 | ||||||||||
| 10 | Colorado Rapids Colorado Rapids The Colorado Rapids are an American professional soccer club based in the Denver suburb of Commerce City, Colorado which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, having competed in the league... |
32 | 11 | 2 | 4 | 16 | 44 | 59 | ||
| 29 |
In
| Date | Player | Previous Club | Fee/Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 24, 1996 |  Jeff AgoosJeff Agoos Jeffrey Alan "Jeff" Agoos is a retired American soccer defender, and one of the all-time appearance leaders for the United States national team.... |
 Wehen |
Allocated 1996 MLS Inaugural Allocations The Major League Soccer Inaugural Allocations were signed by the league in 1996 and distributed to the ten initial teams prior to the beginning of the first MLS season... |
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| January 24, 1996 |  Marco EtcheverryMarco Etcheverry Marco Antonio Etcheverry Vargas is a retired Bolivian footballer, considered one of the greatest Bolivian players of all time.-Career:... |
 América de CaliAmérica de Cali Corporación Deportiva América, commonly known as América de Cali or simply América is a Colombian football club based in Cali. They currently play in the Categoría Primera A, the top-flight professional league in the country.... |
Allocated 1996 MLS Inaugural Allocations The Major League Soccer Inaugural Allocations were signed by the league in 1996 and distributed to the ten initial teams prior to the beginning of the first MLS season... |
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| January 24, 1996 | John Harkes John Harkes John Harkes is an American former soccer player. Harkes was the first American ever to play in the English Premier League, and the second American to score at Wembley Stadium. He is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. He appeared in two FIFA World Cup tournaments, and won two MLS Cup... |
 West Ham UnitedWest Ham United F.C. West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current... |
Allocated 1996 MLS Inaugural Allocations The Major League Soccer Inaugural Allocations were signed by the league in 1996 and distributed to the ten initial teams prior to the beginning of the first MLS season... |
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| January 24, 1996 | Berthy Suárez Berthy Suárez Juan Berthy Suárez is a retired Bolivian football striker.His former clubs are Blooming, Guabirá, MLS team D.C. United, The Strongest and Oriente Petrolero... |
Guabirá Guabirá Club Deportivo Guabirá is a Bolivian football club from Montero that currently plays in the Liga de Fútbol Profesional Boliviano. Their home ground is the Estadio Gilberto Parada.... |
Allocated 1996 MLS Inaugural Allocations The Major League Soccer Inaugural Allocations were signed by the league in 1996 and distributed to the ten initial teams prior to the beginning of the first MLS season... |
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| February 6, 1996 |  Raúl Díaz ArceRaúl Díaz Arce Raúl Díaz Arce is a retired Salvadoran football player.He is El Salvador's second most prolific goal scorer behind Jorge "Mágico" González, with 39 goals in just 68 appearances.-Early career:... |
Luis Ángel Firpo C.D. Luis Angel Firpo Club Deportivo Luis Ángel Firpo is an football club based in Usulután, El Salvador that plays in the Primera División de Fútbol Profesional. It has been one of the most successful clubs in El Salvador, having won 9 titles, firstly in 1989. Only FAS and Águila hold more league titles than Firpo,... |
Drafted 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft The MLS Inaugural Player Draft, held before Major League Soccer's initial 1996 season, distributed players who had already graduated from college to the league's ten inaugural teams. The draft occurred on February 6 and 7, 1996... |
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| February 6, 1996 | Shawn Medved Shawn Medved Shawn Medved is a retired American soccer forward and midfielder. He coaches youth soccer.-Youth:Medved was born and grew up in Issaquah, Washington. His father, Ron Medved, was a noted American football player for the University of Washington and Philadelphia Eagles. Despite his father's success... |
Seattle Sounders Seattle Sounders (USL) Seattle Sounders was an American professional soccer team founded in 1994 as a member of the American Professional Soccer League. In 1997, the team became a member of the USL First Division, the second tier of the United States soccer pyramid, until 2008, after which the majority of the team's... |
Drafted 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft The MLS Inaugural Player Draft, held before Major League Soccer's initial 1996 season, distributed players who had already graduated from college to the league's ten inaugural teams. The draft occurred on February 6 and 7, 1996... |
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| February 6, 1996 | Erik Imler Erik Imler Erik Bradley Imler is a former soccer defender from the United States. He won national championships while playing at the University of Virginia before becoming part of the US team that competed at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.-Youth and college:Imler grew up in Maryland, attending Bowie... |
Raleigh Flyers Raleigh Express The Raleigh Express was a soccer club that competed in the United Soccer Leagues from 1993 to 2000. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, the club started as the Raleigh Flyers in the USISL before moving to the A-League in 1997. In 1999, the club was renamed the Express, and in 2000, became the Raleigh... |
Drafted 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft The MLS Inaugural Player Draft, held before Major League Soccer's initial 1996 season, distributed players who had already graduated from college to the league's ten inaugural teams. The draft occurred on February 6 and 7, 1996... |
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| February 6, 1996 | Richie Williams Richie Williams Richie Williams is an American former professional soccer player and coach.Known for his diminutive height and his dogged tackling, Williams spent the vast majority of his playing career in the United States, playing one season in the National Professional Soccer League, two in USISL, two in the... |
Richmond Kickers Richmond Kickers The Richmond Kickers are an American professional soccer club based in Richmond, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1993, the team plays in the American Division of the USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid... |
Drafted 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft The MLS Inaugural Player Draft, held before Major League Soccer's initial 1996 season, distributed players who had already graduated from college to the league's ten inaugural teams. The draft occurred on February 6 and 7, 1996... |
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| February 6, 1996 | Thor Lee Thor Lee Thor Lee is a retired U.S. soccer defender who played professionally in several U.S. leagues including one season in Major League Soccer.Lee attended CSU Northridge where he played on the school’s NCAA Division II soccer team from 1984 to 1987. In 1987, CSU Northridge went to the National... |
Wichita Wings Wichita Wings This article is about the original team. For the current team, see Wichita Wings .The Wichita Wings were a professional indoor soccer franchise based in Wichita, Kansas. The Wings were admitted to the Major Indoor Soccer League as an expansion team on August 21, 1979... |
Drafted 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft The MLS Inaugural Player Draft, held before Major League Soccer's initial 1996 season, distributed players who had already graduated from college to the league's ten inaugural teams. The draft occurred on February 6 and 7, 1996... |
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| February 6, 1996 | Brian Kamler Brian Kamler Brian Kamler is a retired American soccer midfielder, who played two seasons in the USISL, winning the 1995 U.S. Open Cup and league titles with the Richmond Kickers, and ten seasons in Major League Soccer.... |
Richmond Kickers Richmond Kickers The Richmond Kickers are an American professional soccer club based in Richmond, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1993, the team plays in the American Division of the USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid... |
Drafted 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft The MLS Inaugural Player Draft, held before Major League Soccer's initial 1996 season, distributed players who had already graduated from college to the league's ten inaugural teams. The draft occurred on February 6 and 7, 1996... |
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| February 6, 1996 | Mile Milovac Mile Milovac Mile Milovac was an American soccer goalkeeper who was drafted by D.C. United in the 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft. He played for United Serbs in Chicago’s Metropolitan Soccer League as well as in the Continental Indoor Soccer League and Premier Development League.Milovac played for the United... |
Indianapolis Twisters Indiana Twisters The Indiana Twisters were a professional indoor soccer team that played in the Continental Indoor Soccer League in 1996 and 1997.... |
Drafted 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft The MLS Inaugural Player Draft, held before Major League Soccer's initial 1996 season, distributed players who had already graduated from college to the league's ten inaugural teams. The draft occurred on February 6 and 7, 1996... |
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| February 6, 1996 | Kris Kelderman Kris Kelderman Kris Kelderman was a U.S. soccer defender who is currently the head coach for the UW–Green Bay Phoenix men's soccer team. Kelderman was a member of the U.S. team at the 1985 FIFA U-16 World Championship. He played professionally both indoors and out, including four seasons in Major League Soccer... |
St. Louis Ambush St. Louis Ambush The St. Louis Ambush was a professional indoor soccer team based in St. Louis, Missouri. Originally located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the team played one season at the Tulsas Pavilion Expo Square. Vernon Riggs was the General Manager. Keith Dial was the Managing General Partner. Former Tulsa Roughneck... |
Drafted 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft The MLS Inaugural Player Draft, held before Major League Soccer's initial 1996 season, distributed players who had already graduated from college to the league's ten inaugural teams. The draft occurred on February 6 and 7, 1996... |
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| February 7, 1996 | Clint Peay Clint Peay Clint Peay is a retired U.S. soccer defender who is currently the head coach with the University of Richmond men's soccer team. He was a regular on the U.S. junior national teams and U.S. Olympic team in the mid-1990s. He also spent several years with D.C... |
Virginia Cavaliers |
Drafted 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft The MLS Inaugural Player Draft, held before Major League Soccer's initial 1996 season, distributed players who had already graduated from college to the league's ten inaugural teams. The draft occurred on February 6 and 7, 1996... |
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| February 7, 1996 | Ben Crawley Ben Crawley Ben Crawley is a retired American soccer player. He was a member of the United States teams at both the 1987 FIFA U-16 World Championship and 1989 FIFA World Youth Championship but spent most of his professional career with lower division teams. He played five games in Major League Soccer with D.C... |
TuS Celle TuS Celle FC TuS Celle FC is a German association football club based in Celle, Lower Saxony. The club is currently a member of the Bezirksoberliga Lüneburg, the sixth tier of German football... |
Drafted 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft The MLS Inaugural Player Draft, held before Major League Soccer's initial 1996 season, distributed players who had already graduated from college to the league's ten inaugural teams. The draft occurred on February 6 and 7, 1996... |
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| February 7, 1996 |  Said FazlagićSaid Fazlagić Said Fazlagić is a retired Bosnian international footballer who played professionally in Europe and the United States as a left back. Since December 25... |
Sarajevo FK Sarajevo FK Sarajevo is a professional football club based in Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia-Herzegovina and is one of the most popular clubs in the country. Founded on October 24, 1946, the club was the most successful club from SR Bosnia and Herzegovina in former Yugoslavia, winning two First League... |
Drafted 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft The MLS Inaugural Player Draft, held before Major League Soccer's initial 1996 season, distributed players who had already graduated from college to the league's ten inaugural teams. The draft occurred on February 6 and 7, 1996... |
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| February 7, 1996 |  Daniel De OliveiraDaniel De Oliveira Daniel De Oliveira is a retired Venezuelan football midfielder who coached the Venezuelan U-15 and U-17 national soccer teams. He is the Technical Director for the Deportivo Petare.-Player:... |
Luis Ángel Firpo C.D. Luis Angel Firpo Club Deportivo Luis Ángel Firpo is an football club based in Usulután, El Salvador that plays in the Primera División de Fútbol Profesional. It has been one of the most successful clubs in El Salvador, having won 9 titles, firstly in 1989. Only FAS and Águila hold more league titles than Firpo,... |
Drafted 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft The MLS Inaugural Player Draft, held before Major League Soccer's initial 1996 season, distributed players who had already graduated from college to the league's ten inaugural teams. The draft occurred on February 6 and 7, 1996... |
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| February 7, 1996 | Matthew Olson Matthew Olson Matthew Olson is a former American soccer players who played as a goalkeeper.Matthew has played most of his soccer in the USA with firstly in college soccer with Indiana and then Wake Forest MetroStars, DC United, New England Revolution, Hampton Road Mariners and Carolina Dynamo.He also has... |
Everett BigFoot Seattle BigFoot The Seattle BigFoot were an American soccer team. After the 1996 season, the Everett BigFoot of the USISL Pro League and the Puget Sound Hammers of the USISL Premier League merged to become the Puget Sound BigFoot who played in the USISL PDSL during the 1997 season... |
Drafted 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft The MLS Inaugural Player Draft, held before Major League Soccer's initial 1996 season, distributed players who had already graduated from college to the league's ten inaugural teams. The draft occurred on February 6 and 7, 1996... |
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| February 7, 1996 | Sterling Wescott Sterling Wescott Sterling Wescott is a retired U.S. soccer midfielder who played in the USISL, National Professional Soccer League, World Indoor Soccer League, Major Indoor Soccer League and two games with D.C. United in Major League Soccer... |
 Hawaii TsunamiHawaii Tsunami The Hawaii Tsunami were a soccer club that competed in the United Soccer Leaguesfrom 1994 to 1997. The club was based in Honolulu, Hawaii.-Year-by-year:... |
Drafted 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft The MLS Inaugural Player Draft, held before Major League Soccer's initial 1996 season, distributed players who had already graduated from college to the league's ten inaugural teams. The draft occurred on February 6 and 7, 1996... |
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| February 7, 1996 | Garth Lagerwey Garth Lagerwey Garth Lagerwey is a retired American soccer goalkeeper who played five seasons in Major League Soccer. He is currently the vice president and general manager of Real Salt Lake.... |
Hampton Roads Mariners |
Drafted 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft The MLS Inaugural Player Draft, held before Major League Soccer's initial 1996 season, distributed players who had already graduated from college to the league's ten inaugural teams. The draft occurred on February 6 and 7, 1996... |
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| February 7, 1996 |  Carlos GarciaCarlos Garcia (soccer) Carlos Garcia is a Colombian professional soccer player who currently plays for the Baltimore Blast in the MISL.-Youth:Carlos was born and raised in Colombia. He learned to play soccer at the Academia Tucamán in his hometown of Cali, Valle del Cauca. The club played at a very high level by local... |
Mytrle Beach Boyz |
Drafted 1996 MLS Inaugural Player Draft The MLS Inaugural Player Draft, held before Major League Soccer's initial 1996 season, distributed players who had already graduated from college to the league's ten inaugural teams. The draft occurred on February 6 and 7, 1996... |
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| April 19, 1996 | Steve Rammel Steve Rammel Steve Rammel is a retired U.S. soccer forward. He spent five seasons in the U.S. and German lower divisions before playing two seasons in Major League Soccer. After retiring from playing in 1997, he served for many years as both an assistant and head coach for both college and professional teams... |
Washington Mustangs Washington Mustangs The Washington Mustangs were an American soccer team that played in Washington, DC in the now-defunct United States Interregional Soccer League.-Year-by-year:... |
Loan | |
| July 18, 1996 | Jaime Moreno Jaime Moreno Jaime Moreno Morales is a former Bolivian footballer now serving as Youth Academy Technical Training Coach for D.C. United in Major League Soccer, and as the head coach of D.C. United's U-23 side.... |
Middlesbrough Middlesbrough F.C. Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889... |
Lottery |