1998 D.C. United season
Encyclopedia
The 1998 D.C. United season was the clubs' fourth year of existence, as well as their third season in Major League Soccer
.
After previously winning the first two MLS Cup
championships, the two-time defending league champions made it to the MLS Cup final for an unprecedented third year. However, in the league championship, United lost to expansion side Chicago Fire, making it their first and only MLS Cup final they made and did not win. Also, it marked the first time in league history United did not win the league championship. As for the regular season, United finished second in the regular season standings, failing to defend the MLS Supporters' Shield
.
In spite of their shortcomings in the regular season, and the playoffs, United made history on the continental stage. Being the 1997 MLS champions, United earned a berth into the 1998 CONCACAF Champions' Cup (now Champions League), and won the final 1–0 over Deportivo Toluca. By winning the continental championship, United became the first American soccer club to be crowned as North American champions, a distinct honor only Los Angeles Galaxy
accomplished in 2000 and Real Salt Lake
almost accomplished in 2011.
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...
.
After previously winning the first two 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...
championships, the two-time defending league champions made it to the MLS Cup final for an unprecedented third year. However, in the league championship, United lost to expansion side Chicago Fire, making it their first and only MLS Cup final they made and did not win. Also, it marked the first time in league history United did not win the league championship. As for the regular season, United finished second in the regular season standings, failing to defend the MLS Supporters' Shield
MLS Supporters' Shield
The Supporters' Shield is an annual award given to the Major League Soccer team with the best regular season record, as determined by the MLS points system...
.
In spite of their shortcomings in the regular season, and the playoffs, United made history on the continental stage. Being the 1997 MLS champions, United earned a berth into the 1998 CONCACAF Champions' Cup (now Champions League), and won the final 1–0 over Deportivo Toluca. By winning the continental championship, United became the first American soccer club to be crowned as North American champions, a distinct honor only 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...
accomplished in 2000 and Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake is an American professional soccer club based in Sandy, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City. The team competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. They currently play their home games at Rio Tinto Stadium. Real Salt Lake won...
almost accomplished in 2011.