1999 D.C. United season
Encyclopedia
The 1999 D.C. United season was the clubs' fifth year of existence, as well as their fourth season in Major League Soccer
.
Following shortcomings in MLS Cup '98, United took winning the league championship as their top priority entering 1999. With Bruce Arena
's departure to coach the United States men's national team
, Dutch coach Thomas Rongen
took the helm as United head coach. Rongen's maiden campaign with United proved by incredibly successful, as United earned their third MLS Cup
title, and their second MLS Supporters Shield.
The success of the league double culuminating two previous MLS Cups, a Supporters Shield and the CONCACAF Champions' Cup was considered the apex of Untied until the mid to late 2000s. Their dominance in the league was cut short following the year following strict salary cap restrictions enforced by MLS to ensure parity amongst clubs. Consequently, it resulted in certain core United players becoming to expensive for the club to retain, weakening the squad.
With the subsequent changes to the 1999 season, United would not qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs
again until 2003.
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...
.
Following shortcomings in MLS Cup '98, United took winning the league championship as their top priority entering 1999. With Bruce Arena
Bruce Arena
Bruce Arena is a former coach of the United States men's national soccer team as well as a former professional soccer and lacrosse player...
's departure to coach the United States men's national team
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
, Dutch coach Thomas Rongen
Thomas Rongen
Thomas Rongen is a Dutch soccer coach, formerly the head coach of D.C. United, the Sporting Director of Major League Soccer club Chivas USA, and the coach of the American Samoa national association football team...
took the helm as United head coach. Rongen's maiden campaign with United proved by incredibly successful, as United earned their third 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...
title, and their second MLS Supporters Shield.
The success of the league double culuminating two previous MLS Cups, a Supporters Shield and the CONCACAF Champions' Cup was considered the apex of Untied until the mid to late 2000s. Their dominance in the league was cut short following the year following strict salary cap restrictions enforced by MLS to ensure parity amongst clubs. Consequently, it resulted in certain core United players becoming to expensive for the club to retain, weakening the squad.
With the subsequent changes to the 1999 season, United would not qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs
MLS Cup Playoffs
The MLS Cup Playoffs is the postseason elimination tournament of Major League Soccer held at the end of the regular season en route to the MLS Cup, the league's championship game. 10 teams in total from the Eastern Conference and Western Conference qualify for the tournament based on regular-season...
again until 2003.