History of D.C. United
Encyclopedia
The History of D.C. United spans 17 years from 1995 to 2011 from Major League Soccer
granting an MLS franchise in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The club has spent their entire history playing in RFK Stadium located in the city's seventh ward near the Eastland Gardens neighborhood and D.C. Armory.
Over the past 17 years, United has developed a reputation of being MLS's "flagship franchise", and has created a well-renowned tradition of winning numerous awards. Presently, the club has won four regular season and league championships, more than any other sports franchise in the Washington area. The team's success is also highlighted by winning two U.S. Open Cup titles and a CONCACAF title.
, the United States Soccer Federation
fulfilled promises to FIFA
by aiding in the foundation of a new professional league. On June 15, 1994, 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 management was seeking a name for the club. Trying 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.
The team's colors and original logo were announced on October 17, 1995 along with those of the other ten original teams during a presentation in New York City. Black and white are D.C. United's primary colors, though the team's nickname is the "Black-and-Red." Red is used to accent the home jersey while white is the main color of the team's away kit. Three stripes along the shoulder, in white at home and black on the road,do not represent the three jurisdictions of the Washington Metropolitan Area
Washington, D.C., Virginia
, and Maryland
, but are to do with the fact that the team's kits are made by Adidas
.The team's shirt sponsor is German motor company Volkswagen
In 2011, the team introduced a predominantly red third kit
with black accents to be worn four or more times in the season. The team has also previously used white away uniforms with red stripes. White and red are the colors of the flag of Washington, D.C.
, and the stripes are also reminiscent of those used on the flag. Goalkeepers usually distinguish themselves with a red or green colored shirt.
The team's original shield was implemented in 1996 consisting of the team's name, D.C. United, above a black Bald Eagle
facing right on a red field, clawing three soccer balls overlaid on three white stars. The three stars and balls were again intended to represent the region's three jurisdictions. The bird, associated with the federal government based in Washington, D.C., symbolizes many of the attributes of the team, including speed and power. The logo was redesigned before the 1998 season. The current design reoriented the eagle facing left, and removed the three stars below it, whose metaphor was retained by three raised wing feathers. At the center of the eagle is a single gold colored star and soccer ball, which represents the team's victory in Major League Soccer
's inaugural cup in 1996
. The logo can also be adorned with four gold stars
above it, representing the MLS Cup
s the team has won.
In spite of the four-game setback, the United would manage to turn their fortunes around and qualify for the playoffs with an even 16–16 record. The Bruce Arena-led side stormed into the playoffs with considerable force, and managed to win the Eastern Conference title. The Eastern Conference championship came as a shock to most of the league, as United took down Supporters' Shield winners, Tampa Bay Mutiny in the match. With the win, United book themselves into the inaugural MLS Cup championship match. There, United took on Western Conference champions, Los Angeles Galaxy. The match between United and Galaxy was considered by many, to be a pathway for the two clubs' success and the right to earn the title as flagship franchises in MLS. In the championship, United fell early by a 2–0 margin to Los Angeles, but were able to regain their form in the second half of play. There, United rallied for a 3–2 golden goal victory, giving United the first ever trophy for the club. Additionally, United became the first sports team in the Washington, D.C. area in four years to win a league championship. Quickly thereafter, United made an unprecedented double, by winning both the league (MLS Cup) and domestic (U.S. Open Cup) championships with a 3–0 victory over Rochester. The crowd of 8,000 at hand to see the Open Cup final would not be broken until 2009, when the United themselves hosted the Open Cup against Seattle. Additionally, United's double was the first time a professional American soccer club won both the league and domestic championship since the New Bedford Whalers
did so in 1932.
The team's second year saw United compete, in addition to Major League Soccer; the U.S. Open Cup and the CONCACAF Champions' Cup.
On August 12, 1997 the United would play their first international opponent, Trinidad and Tobago's United Petrotrin
in the CONCACAF quarterfinals. There, an 84th-minute goal from Marco Etcheverry
gave the club the 1-0 win, and spot in the CONCACAF semifinals, where they would face a familiar foe, Los Angeles Galaxy
. Many consider this the budding of the intra-conference rivalry, as the continental semis was a rematch of the previous MLS Cup final. Played once again at Washington, D.C.'s RFK Stadium
, the Galaxy's Cobi Jones
netted once in the 10th minute of play, giving the visitors the advantage. Jones' goal, would be the decisive factor in the match, as the United fell in the semifinals, and would play Mexico's Guadalajara
in the consolation match. The third place game, ended in a 2–2 draw between the clubs, as third place was shared.
, D.C. United earned their second consecutive berth into the CONCACAF Champions' Cup
. In the 1997 Champions' Cup, United were ousted by cross-country rivals, Los Angeles Galaxy
in the semifinals. The 1998 edition of the tournament, held mid-season was hosted in the United States, and the club made it a top priority to not only earn another domestic and league honor, but to earn a North American title. Upon opening the quarterfinals with an 8–0 drubbing of Trindiadian side Joe Public
, United earned a matchup against the 1997 Mexican Invierno champions, León
. In the semifinals, United earned their first berth in the CONCACAF finals thanks to a pair of goals from Roy Lassiter
. Lassiter scored in the 12th and 67th minute of play.
In the 1998 final, United went up against Deportivo Toluca, the 1998 Mexican Vernao champions. In front of a crowd of 12,607 a 41st minute goal from United's Eddie Pope
gave United their first, and to date, their only CONCACAF title in franchise history. United became the first sports franchise in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area to earn a continental honor, and the first American and MLS club to win a CONCACAF title. To this date, United is one of only two American soccer clubs to have won any CONCACAF club title.
Their continental success culminated in the 1998
Copa Interamericana
, a now-defunct playoff series between the CONCACAF and CONMEBOL
champions to determine the best soccer club in The Americas. As winners of 1998 Champions' Cup, United earned a berth into the series to take on Vasco da Gama of Brazil. In the first leg of the series, played at RFK Stadium, Vasco da Gama earned a 1–0 lead in the series. The return match, played in December 1998 was held at Lockhart Stadium
in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
. In the match, United earned a 2–0 win and the 2–1 advantage in aggregates to win the series and the final Interamericana title, in which the club signals as the apex of its accomplishments and honors.
Although D.C. United earned two major contiental titles in 1998, the club failed to win any type of hardware in MLS for the first time in its existence. Finishing with the second best regular season record, United fell shy to Los Angeles Galaxy by 10 points for winning the premier title. In the 1998 MLS Cup Playoffs, United earned their way into the 1998 MLS Cup final through a shoot-out over Miami Fusion in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and a 2–1 series victory over Columbus Crew
for their third consecutive Eastern Conference championship. Taking on upstart expansion side, Chicago Fire, United were shut out for a 0–2 loss against the Fire, losing their first ever MLS Cup, and to date their only MLS Cup.
. Arena's departure marked the beginning of a downturn in the team's fortunes. While the club again won the MLS Cup in 1999 under coach Thomas Rongen
, lackluster results in 2000 and 2001 led to Rongen's departure and his replacement by Ray Hudson
in 2002. The team did not, however, fare much better under Hudson, and Piotr Nowak
replaced him before the start of the 2004 season. The club's first season under Nowak was marred by injuries in the early going, and some players were known to have complained about Nowak's methods. Nevertheless a strong finish, assisted in large measure by the late-season acquisition of Argentine midfielder Christian Gómez
, propelled United into the playoffs as the second seed. There they advanced past the New England Revolution
on penalty kicks in what has been called one of the best games in MLS history. United then defeated the Kansas City Wizards
to take their fourth MLS Cup.
season, the league gutted its rules and regulations regarding the structural format of the league, including the salary cap. Consequently, due to rising costs of obtaining several of United's key stars, the club was forced to release several key players so that they would be within salary cap space, and replace them with younger inexpensive players. The new look United failed to finish out of the bottom of the Eastern Conference table, and finished with the second-worst record in the league of 8-6-18 (W-T-L). The 2000 MLS season marked the first time in franchise history that the team failed to qualify for the playoffs or the MLS Cup championship.
Next year, MLS reduced the regressed the roster spaces down from 20 slots to 18, while leaving the salary cap unchanged. Their 2001 record still failed to be strong enough for a postseason berth, as United finished in last place in the East with a 8-2-16 record. The season, however, was cut short due to the September 11 attacks.
After two consecutive campaigns of failing to achieve a postseason berth, the organization fired Thomas Roengen and hired former Miami Fusion head coach, Ray Hudson
. Hired as a result of the Fusion's contraction from MLS, Hudson had managed the club to a league best 16-5-5 record, winning the MLS Supporters' Shield
. The MLS Cup and the U.S. Open Cup, Hudson led the Fusion to the semifinals and third round, respectively.
Despite his pedigree, Hudson failed to make a substantial impact with D.C. United in his first year of managing. In his debutant year, United finished dead last in the Eastern Conference for the third-consecutive year, and failed to make the playoffs for three years straight. The next time such an occurrence would happen is following the 2010
season. In 2003, Hudson did manage to lead the club into the playoffs, ending their three season drought, but the team was eliminated in the conference semifinals by the Chicago Fire 4-0 on aggregate. Despite the playoff berth, Hudson was fired following the 2003 season.
title, two Supporters' Shield
s, and a Open Cup
title, the United nearly doubled their trophy case in the span of four years.
February 18, 2004; Nowak took the helm of head coach for United following the firing of Ray Hudson. The year was also marked by the arrival of up and coming teen prodigy Freddy Adu
who, at the time, was only 14 years old. His professional contract with United made Adu the youngest pro athlete signed to an American sports league since 1887. The arrival of the prospect received major national headlines, and record crowds to United matches both at home and on the road. One match, resulted in a sellout of crowd upwards of 46,000 spectators; the fourth largest in United history.
While United struggled at first with consistency, the club defied expectations of a poor season and finished third place overall and second in the Eastern Conference. The record was good enough for a second seed in the 2004 MLS Cup Playoffs. In the Eastern Conference championship, the second seed United hosted fourth seed New England in a match that has been deemed as the greatest match in MLS history. In front of 21,000 spectators; United and the Revolution battled to a 3–3 draw during regulation time, thanks to a last gasp equalizer from New England's Pat Noonan
. Still leveled at three-apiece, the match had to go into penalty kicks. The first takers, New England's Steve Ralston
and D.C.'s Ben Olsen
both missed their penalties, while the next two; Matt Reis
and Santino Quaranta
successfully converted their penalties. The third kick-takers, Taylor Twellman
and Freddy Adu
both nailed their shots. Things got interesting in the fourth and fifth rounds, where New England had their shot saved, while D.C.'s hit the crossbar. The series had to go to sudden death penalty kicks, where New England's Clint Dempsey
missed his, whereas United's Brian Carroll
successfully converted his. Followed by huge uproar and the club storming the field, it was the first time in five years the United returned back to the MLS Cup championship.
In MLS Cup 2004
, United took on the Western Conference regular season and postseason champions, Kansas City Wizards. The Wizards, were coming off a 2-0 victory against the Los Angeles Galaxy
in the Western Conference finals, to advance to the championship match. The 2004 final received additional hype around United making their first MLS Cup finals appearance in five years, as well as the prospect of Adu playing in his first major cup final. For Kansas City, it was their first trip to the final in four years, having won MLS Cup 2000
previously. For the Wizards, the team started on better ground as Wizards midfielder, Jose Burciaga Jr.
drilled a 25-yard shot into the back of the net, giving the Wizards a 1-0 advantage only six minutes into the match. United quickly responded as the Black-and-Red scored thrice within seven minutes, starting with a 19th and 23rd minute pair of goals from Alecko Eskandarian
preluding to Wizards defender, Alexandru Zotincă conceding an own goal in the 26th minute. The quick turn of events, according to analysis, shell shocked Kansas City. With a 3-1 lead going into the half, United looked poised to earn their fourth MLS championship, only to have that hope speculated in the 58th minute. During that moment, United defensive midfielder Dema Kovalenko drew a penalty kick for Kansas City and consequently earned a red card ejection from the match. With the ejection, Kovalenko infamously became the first MLS player to be ejected from an MLS Cup final in league history. To this date, no other player in MLS Cup history had been ejected from the championship. Thus allowed Wizards striker, Josh Wolff
to convert a penalty to move the match within a goal. Subsequently, United's Eskandarian was substituted out for Adu, who made his appearance in the 65th minute. Adu was praised for a solid final 25 minutes in which he went on numerous runs deep down the Wizards' back third of the field. In spite of Adu's offensive spark, the shorthanded United had to spend a majority of the final 20 minutes continuously defending off the Wizards, who continuously pressured the back line wave after wave of attacks. However, United were able to veer off wave after wave of Wizards attack to earn their fourth ever MLS Cup title.
title in 2008
as well as two Supporters Shield
s during the three-year span. Most notably, United became the first MLS club to consecutively win the Supporters Shield, in which they won the regular season honor in both 2006 and 2007
. The two Shields gave United berths into the 2007 and 2008 editions of the CONCACAF Champions' Cup in which the Black-and-Red made two semifinal runs.
The 2006
campaign was among United's best regular season performances in club history, tallying a league-best 52 goals while conceding only 38 goals, the second-fewest in the league. By the end of the regular season, United bested FC Dallas
in the Supporters' Shield race, earning a total of 55 points off of a 15-7-10 record, ahead of Dallas' 52 points. Off the pitch, an attempt to sell the franchise fell through, while other clubs found owners, such as their Atlantic Cup rivals, the MetroStars being sold to Red Bull
and being rebranded as New York Red Bulls.
, an awarded given to the MLS club with the best regular season record, for a third-consecutive year. With a 10th-place overall finish and a 6th-place finish in the Eastern Conference, United finished the lowest in the conference and league tables since 2002. With the subpar record, United failed to make the playoffs, having successfully qualified since 2003.
Their performance league play reflected on the continental stage as well. Finishing as the 2007 MLS Supporters' Shield winners, United qualified for the inaugural CONCACAF Champions League
. The tournament replaced the obsolete CONCACAF Champions' Cup, and was modeled similarly to its cousin tournament, the UEFA Champions League
. In the Champions League, United continued their misfortunes, losing all their Group Stage matches at home, and only managing to pick up one draw at Costa Rica's Saprissa
. United finished in the bottom of Group C, with a record of 0-1-5 (W-T-L).
In spite of the poorer performance in league and continental play, United excelled in the U.S. Open Cup
play, ultimately winning the domestic title against Charleston Battery
, 2-1. The domestic cup title was their first since their inaugural season
. The U.S. Open Cup, a domestic cup tournament much similar to the FA Cup
runs parallel to the regular seasons of all tiers of professional and amateur soccer in the United States
. The tournament is open for entry for any soccer club, professional or amateur, that is affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation
. For MLS clubs, the top six American MLS clubs overall in the regular season are admitted entry into the third round proper, or round of 16, in the tournament. By finishing 1st overall in the regular season, United booked a third round entry in the tournament proper. The club opened Open Cup play with wins against Rochester Rhinos of the USL First Division
(second tier) and New England Revolution
of MLS (first tier) in the third round and quarterfinals respectively. In the semifinals, United won in extra time to defeat Chicago Fire. In the championship, United defeated Charleston Battery
of the USL Second Division
(third tier) to win the Open Cup for a second time in club history.
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After failure to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs
for two-consecutive seasons, Tom Soehn resigned from the head coaching duties of D.C. United. His resignation request was granted by the club, and his contract was terminated. Subsequently, Soehn became a director of soccer operations for the then-second tier club, Vancouver Whitecaps.
With the departure of Soehn and a new vacancy for the head coaching position, D.C. United hired former Kansas City Wizards head coach, Curt Onalfo
. Onalfo, whom previously had a brief stint with United during the late 1990s, made him the first former United player to be hired as a head coach. Additionally, he was the second head coach in franchise history to previously play as a professional athlete in Major League Soccer
. Along with other staffing transactions, the recently retired Ben Olsen
was hired as an assistant coach for Onalfo while Steve Sampson, who was an assistant to Soehn remained on the coaching staff.
The 2010 season spelt disaster for D.C. United, as it marked the poorest league finish for the club since 2002, and the worst regular season record in franchise history. In the club's MLS campaign, the team managed to only win six matches out of a possible 30, while losing 20 games and drawing four. United managed to only score 22 goals in the season, the lowest any team scored in MLS regular season history, and the lowest offensive production since the 2007 Toronto FC
side. During the poor season, United suffered their worst ever average attendance, drawing an average of only 14,500 fans a game, many attributing to the club's poor play. Consequently, the organization fired Onalfo on August 4, 2010; due to poor performance in league play. At the time of Onalfo's sacking, the club boasted a 3–14–3 (W–L–T) record, which was last in both the Eastern Conference and overall tables. Immediately following the firing of Onalfo, the franchise put Olsen on provisional coaching duties for their upcoming league match against New England Revolution
. On August 5, 2010; the club announced that Olsen would hold interim managerial duties until the end of the 2010
season. As an interim manager, Olsen led the team to a 3–6–1 record during the final 10 games of the regular season.
Although D.C. United had a miserable campaign in MLS, the club had a strong run in the 2010
U.S. Open Cup
, where they made a deep run into the semifinals before bowing out to eventual runners-up
, Columbus Crew
.
season, the club inked interim manager, Ben Olsen
to a three-year contract, and released major signings such as Juan Manuel Pena and Jaime Moreno
, both of whom opted for the MLS Re-Entry Draft
.
Looking to facelift their poor attacking from 2010, three major acquisitions to facelift the club's offense were complete during the offseason. Such transactions included the selections of ex-Sporting Kansas City attacker, Josh Wolff
and Houston Dynamo
striker, Joseph Ngwenya
in the MLS Re-Entry Draft. In February 2011, following a lengthly trial, United signed U.S. national team
standout Charlie Davies
on a season-long loan from French outfitters, Sochaux
of the French Ligue 1
.
Key to regular season record
Key to leagues, divisions and cups
Key to playoff rounds
Key to U.S. Open Cup rounds
Note: Before 2000, MLS matches that ended tied went into a golden goal overtime.
.
CONCACAF Champions League
CONCACAF Giants Cup
SuperLiga
MLS Supporters' Shield
MLS Eastern Conference
Carolina Challenge Cup
Other Links
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...
granting an MLS franchise in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The club has spent their entire history playing in RFK Stadium located in the city's seventh ward near the Eastland Gardens neighborhood and D.C. Armory.
Over the past 17 years, United has developed a reputation of being MLS's "flagship franchise", and has created a well-renowned tradition of winning numerous awards. Presently, the club has won four regular season and league championships, more than any other sports franchise in the Washington area. The team's success is also highlighted by winning two U.S. Open Cup titles and a CONCACAF title.
D.C. Awarded Inaugural MLS Franchise
Prior to the 1994 FIFA World Cup1994 FIFA World Cup
The 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 15th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in nine cities across the United States from June 17 to July 17, 1994. The United States was chosen as the host by FIFA on July 4, 1988...
, the United States Soccer Federation
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...
fulfilled promises to 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...
by aiding in the foundation of a new professional league. On June 15, 1994, 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 management was seeking a name for the club. Trying 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.
The team's colors and original logo were announced on October 17, 1995 along with those of the other ten original teams during a presentation in New York City. Black and white are D.C. United's primary colors, though the team's nickname is the "Black-and-Red." Red is used to accent the home jersey while white is the main color of the team's away kit. Three stripes along the shoulder, in white at home and black on the road,do not represent the three jurisdictions of the Washington Metropolitan Area
Washington Metropolitan Area
The Washington Metropolitan Area is the metropolitan area centered on Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. The area includes all of the federal district and parts of the U.S...
Washington, D.C., Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
, and Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
, but are to do with the fact that the team's kits are made by Adidas
Adidas
Adidas AG is a German sports apparel manufacturer and parent company of the Adidas Group, which consists of the Reebok sportswear company, TaylorMade-Adidas golf company , and Rockport...
.The team's shirt sponsor is German motor company Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Volkswagen is a German automobile manufacturer and is the original and biggest-selling marque of the Volkswagen Group, which now also owns the Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, SEAT, and Škoda marques and the truck manufacturer Scania.Volkswagen means "people's car" in German, where it is...
In 2011, the team introduced a predominantly red third kit
Third jersey
A third jersey or alternate jersey is a sports team's alternate and/or throwback design for the previously established other two jerseys, the home and away outfits. Alternate jerseys are used in all four of the North American major professional sports leagues as well as college sports, semipro...
with black accents to be worn four or more times in the season. The team has also previously used white away uniforms with red stripes. White and red are the colors of the flag of Washington, D.C.
Flag of Washington, D.C.
The flag of the District of Columbia, USA, consists of three red stars above two red bars on a white background. It is based on the design of the coat of arms of George Washington, first used to identify the family in the twelfth century, when one of George Washington's ancestors took possession of...
, and the stripes are also reminiscent of those used on the flag. Goalkeepers usually distinguish themselves with a red or green colored shirt.
The team's original shield was implemented in 1996 consisting of the team's name, D.C. United, above a black Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is a bird of prey found in North America. It is the national bird and symbol of the United States of America. This sea eagle has two known sub-species and forms a species pair with the White-tailed Eagle...
facing right on a red field, clawing three soccer balls overlaid on three white stars. The three stars and balls were again intended to represent the region's three jurisdictions. The bird, associated with the federal government based in Washington, D.C., symbolizes many of the attributes of the team, including speed and power. The logo was redesigned before the 1998 season. The current design reoriented the eagle facing left, and removed the three stars below it, whose metaphor was retained by three raised wing feathers. At the center of the eagle is a single gold colored star and soccer ball, which represents the team's victory in 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...
's inaugural cup in 1996
MLS Cup 1996
The 1996 MLS Cup was the first championship match in Major League Soccer history. The game was played in very heavy rain on October 20, 1996, at Foxboro Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. D.C. United beat the Los Angeles Galaxy 3-2 in extra-time, after trailing 2-0, with 17 minutes remaining.D.C...
. The logo can also be adorned with four gold stars
Star (football crest)
In association football, some national and club sides include one or more stars as part of the crest appearing on their shirt, to represent important trophies the team has previously won. Sometimes this is a unilateral decision by the team concerned rather than a privilege earned and sanctioned...
above it, representing 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...
s the team has won.
The Debutant Double
The United would play their first even MLS match on April 6, 1996; where they would take on the San Jose Clash (now Earthquakes). In the franchise's first game, the score remained gridlocked at 0-0 until the dying minutes of regulation time, there San Jose's attacker, Eric Wynalda scored the first ever goal in league history, in which gave the United their first ever defeat. Consequently, the loss resulted in a four-match losing run for United, as the club would find themselves dwelling last place in both the Eastern Division and in the overall standings.In spite of the four-game setback, the United would manage to turn their fortunes around and qualify for the playoffs with an even 16–16 record. The Bruce Arena-led side stormed into the playoffs with considerable force, and managed to win the Eastern Conference title. The Eastern Conference championship came as a shock to most of the league, as United took down Supporters' Shield winners, Tampa Bay Mutiny in the match. With the win, United book themselves into the inaugural MLS Cup championship match. There, United took on Western Conference champions, Los Angeles Galaxy. The match between United and Galaxy was considered by many, to be a pathway for the two clubs' success and the right to earn the title as flagship franchises in MLS. In the championship, United fell early by a 2–0 margin to Los Angeles, but were able to regain their form in the second half of play. There, United rallied for a 3–2 golden goal victory, giving United the first ever trophy for the club. Additionally, United became the first sports team in the Washington, D.C. area in four years to win a league championship. Quickly thereafter, United made an unprecedented double, by winning both the league (MLS Cup) and domestic (U.S. Open Cup) championships with a 3–0 victory over Rochester. The crowd of 8,000 at hand to see the Open Cup final would not be broken until 2009, when the United themselves hosted the Open Cup against Seattle. Additionally, United's double was the first time a professional American soccer club won both the league and domestic championship since the New Bedford Whalers
New Bedford Whalers
New Bedford Whalers was the name of three United States soccer teams based in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The first Whalers played in the Southern New England Soccer League between 1914 and 1918. The second Whalers played in the American Soccer League between 1924 and 1931 before merging into Fall...
did so in 1932.
Back-to-Back League Titles
United returned the following season carrying some champions' swagger, being the first franchise in league history to win the league championship, as well as the first MLS club to win the MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup in the same year. In 1997, the club's success was highlighted by a new feat that has only been accomplished five times in league history: winning both the MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield.The team's second year saw United compete, in addition to Major League Soccer; the U.S. Open Cup and the CONCACAF Champions' Cup.
On August 12, 1997 the United would play their first international opponent, Trinidad and Tobago's United Petrotrin
United Petrotrin
United Petrotrin is a football club from Trinidad and Tobago, which currently plays in the Professional Football League of Trinidad.-History:...
in the CONCACAF quarterfinals. There, an 84th-minute goal from Marco Etcheverry
Marco Etcheverry
Marco Antonio Etcheverry Vargas is a retired Bolivian footballer, considered one of the greatest Bolivian players of all time.-Career:...
gave the club the 1-0 win, and spot in the CONCACAF semifinals, where they would face a familiar foe, 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...
. Many consider this the budding of the intra-conference rivalry, as the continental semis was a rematch of the previous MLS Cup final. Played once again at Washington, D.C.'s RFK Stadium
Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium
Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Washington, D.C., United States, and the current home of MLS's D.C. United....
, the Galaxy's Cobi Jones
Cobi Jones
Cobi N'Gai Jones is a retired American soccer player who formerly served as assistant coach with the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer , with whom he had been involved as a player and coach since the team's inaugural season in 1996...
netted once in the 10th minute of play, giving the visitors the advantage. Jones' goal, would be the decisive factor in the match, as the United fell in the semifinals, and would play Mexico's Guadalajara
C.D. Guadalajara
Club Deportivo Guadalajara , is a Mexican professional football club based in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Guadalajara plays in the Primera División de México and is the most successful club in Mexican football, having won 11 First Division titles, 7 Campeón de Campeones and 2 Copa México...
in the consolation match. The third place game, ended in a 2–2 draw between the clubs, as third place was shared.
International Glory
By winning the 1997 MLS CupMLS 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...
, D.C. United earned their second consecutive berth into the CONCACAF Champions' Cup
CONCACAF Champions League
The CONCACAF Champions League is the annual international club football championship for teams from the CONCACAF region ....
. In the 1997 Champions' Cup, United were ousted by cross-country rivals, 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...
in the semifinals. The 1998 edition of the tournament, held mid-season was hosted in the United States, and the club made it a top priority to not only earn another domestic and league honor, but to earn a North American title. Upon opening the quarterfinals with an 8–0 drubbing of Trindiadian side Joe Public
Joe Public F.C.
Joe Public Football Club is a football club from Trinidad and Tobago currently playing in the Pro League. Nicknamed the Eastern Lions, they are owned by former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner...
, United earned a matchup against the 1997 Mexican Invierno champions, León
Club León
Club León, is a Mexican professional football club based in the city of León, in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. They currently play in the Liga De Ascenso formerly known as "Primera A", the second tier of football in Mexico since their relegation from the Primera Division in 2002.León has won...
. In the semifinals, United earned their first berth in the CONCACAF finals thanks to a pair of goals from Roy Lassiter
Roy Lassiter
Roy Lassiter is a retired American soccer striker, and Major League Soccer's record holder for goals scored in a season, with 27 in 1996.-Early life:...
. Lassiter scored in the 12th and 67th minute of play.
In the 1998 final, United went up against Deportivo Toluca, the 1998 Mexican Vernao champions. In front of a crowd of 12,607 a 41st minute goal from United's Eddie Pope
Eddie Pope
George Edward Pope is a retired American soccer player who last played for Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer and spent eleven years as a defender for the United States national team. He is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.-Youth:Born in Greensboro, he attended Southwest Guilford...
gave United their first, and to date, their only CONCACAF title in franchise history. United became the first sports franchise in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area to earn a continental honor, and the first American and MLS club to win a CONCACAF title. To this date, United is one of only two American soccer clubs to have won any CONCACAF club title.
Their continental success culminated in the 1998
1998 Copa Interamericana
The 1998 Copa Interamericana was the 18th and final staging of this competition. The final took place between DC United and Vasco da Gama and was staged over two legs on 14 November 1998 and 5 December 1998. DC United won their first Copa Interamericana...
Copa Interamericana
Copa Interamericana
Copa Interamericana was a football trophy contested between the champions of CONMEBOL's Copa Libertadores de América and the winners of CONCACAF's Champions' Cup...
, a now-defunct playoff series between the CONCACAF and CONMEBOL
CONMEBOL
The South American Football Confederation , commonly known as CONMEBOL , is the continental governing body of association football in South America and it is one of FIFA's six continental confederations...
champions to determine the best soccer club in The Americas. As winners of 1998 Champions' Cup, United earned a berth into the series to take on Vasco da Gama of Brazil. In the first leg of the series, played at RFK Stadium, Vasco da Gama earned a 1–0 lead in the series. The return match, played in December 1998 was held at Lockhart Stadium
Lockhart Stadium
Lockhart Stadium is a stadium located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States. It is currently used by Fort Lauderdale High School, Stranahan High School, Northeast High School and Dillard High School for home high school football games, and previously served as the home of the Florida Atlantic...
in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
. In the match, United earned a 2–0 win and the 2–1 advantage in aggregates to win the series and the final Interamericana title, in which the club signals as the apex of its accomplishments and honors.
Although D.C. United earned two major contiental titles in 1998, the club failed to win any type of hardware in MLS for the first time in its existence. Finishing with the second best regular season record, United fell shy to Los Angeles Galaxy by 10 points for winning the premier title. In the 1998 MLS Cup Playoffs, United earned their way into the 1998 MLS Cup final through a shoot-out over Miami Fusion in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and a 2–1 series victory over 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...
for their third consecutive Eastern Conference championship. Taking on upstart expansion side, Chicago Fire, United were shut out for a 0–2 loss against the Fire, losing their first ever MLS Cup, and to date their only MLS Cup.
Roengen Steps In
In October 1998, Arena left the team to direct the U.S. men's national teamUnited 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...
. Arena's departure marked the beginning of a downturn in the team's fortunes. While the club again won the MLS Cup in 1999 under 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...
, lackluster results in 2000 and 2001 led to Rongen's departure and his replacement by Ray Hudson
Ray Hudson
Ray Hudson , is a retired professional football player and former coach who currently works as an English-language football commentator on Gol TV.-Career:...
in 2002. The team did not, however, fare much better under Hudson, and Piotr Nowak
Piotr Nowak
Piotr Nowak is a Polish former professional soccer player. He is currently the head coach of the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer.Nowak enjoyed a successful playing career in Europe, playing for Polish clubs such as Zawisza Bydgoszcz and Widzew Łódź, before going on to play in Turkey,...
replaced him before the start of the 2004 season. The club's first season under Nowak was marred by injuries in the early going, and some players were known to have complained about Nowak's methods. Nevertheless a strong finish, assisted in large measure by the late-season acquisition of Argentine midfielder Christian Gómez
Christian Gómez
Christian Gómez is an Argentine footballer currently playing for Nueva Chicago.-Argentina:Gómez began playing professional soccer at the age of 17 with Argentine club Nueva Chicago, which was at the time playing in the second division. He played with the team from 1991 to 1996, appearing in 155...
, propelled United into the playoffs as the second seed. There they advanced past the 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...
on penalty kicks in what has been called one of the best games in MLS history. United then defeated the Kansas City Wizards
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...
to take their fourth MLS Cup.
Rebuilding (2000–03)
Following the 1999 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...
season, the league gutted its rules and regulations regarding the structural format of the league, including the salary cap. Consequently, due to rising costs of obtaining several of United's key stars, the club was forced to release several key players so that they would be within salary cap space, and replace them with younger inexpensive players. The new look United failed to finish out of the bottom of the Eastern Conference table, and finished with the second-worst record in the league of 8-6-18 (W-T-L). The 2000 MLS season marked the first time in franchise history that the team failed to qualify for the playoffs or the MLS Cup championship.
Next year, MLS reduced the regressed the roster spaces down from 20 slots to 18, while leaving the salary cap unchanged. Their 2001 record still failed to be strong enough for a postseason berth, as United finished in last place in the East with a 8-2-16 record. The season, however, was cut short due to the September 11 attacks.
After two consecutive campaigns of failing to achieve a postseason berth, the organization fired Thomas Roengen and hired former Miami Fusion head coach, Ray Hudson
Ray Hudson
Ray Hudson , is a retired professional football player and former coach who currently works as an English-language football commentator on Gol TV.-Career:...
. Hired as a result of the Fusion's contraction from MLS, Hudson had managed the club to a league best 16-5-5 record, winning 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...
. The MLS Cup and the U.S. Open Cup, Hudson led the Fusion to the semifinals and third round, respectively.
Despite his pedigree, Hudson failed to make a substantial impact with D.C. United in his first year of managing. In his debutant year, United finished dead last in the Eastern Conference for the third-consecutive year, and failed to make the playoffs for three years straight. The next time such an occurrence would happen is following the 2010
2010 Major League Soccer season
The 2010 Major League Soccer season was the 98th season of FIFA-sanctioned soccer, the 32nd with a national first-division league, in the United States and Canada, and the 15th in MLS history. It began on March 25 at Seattle's Qwest Field with Seattle Sounders FC defeating the expansion...
season. In 2003, Hudson did manage to lead the club into the playoffs, ending their three season drought, but the team was eliminated in the conference semifinals by the Chicago Fire 4-0 on aggregate. Despite the playoff berth, Hudson was fired following the 2003 season.
Second Golden Age, Nowak years (2004–07)
Fourth MLS Cup, the arrival of Adu
The years under Pitor Nowak and the early years under Tom Sohen's coaching were seen as the strongest for United since their late 90's dominance in the league. Highlighted with an MLS CupMLS 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, two 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...
s, and a Open Cup
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a knockout tournament in American soccer. The tournament is the oldest ongoing American soccer competition and is presently open to all United States Soccer Federation affiliated teams, from amateur adult club teams to the professional clubs of Major League...
title, the United nearly doubled their trophy case in the span of four years.
February 18, 2004; Nowak took the helm of head coach for United following the firing of Ray Hudson. The year was also marked by the arrival of up and coming teen prodigy Freddy Adu
Freddy Adu
Fredua Koranteng "Freddy" Adu is a Ghanaian-born American soccer player who currently plays for Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer. He plays primarily as an attacking midfielder, but he is also used as a winger or forward....
who, at the time, was only 14 years old. His professional contract with United made Adu the youngest pro athlete signed to an American sports league since 1887. The arrival of the prospect received major national headlines, and record crowds to United matches both at home and on the road. One match, resulted in a sellout of crowd upwards of 46,000 spectators; the fourth largest in United history.
While United struggled at first with consistency, the club defied expectations of a poor season and finished third place overall and second in the Eastern Conference. The record was good enough for a second seed in the 2004 MLS Cup Playoffs. In the Eastern Conference championship, the second seed United hosted fourth seed New England in a match that has been deemed as the greatest match in MLS history. In front of 21,000 spectators; United and the Revolution battled to a 3–3 draw during regulation time, thanks to a last gasp equalizer from New England's Pat Noonan
Pat Noonan
Pat Noonan is an American soccer player who last played for Seattle Sounders FC in Major League Soccer.-College and Amateur:...
. Still leveled at three-apiece, the match had to go into penalty kicks. The first takers, New England's Steve Ralston
Steve Ralston
Steve Ralston is a retired American soccer player and a current assistant coach for the Houston Dynamo.-Professional:...
and D.C.'s Ben Olsen
Ben Olsen
Benjamin Robert "Ben" Olsen is a former American professional soccer player and the current manager of D.C. United. Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Olsen grew up playing for FC Delco, an elite club program near Philadelphia...
both missed their penalties, while the next two; Matt Reis
Matt Reis
Matt Reis is an American soccer player who currently plays for New England Revolution in Major League Soccer.-College:Reis played college soccer at UCLA...
and Santino Quaranta
Santino Quaranta
Santino Quaranta is an American soccer player.-Youth:Quaranta partially attended Baltimore's Archbishop Curley High School for his freshman and sophomore years, where he started both years, and was recognized as one of the top soccer players in the state...
successfully converted their penalties. The third kick-takers, Taylor Twellman
Taylor Twellman
Taylor Twellman is a retired American soccer player who currently works as a television analyst for the Philadelphia Union and ESPN soccer.-Youth and College:Taylor was raised in St...
and Freddy Adu
Freddy Adu
Fredua Koranteng "Freddy" Adu is a Ghanaian-born American soccer player who currently plays for Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer. He plays primarily as an attacking midfielder, but he is also used as a winger or forward....
both nailed their shots. Things got interesting in the fourth and fifth rounds, where New England had their shot saved, while D.C.'s hit the crossbar. The series had to go to sudden death penalty kicks, where New England's Clint Dempsey
Clint Dempsey
Clinton Drew "Clint" Dempsey is an American soccer player who plays for Fulham and the United States national team. Dempsey usually plays as either an attacking midfielder, or a striker....
missed his, whereas United's Brian Carroll
Brian Carroll
Brian Carroll is an American soccer player who currently plays for Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer.-Youth and College:...
successfully converted his. Followed by huge uproar and the club storming the field, it was the first time in five years the United returned back to the MLS Cup championship.
In MLS Cup 2004
MLS Cup 2004
The 2004 MLS Cup was a soccer match that took place at 12:30 EST on November 14, 2004 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California to determine the champion of the 2004 Major League Soccer season. D.C. United defeated the Kansas City Wizards 3-2. The winning goal for United came from an own goal...
, United took on the Western Conference regular season and postseason champions, Kansas City Wizards. The Wizards, were coming off a 2-0 victory against the 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...
in the Western Conference finals, to advance to the championship match. The 2004 final received additional hype around United making their first MLS Cup finals appearance in five years, as well as the prospect of Adu playing in his first major cup final. For Kansas City, it was their first trip to the final in four years, having won MLS Cup 2000
MLS Cup 2000
The 2000 MLS Cup was the championship game of the 2000 Major League Soccer season. The game was played on October 15, 2000, at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. between the Kansas City Wizards and the Chicago Fire. Kansas City took advantage of an early breakdown by Chicago to net the game's only goal...
previously. For the Wizards, the team started on better ground as Wizards midfielder, Jose Burciaga Jr.
Jose Burciaga Jr.
José Luis Burciaga, Jr. is an American soccer player, who last played for the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. He played for the Dallas Texans Soccer Club during his youth years...
drilled a 25-yard shot into the back of the net, giving the Wizards a 1-0 advantage only six minutes into the match. United quickly responded as the Black-and-Red scored thrice within seven minutes, starting with a 19th and 23rd minute pair of goals from Alecko Eskandarian
Alecko Eskandarian
Alecko Eskandarian is a former American soccer player who last played for Los Angeles Galaxy. He currently is the youth technical director for Philadelphia Union.-High School and College:...
preluding to Wizards defender, Alexandru Zotincă conceding an own goal in the 26th minute. The quick turn of events, according to analysis, shell shocked Kansas City. With a 3-1 lead going into the half, United looked poised to earn their fourth MLS championship, only to have that hope speculated in the 58th minute. During that moment, United defensive midfielder Dema Kovalenko drew a penalty kick for Kansas City and consequently earned a red card ejection from the match. With the ejection, Kovalenko infamously became the first MLS player to be ejected from an MLS Cup final in league history. To this date, no other player in MLS Cup history had been ejected from the championship. Thus allowed Wizards striker, Josh Wolff
Josh Wolff
Joshua David "Josh" Wolff is an American soccer player currently playing for D.C. United of Major League Soccer.-College:...
to convert a penalty to move the match within a goal. Subsequently, United's Eskandarian was substituted out for Adu, who made his appearance in the 65th minute. Adu was praised for a solid final 25 minutes in which he went on numerous runs deep down the Wizards' back third of the field. In spite of Adu's offensive spark, the shorthanded United had to spend a majority of the final 20 minutes continuously defending off the Wizards, who continuously pressured the back line wave after wave of attacks. However, United were able to veer off wave after wave of Wizards attack to earn their fourth ever MLS Cup title.
Consecutive Shields
Following D.C. United's succes in earning the 2004 MLS Cup title, the club went on a run in which has been credited as a "second golden age" for United. Between 2005 and 2008, United nearly doubled their trophy case by earning a U.S. Open CupLamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a knockout tournament in American soccer. The tournament is the oldest ongoing American soccer competition and is presently open to all United States Soccer Federation affiliated teams, from amateur adult club teams to the professional clubs of Major League...
title in 2008
2008 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final
The 2008 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final was played on September 3, 2008, at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C. The match determined the winner of the 2008 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a tournament open to amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with the United States...
as well as two 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...
s during the three-year span. Most notably, United became the first MLS club to consecutively win the Supporters Shield, in which they won the regular season honor in both 2006 and 2007
2007 Major League Soccer season
The 2007 Major League Soccer season was the 12th season in league history. The season began on April 7 and concluded with MLS Cup 2007 on November 18, 2007 at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C.....
. The two Shields gave United berths into the 2007 and 2008 editions of the CONCACAF Champions' Cup in which the Black-and-Red made two semifinal runs.
The 2006
2006 D.C. United season
The 2006 D.C. United season was the tenth season of the club's existence. It was highlighted by winning their first MLS Supporters' Shield title since 1999...
campaign was among United's best regular season performances in club history, tallying a league-best 52 goals while conceding only 38 goals, the second-fewest in the league. By the end of the regular season, United bested FC Dallas
FC Dallas
FC Dallas is an American professional soccer club based in the Dallas suburb of Frisco, Texas which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States of America and Canada...
in the Supporters' Shield race, earning a total of 55 points off of a 15-7-10 record, ahead of Dallas' 52 points. Off the pitch, an attempt to sell the franchise fell through, while other clubs found owners, such as their Atlantic Cup rivals, the MetroStars being sold to Red Bull
Red Bull
Red Bull is an energy drink sold by the Austrian Red Bull GmbH, created in 1987 by the Austrian entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz. In terms of market share, Red Bull is the most popular energy drink in the world, with 3 billion cans sold each year. Dietrich Mateschitz was inspired by an already...
and being rebranded as New York Red Bulls.
Domestic glory, playoff and continental misfortune
To fans and the media alike, 2008 marked a downfall for the franchise, as well as end to what was considered a "second golden age" for the club in league play. The justification behind this involved the United failing to defend the Supporters' ShieldMLS 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...
, an awarded given to the MLS club with the best regular season record, for a third-consecutive year. With a 10th-place overall finish and a 6th-place finish in the Eastern Conference, United finished the lowest in the conference and league tables since 2002. With the subpar record, United failed to make the playoffs, having successfully qualified since 2003.
Their performance league play reflected on the continental stage as well. Finishing as the 2007 MLS Supporters' Shield winners, United qualified for the inaugural CONCACAF Champions League
CONCACAF Champions League
The CONCACAF Champions League is the annual international club football championship for teams from the CONCACAF region ....
. The tournament replaced the obsolete CONCACAF Champions' Cup, and was modeled similarly to its cousin tournament, the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
. In the Champions League, United continued their misfortunes, losing all their Group Stage matches at home, and only managing to pick up one draw at Costa Rica's Saprissa
C.D. Saprissa
Deportivo Saprissa S.A.D. is a Costa Rican sports club, mostly known for its football team. The club is located in San Juan de Tibás, San José, and plays their home games at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá....
. United finished in the bottom of Group C, with a record of 0-1-5 (W-T-L).
In spite of the poorer performance in league and continental play, United excelled in the U.S. Open Cup
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a knockout tournament in American soccer. The tournament is the oldest ongoing American soccer competition and is presently open to all United States Soccer Federation affiliated teams, from amateur adult club teams to the professional clubs of Major League...
play, ultimately winning the domestic title against Charleston Battery
Charleston Battery
Charleston Battery is an American professional soccer team based in Charleston, South Carolina, United States. Founded in 1993, the team plays in the American Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
, 2-1. The domestic cup title was their first since their inaugural season
1996 D.C. United season
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.- Background :...
. The U.S. Open Cup, a domestic cup tournament much similar to the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
runs parallel to the regular seasons of all tiers of professional and amateur soccer in the United States
Soccer in the United States
Soccer, fully known as association football,See the articles Football and Names for association football#North America for more detailed explanations of the differing names for soccer. has long been a popular sport in the United States...
. The tournament is open for entry for any soccer club, professional or amateur, that is affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation
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...
. For MLS clubs, the top six American MLS clubs overall in the regular season are admitted entry into the third round proper, or round of 16, in the tournament. By finishing 1st overall in the regular season, United booked a third round entry in the tournament proper. The club opened Open Cup play with wins against Rochester Rhinos of the USL First Division
United Soccer League
The United Soccer League was a professional soccer league in the United States in the mid-1980s.After the demise of the second incarnation of the American Soccer League in 1983, four ASL teams founded the USL...
(second tier) and 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...
of MLS (first tier) in the third round and quarterfinals respectively. In the semifinals, United won in extra time to defeat Chicago Fire. In the championship, United defeated Charleston Battery
Charleston Battery
Charleston Battery is an American professional soccer team based in Charleston, South Carolina, United States. Founded in 1993, the team plays in the American Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
of the USL Second Division
USL Second Division
The United Soccer Leagues Second Division was a professional men's soccer league in the United States, part of the United Soccer Leagues league pyramid...
(third tier) to win the Open Cup for a second time in club history.
Wooden Spoon recipients
After failure to 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...
for two-consecutive seasons, Tom Soehn resigned from the head coaching duties of D.C. United. His resignation request was granted by the club, and his contract was terminated. Subsequently, Soehn became a director of soccer operations for the then-second tier club, Vancouver Whitecaps.
With the departure of Soehn and a new vacancy for the head coaching position, D.C. United hired former Kansas City Wizards head coach, Curt Onalfo
Curt Onalfo
Curt Onalfo is an American former soccer player.As a player, he played two seasons in France, two in the USISL, one in Mexico and four in Major League Soccer, achieving his most success with Los Angeles Galaxy and D.C. United. He earned also earned one caps with the United States national team...
. Onalfo, whom previously had a brief stint with United during the late 1990s, made him the first former United player to be hired as a head coach. Additionally, he was the second head coach in franchise history to previously play as a professional athlete in 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...
. Along with other staffing transactions, the recently retired Ben Olsen
Ben Olsen
Benjamin Robert "Ben" Olsen is a former American professional soccer player and the current manager of D.C. United. Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Olsen grew up playing for FC Delco, an elite club program near Philadelphia...
was hired as an assistant coach for Onalfo while Steve Sampson, who was an assistant to Soehn remained on the coaching staff.
The 2010 season spelt disaster for D.C. United, as it marked the poorest league finish for the club since 2002, and the worst regular season record in franchise history. In the club's MLS campaign, the team managed to only win six matches out of a possible 30, while losing 20 games and drawing four. United managed to only score 22 goals in the season, the lowest any team scored in MLS regular season history, and the lowest offensive production since the 2007 Toronto FC
Toronto FC
Toronto FC is a Canadian professional soccer club based in Toronto, Ontario which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada....
side. During the poor season, United suffered their worst ever average attendance, drawing an average of only 14,500 fans a game, many attributing to the club's poor play. Consequently, the organization fired Onalfo on August 4, 2010; due to poor performance in league play. At the time of Onalfo's sacking, the club boasted a 3–14–3 (W–L–T) record, which was last in both the Eastern Conference and overall tables. Immediately following the firing of Onalfo, the franchise put Olsen on provisional coaching duties for their upcoming league match against 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...
. On August 5, 2010; the club announced that Olsen would hold interim managerial duties until the end of the 2010
2010 Major League Soccer season
The 2010 Major League Soccer season was the 98th season of FIFA-sanctioned soccer, the 32nd with a national first-division league, in the United States and Canada, and the 15th in MLS history. It began on March 25 at Seattle's Qwest Field with Seattle Sounders FC defeating the expansion...
season. As an interim manager, Olsen led the team to a 3–6–1 record during the final 10 games of the regular season.
Although D.C. United had a miserable campaign in MLS, the club had a strong run in the 2010
2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
The 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was the 97th edition of the oldest competition in American soccer, running from June through early October.The tournament proper featured teams from the top five levels of the American Soccer Pyramid...
U.S. Open Cup
Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a knockout tournament in American soccer. The tournament is the oldest ongoing American soccer competition and is presently open to all United States Soccer Federation affiliated teams, from amateur adult club teams to the professional clubs of Major League...
, where they made a deep run into the semifinals before bowing out to eventual runners-up
2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final
The 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final was played on October 5, 2010, at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. The match determined the winner of the 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a tournament open to amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation. This...
, 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...
.
Present Day
With a poor showing during the 2010 campaign, D.C. United's front office orchestrated a chain of transactions to overhaul the club's roster and management. Subsequent to the 20102010 D.C. United season
The 2010 D.C. United season was the club's 16th year of existence, as well as their 15th season in Major League Soccer, and their 15th consecutive season in the top-flight of American soccer....
season, the club inked interim manager, Ben Olsen
Ben Olsen
Benjamin Robert "Ben" Olsen is a former American professional soccer player and the current manager of D.C. United. Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Olsen grew up playing for FC Delco, an elite club program near Philadelphia...
to a three-year contract, and released major signings such as Juan Manuel Pena and 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....
, both of whom opted for the MLS Re-Entry Draft
MLS Re-Entry Draft
The MLS Re-Entry Draft is an annual event in which the Major League Soccer teams select players who are out-of-contract or have had their options declined by their current teams. Players must meet minimum eligibility thresholds which include age and years of MLS service. The Re-Entry Draft was...
.
Looking to facelift their poor attacking from 2010, three major acquisitions to facelift the club's offense were complete during the offseason. Such transactions included the selections of ex-Sporting Kansas City attacker, Josh Wolff
Josh Wolff
Joshua David "Josh" Wolff is an American soccer player currently playing for D.C. United of Major League Soccer.-College:...
and Houston Dynamo
Houston Dynamo
The Houston Dynamo is an American professional soccer club, based in Houston, Texas, that plays in Major League Soccer, the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. Founded in 2005 as Houston 1836, the team name was renamed to Houston Dynamo following protests from Hispanic...
striker, Joseph Ngwenya
Joseph Ngwenya
Joseph Ngwenya is a Zimbabwean footballer currently without a club.-College:Ngwenya attended the Mzilikazi High School in Bulawayo, leading them to the 1999 Zimbabwe National High School Championship, before coming to the United States in 2000 to attend and play college soccer at Coastal Carolina...
in the MLS Re-Entry Draft. In February 2011, following a lengthly trial, United signed U.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...
standout Charlie Davies
Charlie Davies
Charles Desmond "Charlie" Davies is an American soccer player who plays as a striker for French Ligue 1 side Sochaux....
on a season-long loan from French outfitters, Sochaux
FC Sochaux-Montbéliard
Football Club Sochaux-Montbéliard is a French association football club based in the city of Montbéliard. The club was founded in 1928 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football. Sochaux plays its home matches at the Stade Auguste Bonal located within the city...
of the French Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
.
Key
| Champions | Runners-up | Third place | Wooden Spoon |
Key to regular season record
- GP = Games played
- W = Won
- T = Tied
- L = Lost
- GF = Goals for
- GA = Goals against
- Pts = Points
- Pos = Final overall position
Key to leagues, divisions and cups
- MLS = Major League SoccerMajor League SoccerMajor 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...
- CONCACAF = Any North American competition
Key to playoff rounds
- Conf. SF = Conference Semifinals
- Conf. F = Conference Finals
Key to U.S. Open Cup rounds
- QR1 = First Qualifying Round
- QR2 = Second Qualifying Round
- QR3 = Third Qualifying Round
- R4 = Fourth Round
- R3 = Third Round
- QF = Quarterfinals
- SF = Semifinals
Seasons
| Season | Regular Season | MLS Cup 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... |
U.S. Open Cup Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a knockout tournament in American soccer. The tournament is the oldest ongoing American soccer competition and is presently open to all United States Soccer Federation affiliated teams, from amateur adult club teams to the professional clubs of Major League... |
CONCACAF CONCACAF Champions League The CONCACAF Champions League is the annual international club football championship for teams from the CONCACAF region .... |
Top goalscorer(s) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| League | GP | W | T | L | GF | GA | Pts | Pos | Name | Goals | ||||
| 1996 1996 D.C. United season 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.- Background :... |
MLS | 32 | 16 | 0 | 16 | 62 | 56 | 46 | 3rd | Champions | Champions | Raúl Díaz Arce Raúl 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:... |
23 | |
| 1997 1997 D.C. United season The 1997 D.C. United season was the clubs' third year of existence, as well as their second season in Major League Soccer. The United successfully defending their MLS Cup title, becoming the first and only club to consecutively win the MLS Cup, until Houston Dynamo in 2007... |
MLS | 32 | 21 | 0 | 11 | 70 | 53 | 55 | 1st | Champions | Runners-up | Champions Cup – SF | 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.... |
16 |
| 1998 1998 D.C. United season 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... |
MLS | 32 | 24 | 0 | 8 | 74 | 48 | 58 | 2nd | Runners-up | Champions Cup – Champions | Roy Lassiter Roy Lassiter Roy Lassiter is a retired American soccer striker, and Major League Soccer's record holder for goals scored in a season, with 27 in 1996.-Early life:... |
18 | |
| 1999 1999 D.C. United season 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... |
MLS | 32 | 23 | 0 | 9 | 65 | 43 | 57 | 1st | Champions | Champions Cup – Third place | Roy Lassiter Roy Lassiter Roy Lassiter is a retired American soccer striker, and Major League Soccer's record holder for goals scored in a season, with 27 in 1996.-Early life:... |
18 | |
| 2000 2000 D.C. United season The 2000 D.C. United season was the clubs' sixth year of existence, as well as their fifth season in Major League Soccer.Upon winning the 1999 MLS Cup final, United were unable to not only defend their league title, but the club failed to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs... |
MLS | 32 | 8 | 6 | 18 | 44 | 63 | 30 | 11th | QF | Champions Cup – SF | 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.... |
12 | |
| 2001 2001 D.C. United season The 2001 D.C. United season was the clubs' seventh year of existence, as well as their sixth season in Major League Soccer.For the second-consecutive year in franchise history, United failed to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs, previously winning in making the finals in the four tournaments... |
MLS | 32 | 8 | 18 | 6 | 44 | 63 | 30 | 10th | SF | Giants Cup – Runners-up CONCACAF Giants Cup The CONCACAF Giants Cup was an international football club competition held in 2001 to replace CONCACAF Cup Winners Cup. The cup was for CONCACAF teams with the highest attendance in their national league, and was won by Mexico's Club América... |
Abdul Thompson Conteh Abdul Thompson Conteh Abdul Thompson Conteh is a former Sierra Leonean football striker.-Career:Conteh played three seasons in Major League Soccer, with San Jose Earthquakes in 2000 and D.C. United in 2001 and 2002. He scored a total 15 goals in league play... |
14 | |
| 2002 2002 D.C. United season The 2002 D.C. United season was the clubs' eighth year of existence, as well as their seventh season in Major League Soccer.- Standings :Source:... |
MLS | 28 | 9 | 5 | 14 | 31 | 40 | 32 | 10th | Ali Curtis Ali Curtis Ali Curtis is a former American soccer forward. He was the 1999 Hermann Trophy and 2000 MAC Award winner before spending four seasons in Major League Soccer.-College:... Bobby Convey Bobby Convey Robert Francis "Bobby" Convey is an American soccer player.-Youth:Convey attended the William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia, played club soccer for the Philadelphia Soccer Club Coppa, and was a member of the initial class of the Bradenton Academy that also included current national team... |
5 | |||
| 2003 2003 D.C. United season The 2003 D.C. United season was the clubs' ninth year of existence, as well as their seventh season in Major League Soccer.... |
MLS | 30 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 38 | 36 | 39 | 7th | Conf. SF | SF | Dema Kovalenko Marco Etcheverry Marco Etcheverry Marco Antonio Etcheverry Vargas is a retired Bolivian footballer, considered one of the greatest Bolivian players of all time.-Career:... |
6 | |
| 2004 2004 D.C. United season The 2004 D.C. United season was the eighth season of the club's existence. It was highlighted by winning their first MLS Cup championship since 1999.... |
MLS | 32 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 43 | 42 | 42 | 4th | Champions MLS Cup 2004 The 2004 MLS Cup was a soccer match that took place at 12:30 EST on November 14, 2004 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California to determine the champion of the 2004 Major League Soccer season. D.C. United defeated the Kansas City Wizards 3-2. The winning goal for United came from an own goal... |
R4 | Alecko Eskandarian Alecko Eskandarian Alecko Eskandarian is a former American soccer player who last played for Los Angeles Galaxy. He currently is the youth technical director for Philadelphia Union.-High School and College:... |
10 | |
| 2005 2005 D.C. United season The 2005 season was the ninth season in D.C. United history, as well as their ninth season in Major League Soccer, the top tier of American soccer. The season covers the period from November 15, 2004 through October 30, 2004.... |
MLS | 32 | 16 | 6 | 10 | 58 | 37 | 54 | 3rd | Conf. SF | QF | Champions Cup – SF | 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.... |
16 |
| 2006 2006 D.C. United season The 2006 D.C. United season was the tenth season of the club's existence. It was highlighted by winning their first MLS Supporters' Shield title since 1999... |
MLS | 32 | 15 | 10 | 7 | 52 | 38 | 55 | 1st | Conf. F | SF | Christian Gómez Christian Gómez Christian Gómez is an Argentine footballer currently playing for Nueva Chicago.-Argentina:Gómez began playing professional soccer at the age of 17 with Argentine club Nueva Chicago, which was at the time playing in the second division. He played with the team from 1991 to 1996, appearing in 155... |
14 | |
| 2007 2007 D.C. United season The 2007 D.C. United season was the club's 13th year of existence. It was also their 12th consecutive season in Major League Soccer, the top-tier of professional soccer in the United States and Canada.... |
MLS 2007 Major League Soccer season The 2007 Major League Soccer season was the 12th season in league history. The season began on April 7 and concluded with MLS Cup 2007 on November 18, 2007 at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C..... |
30 | 16 | 7 | 7 | 56 | 34 | 22 | 1st | Conf. SF | R3 | Champions Cup – SF | Luciano Emilio Luciano Emilio Luciano Emílio is a Brazilian footballer, currently playing for Toros Neza in the Liga de Ascenso.-Early career:... |
20 |
| 2008 2008 D.C. United season The 2008 D.C. United season was the fourteenth year of the club's existence, as well as their thirteenth season in Major League Soccer and their thirteenth consecutive season in the top tier of the American soccer pyramid.... |
MLS 2008 Major League Soccer season The 2008 Major League Soccer season was the 13th season in league history. The season began on March 29 and ended with MLS Cup 2008, on November 23 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California.-Changes from the 2007 season:... |
30 | 11 | 4 | 15 | 43 | 51 | 37 | 10th | Champions | Champions Cup – SF Champions League – GS |
Luciano Emilio Luciano Emilio Luciano Emílio is a Brazilian footballer, currently playing for Toros Neza in the Liga de Ascenso.-Early career:... |
11 | |
| 2009 2009 D.C. United season The 2009 D.C. United season was the fourteenth season of the team's existence. It began on March 22, 2009 with a 2-2 draw at the Los Angeles Galaxy and ended on October 22, 2009 at the Kansas City Wizards by the same 2-2 scoreline.-Draft:... |
MLS 2009 Major League Soccer season The 2009 Major League Soccer season was the 14th season of Major League Soccer. The season began on March 19 and ended with Real Salt Lake winning the MLS Cup 2009, on November 22 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington-Changes from the 2008 season:... |
30 | 9 | 13 | 8 | 43 | 44 | 40 | 10th | Runners-up 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final The 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final was played on September 2, 2009, at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C. The match determined the winner of the 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a tournament open to amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with the United States... |
Champions League – GS 2009–10 CONCACAF Champions League Group Stage The Group Stage was played in 6 rounds from August to October 2009.- Tie-breaking criteria :The tie breaking procedures follow the same rules as the 2008–09 Champions League... |
Luciano Emilio Luciano Emilio Luciano Emílio is a Brazilian footballer, currently playing for Toros Neza in the Liga de Ascenso.-Early career:... |
10 | |
| 2010 2010 D.C. United season The 2010 D.C. United season was the club's 16th year of existence, as well as their 15th season in Major League Soccer, and their 15th consecutive season in the top-flight of American soccer.... |
MLS 2010 Major League Soccer season The 2010 Major League Soccer season was the 98th season of FIFA-sanctioned soccer, the 32nd with a national first-division league, in the United States and Canada, and the 15th in MLS history. It began on March 25 at Seattle's Qwest Field with Seattle Sounders FC defeating the expansion... |
30 | 6 | 4 | 20 | 21 | 47 | 22 | 16th | SF | Danny Allsopp Andy Najar Andy Najar Andy Najar Rodriguez is a Honduran footballer currently playing for D.C. United in Major League Soccer in the United States.-Amateur:... |
5 | ||
| 2011 2011 D.C. United season The 2011 D.C. United season was the club's 17th year of existence, their 16th season in Major League Soccer, and their 16th consecutive season in the top-flight of American soccer. D.C. United will be trying to salvage a poor showing last season, finishing at the bottom of the MLS standings... |
MLS 2011 Major League Soccer season The 2011 Major League Soccer season was the 99th season of FIFA-sanctioned soccer, the 33rd with a national first-division league, in the United States and Canada, and the 16th season of Major League Soccer. The season marked the arrival of two new league clubs, Portland Timbers and Vancouver... |
16 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 23 | 29 | 19 | 11th | QR2 | Charlie Davies Charlie Davies Charles Desmond "Charlie" Davies is an American soccer player who plays as a striker for French Ligue 1 side Sochaux.... |
8 | ||
Note: Before 2000, MLS matches that ended tied went into a golden goal overtime.
Notable players
This list of former players includes those who received international caps while playing for the team, made significant contributions to the team in terms of appearances or goals while playing for the team, or who made significant contributions to the sport either before they played for the team, or after they left. Players in boldface are players whom have been inducted into the Hall of TraditionD.C. United Hall of Tradition
The D.C. United Hall of Tradition is an honor bestowed upon players, coaches and club management demmed by the franchise to have crucial to the club's success....
.
| Name | Nationality | Position | Years | Current Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freddy Adu Freddy Adu Fredua Koranteng "Freddy" Adu is a Ghanaian-born American soccer player who currently plays for Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer. He plays primarily as an attacking midfielder, but he is also used as a winger or forward.... |
 |
FW | 2004–06 | United States Philadelphia Union |
| Jeff Agoos Jeff 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.... |
|
DF Defender (association football) Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking.... |
1996–00 | Retired |
| Bobby Boswell Bobby Boswell Robert Allen "Bobby" Boswell is an American soccer player who currently plays for Houston Dynamo in Major League Soccer.-College:... |
|
DF Defender (association football) Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking.... |
2005–07 | Houston Dynamo Houston Dynamo The Houston Dynamo is an American professional soccer club, based in Houston, Texas, that plays in Major League Soccer, the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. Founded in 2005 as Houston 1836, the team name was renamed to Houston Dynamo following protests from Hispanic... |
| Ronald Cerritos Ronald Cerritos Ronald Osvaldo Cerritos Flores is a former Salvadoran footballer, who played as a striker.Cerritos is the all-time goalscorer of the Major League Soccer team, the San Jose Earthquakes, with 61 goals and also holds the all-time assists with 47.-Club career:Cerritos has spent the bulk of his career... |
 |
FW | 2003–04 | Retired |
| Bobby Convey Bobby Convey Robert Francis "Bobby" Convey is an American soccer player.-Youth:Convey attended the William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia, played club soccer for the Philadelphia Soccer Club Coppa, and was a member of the initial class of the Bradenton Academy that also included current national team... |
|
MF | 2000–04 | San Jose Earthquakes San Jose Earthquakes The San Jose Earthquakes professional soccer team is located in the San Jose, California, United States suburb of Santa Clara, and participates in Major League Soccer , the top level soccer league in the United States and Canada.... |
| Raúl Díaz Arce Raúl 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:... |
|
MF | 1996–97; 2000–01 | Retired |
| Luciano Emilio Luciano Emilio Luciano Emílio is a Brazilian footballer, currently playing for Toros Neza in the Liga de Ascenso.-Early career:... |
 |
FW | 2006–09 |  Atlante UTN |
| Facundo Erpen Facundo Erpen Facundo Adrián Erpen is an Argentine footballer currently playing for Instituto in the Primera B Nacional.-Early career in South America:... |
 |
FW | 2005–07 | Instituto Instituto Atlético Central Córdoba Instituto Atlético Central Córdoba is an Argentine sports club from Córdoba, which professional football team currently plays in the Primera B Nacional, the second division of the Argentine football league system.Famous players who have played at Instituto include Osvaldo Ardiles, Mario Alberto... |
| Alecko Eskandarian Alecko Eskandarian Alecko Eskandarian is a former American soccer player who last played for Los Angeles Galaxy. He currently is the youth technical director for Philadelphia Union.-High School and College:... |
|
FW | 2003–06 | Retired |
| Marco Etcheverry Marco Etcheverry Marco Antonio Etcheverry Vargas is a retired Bolivian footballer, considered one of the greatest Bolivian players of all time.-Career:... |
 |
MF | 1996–03 | Retired |
| Marcelo Gallardo Marcelo Gallardo Marcelo Daniel Gallardo is an Argentine ex footballer who is currently the manager for Nacional de Uruguay.... |
|
MF | 2008 | Retired |
| Christian Gómez Christian Gómez Christian Gómez is an Argentine footballer currently playing for Nueva Chicago.-Argentina:Gómez began playing professional soccer at the age of 17 with Argentine club Nueva Chicago, which was at the time playing in the second division. He played with the team from 1991 to 1996, appearing in 155... |
|
MF | 2004–07; 2009 | Nueva Chicago Nueva Chicago Nueva Chicago is an Argentine sports club based in Mataderos, a neighborhood in the west side of Buenos Aires, formerly called "Nueva Chicago". Club's nickname, El Torito is an allusion to 1930s legendary boxer Justo Suárez, known as El Torito de Mataderos .The football team currently plays in the... |
| 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... |
|
MF | 1996–98 | Retired |
| Dema Kovalenko |  |
MF | 2003–05 | Retired |
| Roy Lassiter Roy Lassiter Roy Lassiter is a retired American soccer striker, and Major League Soccer's record holder for goals scored in a season, with 27 in 1996.-Early life:... |
|
FW | 1998–99; 2002 | Retired |
| Carlos Llamosa Carlos Llamosa Carlos Llamosa is a Colombian American soccer defender who last played for Chivas USA of Major League Soccer.... |
 |
DF Defender (association football) Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking.... |
1997–00 | Retired |
| 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.... |
|
FW | 1996–02; 2004–10 | Retired; current head of youth development |
| Bryan Namoff Bryan Namoff Bryan Namoff is a retired American soccer player who last played for D.C. United in Major League Soccer.-College and Amateur:... |
|
DF Defender (association football) Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking.... / MF |
2001–10 | Retired |
| Ryan Nelsen Ryan Nelsen Ryan William Nelsen, ONZM is a New Zealand footballer who plays as a defender, and is captain of Premier League club Blackburn Rovers. Nelsen captains the New Zealand national team, the All Whites. He joined Blackburn back in 2005 on a free transfer from D.C. United... |
 |
DF Defender (association football) Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking.... |
2001–05 |  Blackburn Rovers |
| Ben Olsen Ben Olsen Benjamin Robert "Ben" Olsen is a former American professional soccer player and the current manager of D.C. United. Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Olsen grew up playing for FC Delco, an elite club program near Philadelphia... |
|
MF | 1998–09 | Retired; current head coach |
| Eddie Pope Eddie Pope George Edward Pope is a retired American soccer player who last played for Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer and spent eleven years as a defender for the United States national team. He is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.-Youth:Born in Greensboro, he attended Southwest Guilford... |
|
DF Defender (association football) Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking.... |
1998–02 | Retired |
| Tony Sanneh Tony Sanneh Anthony "Tony" Sanneh is an American soccer player who most recently played for Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer.-Youth and college:... |
|
MF | 1996–98 |  United Nations Free agent |
| Earnie Stewart |  |
MF | 2003–04 | Retired |
| Hristo Stoichkov Hristo Stoichkov Hristo Stoichkov Stoichkov , sometimes Stoitchkov; born 8 February 1966 in Plovdiv) is a retired Bulgarian footballer. He is regarded as one of the best footballers of his generation and the greatest Bulgarian footballer of all time. Nicknamed The Dagger , The Dog , The Modern Left... |
 |
FW | 2003 | Retired |
| 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... |
|
MF | 1996–00; 2002 | Retired |
Honors
International
Copa InteramericanaCopa Interamericana
Copa Interamericana was a football trophy contested between the champions of CONMEBOL's Copa Libertadores de América and the winners of CONCACAF's Champions' Cup...
- Winners (1): 19981998 Copa InteramericanaThe 1998 Copa Interamericana was the 18th and final staging of this competition. The final took place between DC United and Vasco da Gama and was staged over two legs on 14 November 1998 and 5 December 1998. DC United won their first Copa Interamericana...
CONCACAF Champions League
CONCACAF Champions League
The CONCACAF Champions League is the annual international club football championship for teams from the CONCACAF region ....
- Winners (1): 1998
- Third Place (6): 1997, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2007, 2008
CONCACAF Giants Cup
CONCACAF Giants Cup
The CONCACAF Giants Cup was an international football club competition held in 2001 to replace CONCACAF Cup Winners Cup. The cup was for CONCACAF teams with the highest attendance in their national league, and was won by Mexico's Club América...
- Runners-up (1): 2001CONCACAF Giants CupThe CONCACAF Giants Cup was an international football club competition held in 2001 to replace CONCACAF Cup Winners Cup. The cup was for CONCACAF teams with the highest attendance in their national league, and was won by Mexico's Club América...
SuperLiga
North American SuperLiga
The SuperLiga was an official North American association football competition between teams from the Primera División of Mexico and Major League Soccer of the United States and Canada, the top divisions in each country. The competition was sanctioned by CONCACAF, U.S...
- Third Place (1): 20072007 North American SuperLigaThe 2007 SuperLiga, the inaugural edition of the SuperLiga competition, was held from July 24 to August 29, 2007. The eight clubs participating in the 2007 tournament were chosen by invitation....
Domestic
U.S. Open CupLamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a knockout tournament in American soccer. The tournament is the oldest ongoing American soccer competition and is presently open to all United States Soccer Federation affiliated teams, from amateur adult club teams to the professional clubs of Major League...
- Winner (2): 19961996 U.S. Open Cup- First Round :* El Paso Patriots 3-0 RWB Adria * Carolina Dynamo 5-0 Mo's Sport Shop * Fort Myers Manatees 6-0 St...
, 20082008 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup-Schedule:Note: Scorelines use the standard U.S. convention of placing the home team on the right-hand side of box scores.-First round:-----Second round:-----Third round:----... - Runner-up (2): 19971997 U.S. Open Cup-Semifinals:-----Final:-Top scorers:-See also:* United States Soccer Federation* Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup* Major League Soccer* United Soccer Leagues* USASA* National Premier Soccer League...
, 20092009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup FinalThe 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final was played on September 2, 2009, at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C. The match determined the winner of the 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a tournament open to amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with the United States...
League
MLS CupMLS 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...
- Winner (4): 1996, 1997, 1999, 2004MLS Cup 2004The 2004 MLS Cup was a soccer match that took place at 12:30 EST on November 14, 2004 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California to determine the champion of the 2004 Major League Soccer season. D.C. United defeated the Kansas City Wizards 3-2. The winning goal for United came from an own goal...
- Runner-up (2): 1998
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...
- Winner (4): 1997, 1999, 2006, 20072007 Major League Soccer seasonThe 2007 Major League Soccer season was the 12th season in league history. The season began on April 7 and concluded with MLS Cup 2007 on November 18, 2007 at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C.....
- Runner-up (1): 1998
MLS Eastern Conference
-
- Winners (Regular Season) (5): 1997, 1998, 1999, 2006, 2007
- Winners (Playoff) (5): 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2004
Minor awards
Atlantic Cup- Winner (10): 1996, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
- Runners-up (5): 1997, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2010
Carolina Challenge Cup
Carolina Challenge Cup
The Carolina Challenge Cup is a four-team round robin pre-season competition hosted by the Charleston Battery. It was started in 2004 and features teams from Major League Soccer and the United Soccer Leagues. The Columbus Crew edged out D.C. United on goal differential to win the 2004 competition,...
- Winners (2): 20102010 Carolina Challenge CupThe Carolina Challenge Cup is a four-team round robin pre-season competition hosted by the Charleston Battery. It was started in 2004 and features teams from Major League Soccer and the United Soccer Leagues...
, 20112011 Carolina Challenge CupThe Carolina Challenge Cup is a four-team round robin pre-season competition hosted by the Charleston Battery. It was started in 2004 and features teams from Major League Soccer and the United Soccer Leagues...
See also
- Atlantic Cup – The name of United's longstanding rivalry against New York Red Bulls
- D.C. UnitedD.C. UnitedD.C. United is an American professional soccer club based in Washington, D.C. 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 since its inception, in 1996.Over the...
- D.C. United AcademyD.C. United AcademyThe D.C. United Academy is the youth and development program for Major League Soccer club, D.C. United. The program consists of four levels: the under-23 and under-20 teams, as well as the Academy and Pre-Academy teams...
- D.C. United U-23D.C. United U-23D.C. United U-23 is an American soccer club based in Washington, D.C.. Founded in 2011, the team is currently playing a schedule of exhibition games in anticipation of their entry into the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the United States soccer pyramid, in 2012.The team is...
- D.C. United WomenD.C. United WomenD.C. United Women is an American soccer club based in Washington, D.C. that competes in the W-League, the second tier of professional women's soccer in the United States. The team is an affiliate of Major League Soccer club, D.C...
- D.C. United Academy
- D.C. United Hall of TraditionD.C. United Hall of TraditionThe D.C. United Hall of Tradition is an honor bestowed upon players, coaches and club management demmed by the franchise to have crucial to the club's success....
- List of D.C. United head coaches
- List of D.C. United playersAll-time D.C. United rosterThis list comprises all players who have participated in at least one league match for D.C. United since the team's first Major League Soccer season in 1996. Players who were on the roster but never played in an MLS game are not listed.-Players:...
- List of D.C. United results by opponentD.C. United results by opponent- Table key :- Major League Soccer :- U.S. Open Cup :Similar to England's FA Cup, the U.S. Open Cup is the oldest soccer tournament in the United States. The first competition dates back to 1914...
- List of D.C. United seasons
External links
Club Links- D.C. United Official Website - Club history and tradition
Other Links