D.C. United

Last updated

D.C. United
D.C. United logo (2016).svg
Nickname(s)Black-and-Red
Eagles [1] [2] [3]
FoundedJune 15, 1994;30 years ago (1994-06-15)
Stadium Audi Field
Washington, D.C.
Capacity20,000
Owner D.C. United Holdings
Co-chairmen
Head coach Troy Lesesne
League Major League Soccer
2024 Eastern Conference: 10th
Overall: 20th
Playoffs: Did not qualify
Website dcunited.com
Soccerball current event.svg Current season

D.C. United is an American professional soccer club based in Washington, D.C. The club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference. Domestically, the club has won four MLS Cups (league championships), four Supporters' Shields (league regular season), three U.S. Open Cups (domestic cups), and six Eastern Conference championships. In international competitions, the club has one CONCACAF Champions Cup title and one Copa Interamericana, the only United States team to win the latter. In terms of trophies won, it is the joint-most successful overall club in American soccer (tied with the New York Cosmos and LA Galaxy).

Contents

Founded in 1994, the club was an inaugural franchise in Major League Soccer, playing in the league since its first season in 1996. The club played a majority of its matches at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium from 1996 until 2017 before moving to the soccer-specific stadium, Audi Field, in 2018, where it has played since. D.C. United was one of the premier franchises in Major League Soccer, and in American soccer in the late 1990s, where it won the bulk of its trophies. Players such as Raúl Díaz Arce, Marco Etcheverry, Roy Lassiter, Jaime Moreno, Ben Olsen, and Eddie Pope, along with head coach, Bruce Arena, helped the club win eight of their 12 major titles from 1996 through 2000. The club would win an MLS Cup, a U.S. Open Cup, and two Supporters' Shield titles under Piotr Nowak and Tom Soehn in the mid-to-late 2000s. In 2013, under the management of Ben Olsen, the club won the U.S. Open Cup, its most recent major trophy.

Throughout the 2010s, and into the early 2020s, the club managed by Olsen, went through mediocrity, with only one major trophy, and several missed playoff appearances, including two last place finishes in the league. During this time, some high-profile acquisitions joined United, including Wayne Rooney, and several homegrown players began making impacts on the United squad including Bill Hamid, Andy Najar, and Kevin Paredes. After a string of poor seasons, Olsen was fired in 2020, after a ten-year tenure as head coach. Olsen was replaced by Hernán Losada, who managed the club until 2022, when he was replaced by former player Wayne Rooney. Rooney was fired in October 2023 after a poor managerial effort, and was replaced in January of 2024 with former New York Red Bulls manager Troy Lesesne [5] who manages the club as of May 2024.

History

Before the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the United States Soccer Federation fulfilled its promise to FIFA by aiding in the foundation of a new professional league, which would become Major League Soccer (MLS). [6] On June 15, 1994, MLS selected Washington, D.C. out of twenty-two applicants to host one of the league's first seven franchises, with three more added before the league's launch. [7] The team's name was chosen as a reflection of the names of European clubs, such as Manchester United or Leeds United, as well as being the capital of the United States. [8] [9]

The team's colors and original logo, along with those of the other ten original teams, were announced in October 1995, during a presentation in New York City. [10] Black and white were announced D.C. United's primary colors, and red was announced as the club's secondary color.

Early years and dynasty (1996–1999)

The club's first season was in 1996. [11] Ahead of the season, United hired Bruce Arena, [12] who had led the University of Virginia men's soccer program to five NCAA College Cup titles, [13] to be the head coach of the club. [14] Under Arena, the club quickly established itself as one of the flagship franchises in MLS, [15] [16] winning two MLS Cup (league championship) titles, a U.S. Open Cup (domestic cup) title, a Supporters' Shield (regular season winner), a CONCACAF Champions' Cup (continental championship), and a Copa Interamericana (intercontinental championship) all within the club's first two seasons. [17] During this late 1990's dynasty, the club was led by its "magic triangle" of Jaime Moreno, Marco Etcheverry, and Raul Diaz Arce. [18] Additionally, the club had several U.S. international stars at the time including Eddie Pope, [19] John Harkes, [16] and Jeff Agoos. [20] United's inaugural match was played on April 6, 1996, against the then-called San Jose Clash (now Earthquakes) at Spartan Stadium in San Jose, California, which also was the first match to ever be played in MLS history. [21] United would lose the match to the Clash, 0–1 off a late match-winner by Eric Wynalda. [21] However, the season was hallmarked by the Arena leading the team to the first domestic double in modern U.S. soccer history by beating the Los Angeles Galaxy in the first MLS Cup and the Rochester Raging Rhinos of the USL First Division in the 1996 U.S. Open Cup. [22] [23] The club's early success continued into 1997, repeating as MLS Cup champions, [24] and winning their first Supporters' Shield, becoming the first club in MLS history to achieve the "league double" by winning both the regular season championship and league championship.

In 1998 the club won the Eastern Conference regular season and postseason championship, but finished runners-up for the Supporters' Shield, and lost to Chicago Fire in MLS Cup 1998. Despite not winning any domestic titles, the club managed to win the CONCACAF Champions' Cup (now known as the CONCACAF Champions League), [25] defeating Mexican side, Toluca, in the final thanks to a Pope goal, as well as winning the now-defunct Copa Interamericana [26] (a two-legged aggregate series between the CONCACAF and CONMEBOL club champions). [27] D.C. United became the first American club to win a CONCACAF club championship, and the only American club to have won the Copa Interamericana. As of 2022, only two other American clubs have won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup or Champions League (LA Galaxy in 2000 and Seattle Sounders in 2022).

In October 1998, Arena left D.C. United to accept the head coaching role for the United States men's national soccer team, following their poor performance in the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Dutch manager, Thomas Rongen, who had previously coached the New England Revolution was hired to coach United for the 1999 season. With the squad, largely constructed by Arena, United achieved a domestic double, winning MLS Cup 1999 (their third MLS Cup title) against their cross-country rivals, the Los Angeles Galaxy, a rematch of MLS Cup 1996, and winning their second Supporters' Shield title (off of 57 points). Striker Roy Lassiter led United with 18 goals during the season earning joint Golden Boot honors. United did not fare as well in the 1999 CONCACAF Champions' Cup, losing in the semifinals to eventual champions, Necaxa.

Playoff failures (2000–2003)

Clyde Simms Clyde Simms cropped.jpg
Clyde Simms

Ultimately, Arena's departure marked the beginning of a downturn in the team's fortunes. [28] After reaching MLS Cup for the club's first four seasons, the 2000 season saw the club lose nine of their first twelve matches. United ultimately finished in 11th out of 12 teams in MLS during the 2000 season, missing the 2000 MLS Cup Playoffs altogether, for the first time in franchise history. Outside of MLS play, the club suffered early exits in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup, losing in the semifinals to eventual champions, the LA Galaxy, and being knocked out in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup by eventual finalists, Miami Fusion.

During the 2001 season, United played in the CONCACAF Giants Cup which was held in March 2001, prior to the start of the MLS regular season. United reached the finals of the Giants Cup, beating Jamaican club, Arnett Gardens, and Guatemalan club, Comunicaciones in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, before losing to Mexican club, América, in the final. During the 2001 MLS regular season United once again, finished in last place in the Eastern Conference and 11 points outside of the playoff picture. Although the offense led by Abdul Thompson Conteh, and Jamie Moreno contributed to 42 goals on the season, the porous United defense let in 50 goals the second worst in the East.[ citation needed ] The season however, was truncated by three weeks due to the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Following the 2001 season, club management decided to fire Rongen, and replace him with English manager Ray Hudson, who had just coached the Miami Fusion to a Supporters' Shield title.

Hudson signed a two-season contract with United and began the 2002 season participating in the 2002 CONCACAF Champions' Cup, due to their performance in the previous years' Giants Cup. United suffered their worst loss in CONCACAF play, losing by a four-goal margin to Comunicaciones, a club they had beat the previous year in the Giants Cup. United won the return leg, but by too little of a margin to advance. Their fortunes during the regular season did not fare better than the previous two seasons, where United ultimately finished last in the MLS regular season overall table, their first Wooden Spoon finish in franchise history, and their worst season until 2010. United scored only 31 goals during the season, last in MLS, where Ali Curtis and Bobby Convey were joint top scorers with the club, with only five goals each. However, the season showed signs of promising young talent with then-17 year old, Santino Quaranta, having a breakout season with United, and Nick Rimando, who became the club's first-choice goalkeeper for the next five years.

Ahead of the 2003 season, United received the first overall draft pick in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft, where they selected University of Virginia standout, Alecko Eskandarian. Additionally, United brought in MLS veterans, Dema Kovalenko and Hristo Stoichkov, from Chicago Fire. After a slow start to the season taking eight matches to win, United gained momentum during the latter half of the season, going 8–5–5 to close out the season. The form allowed United to qualify for the playoffs as the final seed, giving United their first playoff berth since 1999. Despite the berth, United was blanked by Shield winners Chicago Fire 4–0 on aggregate. At the conclusion of the season, despite signs of promise, Hudson was released by D.C. United and Polish manager, Piotr Nowak, replaced him before the start of the 2004 season. [29]

Nowak era, return to success (2004–2006)

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. [30] During Nowak's tenue, United selected Freddy Adu, a 14-year-old soccer prodigy, in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft. When Adu entered United's regular-season opener as a second-half substitute on April 3, 2004, he became the youngest player in any professional sport in the United States since 1887. [31] That season, Adu, along with the likes of Christian Gómez, Moreno, and Brian Carroll, helped to propel United into the playoffs as the second seed in the East. There they advanced past the New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference Final on penalty kicks in what has been called one of the best games in MLS history. [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] United then defeated the Kansas City Wizards to win MLS Cup 2004, their fourth, and as of 2022, their most recent MLS Cup title. [27]

D.C. United won the 2004 Eastern Conference championship in what has been called one of the best games in MLS history. DC United post-game victory celebration (RFK Memorial Stadium, 06-11-2004).jpg
D.C. United won the 2004 Eastern Conference championship in what has been called one of the best games in MLS history.

Following their 2004 MLS Cup triumph, the club spent the next four seasons as one of the top clubs in MLS. In 2005, the club again made MLS history by becoming the first United States–based team to participate in Copa Sudamericana, entering in the Round of sixteen. [37] In 2006, the MLS All-Star Team, which included eight United players, was managed by United's manager Piotr Nowak, defeated English champions Chelsea. [29] In 2006 United won their third consecutive Supporters' Shield title.

Soehn era, U.S. Open Cup title (2007–2009)

Nowak left United as head coach to become an assistant under Bob Bradley with the United States men's national soccer team. Nowak was replaced by his assistant Tom Soehn, who coached the club starting in 2007. The 2007 squad, largely built by Nowak, had a historically successful regular season in MLS. Led by the likes of Luciano Emilio, Fred, Ben Olsen, and Christian Gómez, United finished the regular season atop the MLS table, winning the Supporters' Shield for a then-MLS record fourth time, and for the second consecutive season. Finishing the season with 55 points in 30 games, United set a club record in points per game (1.8), and lead the league in total goals (56). It was the first time in MLS history a franchise won the Shield in consecutive seasons. Outside of MLS play during the 2007 season, the club participated in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup, reaching the semifinals; the Copa Sudamericana, being eliminated in the opening round; the North American SuperLiga, reaching the quarterfinals; and the U.S. Open Cup, being eliminated in the third round. In September 2007, Dave Kasper was promoted from the club's Technical Director to the team's General Manager, [38] which as of 2022, is a position he still holds.

Following the 2007 season, the club failed to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs for five consecutive seasons. During this stretch, United's lone major title came in 2008, when they won the U.S. Open Cup. In league play during the 2008 and 2009 campaigns, United faltered at the tail-end of each season, ultimately causing them to miss out on the playoffs. Following the end of the 2009 campaign, Soehn resigned as head coach of United, thus ending the Sohen era with two major titles in three seasons. To date, Soehn is the most recent manager at United to win two or more major titles during their tenure as head coach.

Olsen era (2010–2020)

Andy Najar (pictured), was one of the first Homegrown Players in D.C. United history. Najar won the 2010 Rookie of the Year Award. Andy Najar.jpg
Andy Najar (pictured), was one of the first Homegrown Players in D.C. United history. Najar won the 2010 Rookie of the Year Award.

Following Soehn's replacement, the organization hired Curt Onalfo as the head coach. [39] United had approached then University of Akron men's soccer head coach, Caleb Porter, but Porter rejected their offer. [40] Recently retired club midfielder, Ben Olsen, joined Onalfo's staff as an assistant coach, along with Kris Kelderman, who served as an assistant to Onfalo at Kansas City. Additionally, Soehn's assistant coaches of Chad Ashton and Mark Simpson remained on Onalfo's coaching staff for the 2010 season. Ahead of the season the club saw the departures of Luciano Emilio and Fred, two key contributors to the club during the late 2000s. The club, marred by injuries, and poor tactics, had a historically poor start to the 2010 MLS season, having a record of 3–12–3 in the clubs first 16 matches. [40]

In August 2010, United fired Onalfo and named Ben Olsen as the club's interim manager for the remainder of the 2010 season. [40] The club would finish the season out with a 3–8–1 record, finishing with a historically poor 6–20–4 record, the worst in MLS during the 2010 season. During the 2010 season, the highlights of the season included the rise of two homegrown signings, Bill Hamid, who took over as starting goalkeeper to Troy Perkins during the season, and became the club's first choice goalkeeper throughout the 2010s, along with Andy Najar, who won the MLS Rookie of the Year Award (now Young Player of the Year), [41] becoming the first homegrown player to win the honor. [42] Following the end of the 2010 season, long-time United striker Jamie Moreno retired from professional soccer. [43]

Olsen would ultimately assume full-time managerial duties ahead of the 2011 season, where he kept Ashton on the coaching staff, but dismissed Kelderman from his staff. Olsen brought in recently retired goalkeeper and former Canadian international, Pat Onstad, on to his coaching staff, along with former Dutch international, Sonny Silooy. Throughout Olsen's tenure, he employed a defensive style of play, followed by a diamond 4–4–2 formation focused on counter-attacking soccer. Pundits[ who? ] described the play as "Bennyball", and a soccer-style form of moneyball. During Olsen's coaching career, he would qualify for the playoffs six times, with the furthest being the Eastern Conference final, and win one major title, the U.S. Open Cup in 2013. The club qualified for the CONCACF Champions League twice during his tenure, where they reached the quarterfinals each time.

During Olsen's first full season in charge the club acquired Perry Kitchen in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, U.S. international Charlie Davies on loan, [44] and Canadian international Dwayne De Rosario. Additionally, 2010 Designated Player acquisition, Branko Bošković, became healthy for the season. The club experienced a turnaround in contrast to 2010, but ultimately a four-match losing streak and a six-match winless streak to close out the regular season cost the club a chance at the MLS Cup Playoffs. Despite not making the playoffs, De Rosario won the MLS Most Valuable Player Award (now known as the Landon Donovan MVP Award). During the 2011–12 offseason, minority owners of the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team, Jason Levien and Erick Thohir were named new majority owners, buying Will Chang's majority stake in the club. Chang, however, remained part of the ownership group as a minority owner. The goal of Levien and Thohir was to construct a soccer-specific stadium for United. [45]

On the field during the 2012 season, United's fortunes fared much better, with new acquisitions Nick DeLeon, Lewis Neal, Maicon Santos, and Hamdi Salihi having immediate contributions to the club. United ultimately finish the 2012 season with a third-place finish, their best since 2007, and a second-place finish in the East, again their best since 2007. The club defeated their rivals, New York Red Bulls in the Conference Semifinals, before advancing to the MLS Eastern Conference final, their first Conference Final since 2005, [46] against Houston Dynamo. United lost the series 2–4 on aggregate ending their season. [47]

During Olsen's third season in charge, the new club ownership constrained the teams budget, in part to finance a future soccer-specific stadium. [48] Consequently, the club relied on several reserve players, second-division players, and Academy players to form the core of the team, as well as releasing several key contributors from the 2012 team, in order to stay within budget. As a result, D.C. United tallied a total of only three wins in the 2013 season, setting a record for fewest wins in league history. [49] Despite the team's poor showing in league play, D.C. United defeated Real Salt Lake in the U.S. Open Cup final thanks to a late first half goal from Lewis Neal. As of 2022, this is the club's most recent major honor. [50] Despite this season, Olsen was retained as head coach, in part, due in part to the fact the club won the Open Cup. The Open Cup title gave United a berth into the 2014–15 CONCACAF Champions League, their first Champions League appearance since 2009. [50]

In 2014, D.C. United executed a historic turnaround by clinching first place in the Eastern Conference, and going undefeated in CONCACAF Champions League group play, the first time an American club went undefeated in Group Stage of the Champions League. The Eastern Conference regular season title earned the team its second consecutive Champions League berth. [51] Despite this, the club was eliminated by their rivals, New York Red Bulls, in the Conference Semifinals of the MLS Cup Playoffs. Notable offseason acquisitions included Steve Birnbaum, Chris Rolfe, Fabian Espindola, Sean Franklin, and Bobby Boswell. At the conclusion of the 2014 season, Olsen won the MLS Coach of the Year Award (now known as the Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year Award). For the turnaround, management extended Olsen's contract with United. [52]

Wayne Rooney (pictured), led the team in scoring during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Wayne Rooney (50121721532).jpg
Wayne Rooney (pictured), led the team in scoring during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

During the latter half of Olsen's tenure, Olsen saw the club qualify for the playoffs in four of his final six seasons, [53] although the club never went further past the Conference Semifinals in the playoffs. During this time, the club revealed a new crest in 2016, and opened their new soccer-specific, Audi Field, in 2018. Off the field, Chang and Thohir sold their ownership stake to Levien in 2016 and 2018, respectively. In the late 2010s the club signed several notable players such as Wayne Rooney, Luciano Acosta, and Paul Arriola. During the shortened 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, United saw themselves have an early group stage exit during the MLS is Back tournament, [54] coupled with a poor run of play during the fall 2020 segment of the season.

In October 2020, club management relieved Ben Olsen of his coaching duties, after a club-record 10 seasons as the head coach of the team. Olsen became the third-longest tenured head coach for an MLS team in league history, and by far, the longest tenured head coach in United history. While some members of the media felt that the dismissal was necessary, some individuals in the media felt that as long as Kasper was General Manager and Levien owned the franchise that little would change. [55] Following the dismissal, it was reported that Olsen may stay with the United organization in a different role. [56] Ultimately, in September 2021, Olsen was hired as the Club President for the Washington Spirit, the National Women's Soccer League franchise in the Washington metropolitan area, [57] which he held until May 2022. [58]

Since 2021

During the 2021 season, United hired Argentine manager, Hernán Losada, who had previously coached Belgian outfit, Beerschot. The decision came after the ownership decided to not hire Chris Armas as head coach. The media found the hire a unique and ambitious hire. [59] As head coach, Losada moved the team away from a counter-attacking defensive style, and focused more on a high-octane, attacking style, where Losada prioritized fitness and speed, putting intense pressure on the opponents defense. Losada only managed the club for the entirety of the 2021 season, where on the final day of the season, they finished just outside of the playoff spot. Despite this, Losada remained in charge of United for the first two months of the 2022 campaign. However, due to disagreements between the front office and Losada in coaching philosophy, [60] as well as a poor string of league results, [61] Losada was fired in April 2022 after coaching the club for about 14 months. [60]

Several United players later spoke publicly about Losada's poor communication with players, and strict dietary regulations, [62] which had caused tension between the players and Losada's coaching staff. Management felt that Losada was too critical of the front office, particularly of Dave Kasper and Jason Levien, and that the relationship between coaching staff and the front office staff had been strained. During this time off the field, Mario Mims and Mark Ingram II joined D.C. United Holdings as minority owners.

Losada's firing sparked anger from some of D.C. United's fans, who felt the dismissal was too premature. Following Losada's sacking, long-time assistant coach Chad Ashton took over on interim duties until July 2022, when the club hired former player and former English international player Wayne Rooney to coach the club. [63] [64] The 2022 season ended in United finishing at the bottom of the MLS overall table, resulting in General Manager, Lucy Rushton, being relieved of her duties. [65] During the 2023 season, United's record improved, finishing with 40 points on the season, up from 27 the previous season. However, the improvement was not enough to qualify for the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, resulting in Rooney's dismissal. [66] On November 20, 2023, United named Ally Mackay as their new GM and Chief of soccer operations.

Colors and badge

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. [7] 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 road uniform. The 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., Maryland, and Virginia); rather, they represent the fact that the team's uniforms are made by Adidas. In 2011, the team introduced a predominantly red third uniform with black accents to be worn four or more times in the season. [67] The team has also previously used white road 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.

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 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. This second logo 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 a soccer ball, which represents the team's victory in Major League Soccer's inaugural cup in 1996. [68] The logo can also be adorned with four silver stars above it, representing the MLS Cups the team has won.

On December 10, 2015, D.C. United unveiled an updated logo designed by Peter Horridge, featuring a D.C. flag-inspired design across the eagle, an updated wordmark, and more dynamic wings. [69] [70]

Sponsorship

SeasonKit manufacturerShirt sponsorRef.
1996–2001 Adidas Mastercard [71]
2002–2004—
2005–2007 Sierra Mist
2008–2013 Volkswagen [72]
2014–2021 Leidos [73]
2022–2023XDC Network [74]
2024–present Guidehouse [75]

Consulting firm Guidehouse was announced as the jersey sponsor in a multi-year partnership on February 15, 2024. [75] [76]

Stadium

RFK Stadium (1996–2017)

RFK Stadium was the first home to D.C. United US v Germany at RFK - panoramio (1).jpg
RFK Stadium was the first home to D.C. United

Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (RFK) was home to D.C. United, from the club's inaugural season in 1996, until the end of the 2017 season. The D.C. United Training Complex is located north of the stadium, and is where the Reserve Division team plays. [77]

RFK was built in 1961 as a dual-use stadium for baseball and American football. Before 1996, it occasionally hosted soccer matches, including the 1980 Soccer Bowl, the 1993 Supercoppa Italiana, and five matches during the 1994 FIFA World Cup. When the Washington Nationals baseball team shared the field from 2005 to 2007, there were criticisms about the playing surface and the field's dimensions. [78]

Audi Field (2018–present)

D.C. United moved to Audi Field in 2018 Audi Field June 25th.jpg
D.C. United moved to Audi Field in 2018

Audi Field is a soccer-specific stadium at Buzzard Point in Southwest, Washington, D.C., and has a capacity of 20,000. It hosted its first game against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on July 14, 2018. [79] The stadium's naming rights are owned by Audi, who signed a 12-year contract in February 2017. [80] It was designed by Populous [81] and Marshall Moya Design. [82]

Plans for a new stadium dated back to July 2006, when D.C. United proposed building a new stadium along the Anacostia River near Anacostia Park, but disputes with the city government forced the team to consider other sites. [83] [84]

The tentative deal for the stadium was announced on July 25, 2013, which would see a 20,000–25,000-seat stadium built on the site, costing $300 million. [85] [86] It was signed into law on December 30, 2014. [87] Groundbreaking began on February 27, 2017, [88] and the ribbon cutting was on July 9, 2018. [89]

Other stadiums

Several regional university stadiums have been used by the team for Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches, including Klöckner Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1996, [90] and George Mason Stadium in Fairfax, Virginia, in 2010. [91] Similarly, the team has also used the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown, Maryland, for multiple early-round games in U.S. Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions' Cup since it opened in 2001. [92] [93] [94] On April 14, 2018, D.C. United played an MLS game against Columbus Crew SC at the Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland, while Audi Field was being constructed. [95] Exhibition games, [96] as well as occasional regular season matches, [97] have also been played in nearby FedExField in Landover, Maryland; the latter have generally been played as part of doubleheaders featuring friendlies between national teams or foreign clubs.

Club culture

Supporters and mascot

D.C. United's mascot, Talon. Talon.jpg
D.C. United's mascot, Talon.
Supporters display a tifo supporting head coach Ben Olsen (drawn to lampoon Rambo) during a regular season match against FC Dallas Dcunited-oslen-tifo.jpg
Supporters display a tifo supporting head coach Ben Olsen (drawn to lampoon Rambo) during a regular season match against FC Dallas

D.C. United has six major supporters groups; La Barra Brava, the Screaming Eagles, District Ultras, Rose Room Collective, 202 Unique and La Banda del Distrito. [98] All six groups occupy the safe standing sections together at the north end of Audi Field. La Barra Brava, Spanish for "The Brave Fans", was founded in 1995 by Latino fans in the Washington, D.C. area, mostly Bolivian immigrants in support of original United players Marco Etcheverry and Jaime Moreno. They seek to bring a South American style to home games. [99]

La Norte (also La Curva Norte or The Northside) was a soccer supporters' club [100] affiliated with D.C. United from 2001–2016. [101] [102] The club was founded in 2001 when members of La Barra Brava left section 135 of RFK Stadium to form a new club. The club was originally situated in section 120 of RFK, as the section sat directly behind the north goal. The club takes its name from their preferred location on the north side of the stadium. La Norte were forced to change sections with the arrival of the Washington Nationals baseball franchise, and the subsequent reconfiguration of RFK's seating to accommodate a baseball diamond.[ citation needed ] La Norte has since merged with the District Ultras and occupied sections 127 and 128 at RFK Stadium prior to the team's move to Audi Field. [103]

D.C. United's mascot is Talon, an anthropomorphic bald eagle. [104]

Rivalries

D.C. United's primary rival is the New York Red Bulls. The two teams compete annually for the Atlantic Cup, a competition instituted by the two clubs. The cup is awarded to the team that gets the most points across the teams' meetings throughout the season. D.C. United also has a rivalry with the New England Revolution. [105] D.C. United also has a burgeoning rivalry with the Philadelphia Union as the two teams represent two cities separated by only 120 miles. [106] [107] D.C. United is also unique among MLS teams for its rivalry with the Charleston Battery of the United Soccer League, as they compete every time they face one another for the Coffee Pot Cup, a trophy established by the two sides' supporters. [108]

Ownership

When the league was founded in 1995, billionaire investor George Soros was the primary financial backer and director of Washington Soccer L.P., the group that owned the operating rights to D.C. United. [109] Kevin Payne, former President of Soccer USA Partners and current CEO of D.C. United, was instrumental in organizing this ownership group. By 1998 the group was looking for new investors. On February 15, 2001, it agreed to sell the team to Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), founded by Colorado billionaire Philip Anschutz, with AEG exercising its option to become the sole investor-operator on January 8, 2002. [7] AEG, who also owned MLS's Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo, ran the team until 2007.

In May 2007, United entered into an initial one-year strategic partnership with the Brazilian club Atlético Mineiro. The partnership's goal is to enhance the sporting and commercial success of the respective clubs by sharing expertise and experience and creating new opportunities for the clubs in both areas. [110]

On January 8, 2007, the operating rights to D.C. United were sold to D.C. United Holdings, a newly formed group venture that included real estate developer Victor MacFarlane, founder of MacFarlane Partners, and William H.C. Chang, chairman of Westlake International Group. Other investors included D.C. United president Kevin Payne and Blue Devil Development, headed by former Duke basketball players Brian Davis and Christian Laettner. [111] In April 2009, Victor MacFarlane sold his share of the team to his partner William Chang after two stadium proposals had fallen through. [112] In October 2009, Chang also bought out Davis and Laettner to control 100% of the team. [113] Chang is also one of the primary investors of Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants. [7] In July 2012, Indonesian businessman Erick Thohir and Washington-area sports executive Jason Levien, minority owners of the Philadelphia 76ers National Basketball Association franchise, joined Chang as partners. Thohir and Levien stated their primary goals are to make United a global brand and build a soccer-specific stadium for the club. [114] In October 2016, Thohir bought out Chang's remaining 35% stake. [115] Then in August 2018, Levien bought out Thohir's stake, making him the current majority owner of the team. [116]

On June 4, 2021, NFL running back Mark Ingram II joined DC United's ownership group as an investor. [117]

In 2021, Rapper Yo Gotti became a minority owner of D.C United. [118] Local investor and entrepreneur Devin Talbott joined the ownership group in 2022. [119]

Broadcasting

Television

Rights to D.C. United matches not covered by one of MLS national television partners (ESPN, Fox Sports, and Univision) were held by NBC Sports Washington until the end of the 2022 season. Spanish-language coverage aired on TeleXitos affiliate WZDC-DT2 (channel 44.2). Dave Johnson was the longtime the English-language commentator, and WZDC sports anchor Moises Linares was the Spanish-language commentator. [120]

NBCSW also held television rights from the team's inception in 1996 through 2015, dating back to its time as Comcast SportsNet and Home Team Sports. In the previous three-year deal, which was not completed until five games into the 2013 season, it was to show a minimum of 16 matches per season. [121] The team became frustrated that late-season and playoff matches were often relegated to the network's secondary CSN Plus channel or not televised at all due to scheduling conflicts with the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards, leading them to conclude a new deal with Sinclair Broadcast Group for the 2016 season. [122] Sinclair's local cable channel WJLA 24/7 News served two stints as D.C. United's television partner, covering the 2016 through 2018 seasons as well as 2020. [123]

For the 2019 season, D.C. United sold their local rights to subscription over-the-top service FloSports rather than a television broadcaster. The team signed a $12 million contract for four years, marking the first time it collected a substantial rights fee for its local games. [124] The deal was controversial, as fans and the media balked at the high subscription price and criticized the team for shutting out casual fans and public viewings. [125] Technical issues marred early broadcasts, and FloSports promised additional soccer broadcasts and shoulder programming to justify its subscription fee that largely never materialized. D.C. United canceled the contract before the final match of the 2019 regular season, opting to stream the remaining game on its website for free. [126]

With every MLS game available on Apple TV via their rights deal in 2023, D.C. United games will be broadcast almost exclusively on this service, with exceptions for certain national linear television broadcast partners. This marks the second time United matches will be carried on a streaming service, with the aforementioned 2019 FloSports deal.

Radio

Radio rights are held by iHeartMedia. Coverage airs on WTSD and WWDC-HD2. The broadcast is an audio simulcast of the English-language television commentary; both the English and Spanish television audio are also available on iHeartRadio. [127] Longtime former TV play-by-play voice of D.C. United Dave Johnson serves as the radio play-by-play voice. [128]

D.C. United's first radio partner was WMET (1160 AM), which picked up coverage in 2003. For the 2009 season, games moved to WTOP (1050 AM), but the station did not renew its deal and the team went the next four seasons without English-language radio. Tony Limarzi was the commentator. [129] [130]

WACA (1540 AM) broadcast commentary in Spanish from the team's founding through the 2009 season. [131] In 2010, coverage moved to WDCN-LP (87.7 FM) through the end of the 2012 season. [132]

Coverage in both languages returned for the 2014 season, as D.C. United entered into a four-year deal with CBS Radio, including English commentary on WJFK-FM (106.7 FM) or WJFK (1580 AM) and Spanish on WLZL-HD2 (107.9 FM-HD2). [133] [134] The contract with CBS Radio expired after the 2017 season.

Players

Roster

As of December 16, 2024 [135]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No.Pos.NationPlayer
3 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Lucas Bartlett
4 MF Flag of Finland.svg  FIN Matti Peltola
5 MF Flag of Cameroon.svg  CMR Boris Enow
8 MF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Jared Stroud
10 MF Flag of Brazil.svg  BRA Gabriel Pirani
12 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Conner Antley
16 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Garrison Tubbs
17 FW Flag of the United States.svg  USA Jacob Murrell
20 FW Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  BEL Christian Benteke (captain)
21 MF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Theodore Ku-DiPietro
No.Pos.NationPlayer
22 DF Flag of Guatemala.svg  GUA Aaron Herrera
23 FW Flag of Senegal.svg  SEN Dominique Badji
25 MF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Jackson Hopkins
28 DF Flag of Austria.svg  AUT David Schnegg
43 MF Flag of Poland.svg  POL Mateusz Klich
45 DF Flag of the United States.svg  USA Matai Akinmboni
— GK Flag of the United States.svg  USA Luis Barraza
— GK Flag of the United States.svg  USA Jordan Farr
— MF Flag of Japan.svg  JPN Hosei Kijima
— MF Flag of Brazil.svg  BRA João Peglow

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No.Pos.NationPlayer
27 FW Flag of the United States.svg  USA Kristian Fletcher (on loan to Nottingham Forest)

Academy

Bill Hamid was D.C.'s first Academy signing. BillHamid (cropped).jpg
Bill Hamid was D.C.'s first Academy signing.

The D.C. United Academy is the youth and development program for D.C. United. The program consists of the affiliate (formerly reserve) team Loudoun United FC as well as the academy (U-15, U-16 and U-17) and Pre-Academy teams (U-14, U-13). The academy and Pre-Academy teams play in MLS Next.

Notable players to have graduated from the D.C United Academy include Bill Hamid, who has been called up by the U.S. national team, and Andy Najar, who has been capped for Honduras. [136] [137]

Team management

Front office
Chairman Flag of the United States.svg Jason Levien
Co-Chairman Flag of the United States.svg Stephen Kaplan
General Manager & Chief Soccer Officer Flag of Scotland.svg Ally Mackay
Assistant General manager Flag of the United States.svg Caleb Shreve
President of Business Operations Flag of the United States.svg Danita Johnson
Senior Consultant Flag of the United States.svg Dave Kasper
Director of Player Personnel Flag of Haiti.svg Clarens Cheridieu
Chief Legal Officer Flag of the United States.svg Jessica Wright
Chief Marketing Officer Flag of the United States.svg Lisa Franklin
Chief Financial Officer Flag of the United States.svg Dan Franceschini
Chief Communications Officer Flag of the United States.svg Sam Legg
Coaching staff
Head coach Flag of the United States.svg Troy Lesesne
Assistant coach Flag of Uruguay.svg Alex Martínez
Assistant coach Flag of the United States.svg Zach Prince
Head of goalkeeping Flag of the United States.svg Cody Mizell

Last updated: January 23, 2024
Source: D.C. United

Head coaching history

NameNatTenureHonors
Bruce Arena Flag of the United States.svg  USA 1996–1998 1996 U.S. Open Cup
1996 MLS Cup
1997 MLS Cup
1997 Supporters' Shield
1998 CONCACAF Champions' Cup
1998 Copa Interamericana
Thomas Rongen Flag of the Netherlands.svg  NED 1999–2001 1999 MLS Cup
1999 Supporters' Shield
Ray Hudson Flag of England.svg  ENG 2002–2003None
Piotr Nowak Flag of Poland.svg  POL 2004–2006 2004 MLS Cup
2006 Supporters' Shield
Tom Soehn Flag of the United States.svg  USA 2007–2009 2007 Supporters' Shield
2008 U.S. Open Cup
Curt Onalfo Flag of the United States.svg  USA 2010None
Ben Olsen Flag of the United States.svg  USA 2010–2020 2013 U.S. Open Cup
Hernán Losada Flag of Argentina.svg  ARG 2021–2022None
Wayne Rooney Flag of England.svg  ENG 2022–2023None
Troy Lesesne Flag of the United States.svg  USA 2024–

Honors

D.C. United trophy collection as of 2007. D.C. United trophy case.jpg
D.C. United trophy collection as of 2007.
National
CompetitionsTitlesSeasons
MLS Cup [138] 4 1996, 1997, 1999, 2004
Supporters' Shield 4 1997, 1999, 2006, 2007
U.S. Open Cup 3 1996, 2008, 2013
Eastern Conference (Playoffs)5 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2004
Eastern Conference (Regular season)6 1997, 1998, 1999, 2006, 2007, 2014
Continental
CompetitionsTitlesSeasons
CONCACAF Champions Cup [139] 1 1998
Copa Interamericana 1 1998

Record

Seasons

This is a partial list of the last five seasons completed by the D.C. United. For the full season-by-season history, see List of D.C. United seasons .

Season League Position Playoffs USOC Continental / Other Average
attendance 		Top goalscorer(s)
DivLeaguePldWLDGFGAGDPtsPPGConf.OverallName(s)Goals
2018 1 MLS 34141196050+10511.504th9th R1 Ro16 DNQ17,635 Flag of England.svg Wayne Rooney 12
2019 MLS 341311104238+4501.475th10th R1 Ro16 DNQ17,744 Flag of England.svg Wayne Rooney 13
2020 MLS 2351262541−16210.9113th24thDNQ NH Leagues Cup
MLS is Back tournament 		NH
GS 		17,056 Flag of Norway.svg Ola Kamara 3
2021 MLS 34141555654+2471.388th16thDNQ NH DNQ12,791 Flag of Norway.svg Ola Kamara 19
2022 MLS 3472163671−35270.8714th28thDNQ R4 DNQ16,256 Flag of Greece.svg Taxiarchis Fountas 12
2023 MLS 341014104549−4401.1812th23rdDNQ R4 Ro32 17,540 Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Christian Benteke 14

^ 1. Avg. attendance include statistics from league matches only.
^ 2. Top goalscorer(s) includes all goals scored in League, MLS Cup Playoffs, U.S. Open Cup, MLS is Back tournament, CONCACAF Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and other competitive continental matches.

Player records

Statistics below show the all-time regular-season club leaders. Bold indicates active D.C. United players.

Jaime Moreno holds most of D.C. United's offensive records. JaimeMoreno20080803.JPG
Jaime Moreno holds most of D.C. United's offensive records.
As of July 15, 2022 [140]
CategoryRecord holderTotal
Games Flag of Bolivia.svg Jaime Moreno 329
Goals Flag of Bolivia.svg Jaime Moreno 131
Assists Flag of Bolivia.svg Jaime Moreno 102
Penalty kick goals Flag of Bolivia.svg Jaime Moreno 42
Game-winning goals Flag of Bolivia.svg Jaime Moreno 26
Hat tricks Flag of El Salvador.svg Raúl Díaz Arce
Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Christian Benteke 		3
Shutouts Flag of the United States.svg Bill Hamid 80
Wins Flag of the United States.svg Bill Hamid 103

Team MVP

Wayne Rooney played for D.C. United from 2018 to 2020 Wayne Rooney (50120928878).jpg
Wayne Rooney played for D.C. United from 2018 to 2020
DatesNameNation
2004 Jaime Moreno Flag of Bolivia.svg  Bolivia
2005 Christian Gómez Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina
2006 Christian Gómez (2)Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina
2007 Luciano Emilio Flag of Brazil.svg  Brazil
2008 Jaime Moreno (2)Flag of Bolivia.svg  Bolivia
2009 Clyde Simms Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
2010 Andy Najar Flag of Honduras.svg  Honduras
2011 Dwayne De Rosario Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada
2012 Chris Pontius Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
2013 Perry Kitchen Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
2014 Fabián Espíndola Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina
2015 Chris Rolfe Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
2016 Steve Birnbaum Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
2017 Bill Hamid Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
2018 Wayne Rooney [141] Flag of England.svg  England
2019 Luciano Acosta Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina
2020 Julian Gressel Flag of Germany.svg  Germany
2021 Ola Kamara Flag of Norway.svg  Norway
2022 Taxiarchis Fountas Flag of Greece.svg  Greece
2023 Christian Benteke Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium
2024Christian Benteke (2)Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium

MLS All-Time Best XI

Four players who were with D.C. United during the 1990s were chosen in 2005 as members of the MLS All-Time Best XI:

Hall of Tradition

In 2003, D.C. United introduced the "Hall of Tradition" (formerly "Tradition of Excellence"), an honor bestowed upon players, coaches & front office staff deemed by United to have been crucial to the team's success. [142] People are listed in the order in which they joined the club.

Banners for the "Hall of Tradition" members are displayed at RFK Stadium. D.C. United Hall of Tradition.jpg
Banners for the "Hall of Tradition" members are displayed at RFK Stadium.
NamePosition/RoleYearsInducted
Flag of the United States.svg Jeff Agoos DF1996–00October 16, 2008
Flag of El Salvador.svg Raúl Díaz Arce FW1996–97; 2000September 2, 2009
Betty D'AnjolellExecutive1995–98June 29, 2008
Danilo Noel DirónBroadcaster1997–08September 2, 2009
Flag of Bolivia.svg Marco Etcheverry MF1996–03October 20, 2007
Flag of the United States.svg John Harkes MF1996–98May 14, 2003
Flag of Bolivia.svg Jaime Moreno FW1996–02
2004–10		September 14, 2013
Flag of the United States.svg Ben Olsen MF1998–09September 15, 2012
Kevin Payne President/CEO1994–01
2004–12		October 2, 2015
Flag of the United States.svg Eddie Pope DF1996–02July 18, 2010
Flag of the United States.svg Richie Williams MF1996–00, 2002October 15, 2011

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jaime Moreno (footballer, born 1974)</span> Bolivian footballer (born 1974)

Jaime Moreno Morales is a Bolivian former professional 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Olsen</span> American sports executive, soccer coach, and former player

Benjamin Robert Olsen is an American sports executive, soccer coach, and former professional player who was formerly the president of Washington Spirit, a professional women's soccer club in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). He is currently the head coach of Houston Dynamo FC in Major League Soccer. Olsen is best known for his long-term association with D.C. United of Major League Soccer (MLS), first as a player then as a coach.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MLS Cup 1997</span> 1997 edition of the MLS Cup

MLS Cup 1997 was the second edition of the MLS Cup, the post-season championship match of Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. It was played on October 26, 1997, between D.C. United and the Colorado Rapids to determine the champion of the 1997 season. The soccer match was played in front of 57,431 spectators at RFK Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MLS Cup 1998</span> 1998 edition of the MLS Cup

MLS Cup 1998 was the third edition of the MLS Cup, the championship match of Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. It took place on October 25, 1998, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, with an attendance of 51,350 people. The final was contested by two-time reigning champions D.C. United and the Chicago Fire, the first expansion team to reach the final. Chicago won the match 2–0, with goals scored by Jerzy Podbrożny and Diego Gutiérrez in the first half.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MLS Cup 1999</span> 1999 edition of the MLS Cup

MLS Cup 1999 was the fourth edition of the MLS Cup, the championship match of Major League Soccer (MLS), the top-level soccer league of the United States. It took place on November 21, 1999, at Foxboro Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and was contested by D.C. United and the Los Angeles Galaxy in a rematch of the inaugural 1996 final that had been played at the same venue. Both teams finished atop their respective conferences during the regular season under new head coaches and advanced through the first two rounds of the playoffs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bill Hamid</span> American soccer player

Abdul Bilal "Bill" Hamid is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Maryland Bobcats in the National Independent Soccer Association.

The 2011 D.C. United season was D.C. United'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 tried to salvage a poor showing last season where they finished at the bottom of the MLS standings. The season covers the period of November 1, 2010, through October 31, 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Willis (American soccer)</span> American soccer player

Joseph Mark Willis is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Major League Soccer club Nashville SC.

This article documents the history of D.C. United, an American soccer club based in Washington, D.C. For a general overview of the club, see D.C. United.

The 2012 D.C. United season was the club's seventeenth season of existence, and their seventeenth consecutive season of playing in Major League Soccer, the top division of American soccer. The club's season began on March 10, with a 0–1 home defeat against Sporting Kansas City, and culminated on November 18 with a 1–1 draw against Houston Dynamo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">D.C. United Hall of Tradition</span> Sports award

The D.C. United Hall of Tradition is an honor bestowed upon players, coaches and club management deemed by the franchise to have crucial to the club's success.

The 2013 D.C. United season was the club's eighteenth, and their eighteenth season in Major League Soccer, the top division of American soccer. The regular season began on March 2 and concluded on October 27.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Arriola</span> American soccer player

Paul Joseph Arriola is an American professional soccer player who plays as a winger for Major League Soccer club FC Dallas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Birnbaum</span> American soccer player (born 1991)

Steven Mitchell Birnbaum is an American former professional soccer player. He was captain of and played as a center-back for D.C. United for the majority of his professional career. Birnbaum started every game for D.C. United in the 2018 season. In 2018 he played every minute in all 34 regular season games, and led Major League Soccer in total clearances, headed clearances, and aerials won, and in 2019 he again led the league in headed clearances and aerials won.

The 2020 D.C. United season was the club's 25th season of existence, and their 25th consecutive season playing in Major League Soccer, the top flight of American soccer. The regular season began on February 29, 2020, and was suspended on March 12, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The club's season is resumed on July 13, 2020, with the MLS is Back Tournament at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Florida, where group stage fixtures counted towards the regular season standings. The season ended on November 8, 2020, with their final regular season match.

The 2021 D.C. United season was the club's 26th season of existence, and their 26th consecutive season playing in Major League Soccer, the top flight of American soccer. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its ongoing vaccination efforts, the season began on April 17, 2021 and ended on November 7, 2021. Despite winning against Toronto FC on the last match of the regular season, the team did not qualify playoffs, making it their second consecutive season in which D.C. United did not qualify for the playoffs. It was the first time since 2011, that United did not qualify for the playoffs in consecutive seasons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">D.C. United–New England Revolution rivalry</span> Soccer rivalry in the United States

The D.C. United–New England Revolution rivalry is a soccer rivalry between D.C. United and the New England Revolution, who both play in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer. The two clubs were among the 10 founding members of MLS, and began playing against each other regularly since 1996. The rivalry intensified in the mid-2000s as the two clubs were among the premier franchises in MLS, although recently it has been seen as a secondary, yet fierce rivalry, between the two clubs.

References

General

Notes

  1. ↑ "D.C. United History". MLSSoccer.com. MLS Digital. Archived from the original on August 10, 2016. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  2. ↑ Montgomery, Matt (July 17, 2013). "Brandon McDonald: The D.C. United perspective with Black and Red United". RSL Soapbox. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  3. ↑ Bruh, Molly (August 12, 2013). "Bryce Harper reps the Black-and-Red in an interview with CSN". DCUnited.com. MLS Digital. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  4. ↑ "Ownership | D.C. United". July 10, 2012.
  5. ↑ "DC United hires Troy Lesesne to replace Wayne Rooney as coach". AP News. January 10, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
  6. ↑ Baxter, Kevin (May 31, 2014). "World Cup in 1994 gave U.S. soccer the kick in the pants it needed". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "General Overview". Major League Soccer . 2009. Archived from the original on June 25, 2008. Retrieved June 26, 2009.
  8. ↑ Yates, Clinton (June 30, 2015). "D.C. United almost had a different name". The Washington Post . Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  9. ↑ West, Phil (April 5, 2020). "How DC United and the San Jose Clash got their names and original look". MLSSoccer.com. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  10. ↑ "General Overview". Major League Soccer . 2009. Archived from the original on June 25, 2008. Retrieved June 26, 2009.
  11. ↑ Litterer, Dave (May 30, 2008). "The Year in American Soccer, 1996". American Soccer History Archives. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  12. ↑ Goff, Steven (December 6, 1995). "D.C. United Will Play in First MLS Match". The Washington Post . pp. D1. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  13. ↑ Lewis, Rhett (June 10, 2022). "Bruce Arena: Built Three United States Soccer Dynasties". History of Soccer. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  14. ↑ Wahl, Grant (March 23, 1998). "Amazingly Graceless Honest-to-a-fault Coach Bruce Arena Has D.c. United Poised to Win Another Mls Title". Sports Illustrated . Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  15. ↑ Clark, Dave (February 13, 2011). "For MLS what are the dynasties?". Sounder At Heart. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  16. 1 2 "Moreno, Etcheverry, Harkes headline the D.C. United All-Time Best XI – SBI Soccer". sbisoccer.com. April 27, 2020. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  17. ↑ Goff, Steven (October 24, 1998). "United Follows Its Leader". The Washington Post . Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  18. ↑ Sunderland, Lowell E. (July 25, 1997). "D.C. United returns home after losing two on road 'Magic Triangle' is back in time for busy stretch". baltimoresun.com. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
  19. ↑ "The full story of the former DC United star Eddie Pope's game-winning goal in the 1996 MLS Cup". MLSSoccer.com. December 12, 2020. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  20. ↑ "Former D.C. United star Jeff Agoos elected to Hall of Fame". Dcunited. January 16, 2009. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  21. 1 2 Williams, Jack (April 6, 2016). "Golden Goal: Eric Wynalda for San Jose Clash v DC United (1996)". The Guardian . Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  22. ↑ "U.S. Open Cup Final: D.C. United 3 Rochester 0". Soccer America . October 30, 1996. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  23. ↑ "The legend of the Rochester Raging Rhinos, last underdog to win US Open Cup | MLSSoccer.com". MLSSoccer.com. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  24. ↑ Goff, Steven (October 27, 1997). "D.C. United Defeats Rapids, 2–1, Wins Second Title". The Washington Post . Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  25. ↑ "D.C. United's CONCACAF History | DC United". dcunited.com. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  26. ↑ "DC United And The Last Copa Interamericana". Howler Magazine. December 5, 2016. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  27. 1 2 "History & Tradition". D.C. United. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  28. ↑ "America's one and only United". FIFA. September 24, 2008. Archived from the original on October 28, 2008. Retrieved September 6, 2009.
  29. 1 2 "D.C. United Tradition". Major League Soccer . 2007. Archived from the original on January 19, 2010. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
  30. ↑ Wise, Mike (November 13, 2004). "Nowak Creates A United State". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
  31. ↑ Slater, Matt (November 22, 2006). "Doubts raised in US over Adu move". BBC News. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
  32. ↑ Dure, Beau (November 11, 2004). "Harkes keeps both feet in the soccer world". USA Today. Retrieved June 19, 2007.
  33. ↑ Dell'Apa, Frank (July 26, 2005). "10 of the best... MLS games". ESPN. Archived from the original on May 25, 2011. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
  34. ↑ Goff, Steven (November 3, 2006). "Revolution Ready to Take Another Shot". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 19, 2007.
  35. ↑ "D.C. United & Comcast SportsNet to launch 'Brunch with D.C. United'". Major League Soccer . January 25, 2006. Archived from the original on October 14, 2007. Retrieved June 19, 2007.
  36. ↑ Lifton, David (May 11, 2005). "Looking back: Unforgettable in every way". Major League Soccer . Archived from the original on April 7, 2007. Retrieved June 19, 2007.
  37. ↑ "United Ousted From Copa Sudamericana". The Washington Post. September 23, 2005. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
  38. ↑ "D.C. United names Dave Kasper General Manager". Our Sports Central. September 20, 2007. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  39. ↑ Garlacep, Ives (January 5, 2010). "Onalfo introduced as D.C. United head coach". SBI Soccer. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  40. 1 2 3 Garlacep, Ives (August 4, 2010). "D.C. United fires Onalfo, Olsen named interim coach". SBI Soccer.
  41. ↑ "D.C. United's Andy Najar Wins MLS Rookie Of The Year Award". Goal . DAZN Group. November 3, 2010. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  42. ↑ Goff, Steven (November 3, 2010). "D.C. United's Andy Najar is MLS Rookie of the Year". The Washington Post . Archived from the original on November 3, 2010. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  43. ↑ "D.C. United's Jaime Moreno on Retirement: "It's Heartbreaking"". WRC-TV . NBC Sports Washington. October 24, 2010.
  44. ↑ Shatzer, Martin; Prada, Mark (February 1, 2011). "Charlie Davies Loan To D.C. United Finalized, Former U.S. Rising Star To Join Team". SB Nation . Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  45. ↑ Goff, Steven (July 10, 2012). "D.C. United's new co-owners Erick Thohir, Jason Levien should boost quest for stadium". The Washington Post .
  46. ↑ Shatzer, Martin (October 21, 2012). "D.C. United 3–2 Columbus Crew: Late Winner Clinches Return To MLS Playoffs". BlackAndRedUnited.com. SB Nation – Black and Red United. Retrieved October 21, 2012.
  47. ↑ Goff, Steven (November 18, 2012). "D.C. United ousted from MLS playoffs by Houston Dynamo". The Washington Post . Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  48. ↑ Crosland, Harry (July 29, 2013). "What A New Stadium Deal Would Mean for DC United Fans". World Soccer Talk. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  49. ↑ MLSsoccer.com, DC United's Dwayne De Rosario: "A lot of things definitely need to change" next year, October 27, 2013, http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/10/27/dc-uniteds-dwayne-de-rosario-lot-things-definitely-need-change-next-year Archived November 6, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  50. 1 2 Goff, Steven (October 3, 2013). "Stats, scores and schedules". The Washington Post.
  51. ↑ Straus, Brian. "D.C. United finishes first in Eastern Conf., completes historic turnaround". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 6, 2016.
  52. ↑ "United coach Ben Olsen gets contract extension". USA Today . September 22, 2014. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  53. ↑ "D.C. United clinches berth in Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs". D.C. United. October 2, 2015. Retrieved April 1, 2020.
  54. ↑ "DC United dropped from MLS is Back Tournament in 1–0 loss to Montreal". WTTG . July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  55. ↑ Quillen, Ian Nicholas (September 28, 2020). "Firing Ben Olsen Alone Won't Solve D.C. United's Problems". Forbes . Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  56. ↑ Carlisle, Jeff (October 8, 2020). "Ben Olsen out as D.C. United coach, may stay with team in different role". ESPN . Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  57. ↑ Small, Jordan (September 2, 2021). "Washington Spirit Name Ben Olsen as Club President". Washington Spirit . Retrieved July 15, 2022.
  58. ↑ Kassouf, Jeff (May 2, 2022). "Ben Olsen out as Washington Spirit president". Equalizer Soccer. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  59. ↑ Goff, Steven (April 17, 2021). "What will a new coach mean for D.C. United? It might take some time to find out". The Washington Post . Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  60. 1 2 Maurer, Pablo; Stejskal, Sam; Tenorio, Paul (April 21, 2022). "Why D.C. United fired Hernán Losada: 'It was about the whole package'". The Athletic . Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  61. ↑ Carlisle, Jeff (April 20, 2022). "D.C. United fires manager Hernan Losada after four-straight MLS defeats". ESPN . Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  62. ↑ Vertelney, Seth (May 10, 2022). "Ex-D.C. United goalkeeper Chris Seitz told a sad and strange Hernán Losada story". USA Today . Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  63. ↑ "'An exciting challenge': Wayne Rooney introduced as DC United manager – video". The Guardian. July 13, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  64. ↑ "D.C. United Name Wayne Rooney as Head Coach | DC United". dcunited. July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  65. ↑ Goff, Steven (October 19, 2022). "D.C. United fires general manager Lucy Rushton". The Washington Post . Retrieved October 19, 2022.
  66. ↑ "D.C. United and Head Coach Wayne Rooney Have Mutually Agreed to Part Ways". dcunited.com. October 7, 2023. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  67. ↑ Goff, Steve (January 29, 2011). "D.C. United introduces a third jersey". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on October 10, 2012. Retrieved February 8, 2011.
  68. ↑ Hicks, Doug. "D.C. United S.C." FootballCrests.com. Retrieved June 6, 2009.
  69. ↑ "DC United unveil updated team logo for only the second time in club history". Major League Soccer. December 10, 2015. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  70. ↑ Goff, Steven (December 10, 2015). "D.C. United unveils a new logo". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  71. ↑ "Team Uniform History: 1996–2005". MLSnet.com. D.C. United. Archived from the original on November 16, 2008. Retrieved August 30, 2011.
  72. ↑ Goff, Steven (May 6, 2008). "United Takes Volkswagen Out for a Spin". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  73. ↑ "United to Ascend". Archived from the original on February 28, 2014.
  74. ↑ "D.C. United Announce First-of-its-Kind Partnership with Leading Blockchain XDC Network | DC United". D.C. United. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
  75. 1 2 "D.C. United Announce Multi-Year Front-of-Kit Partnership with Guidehouse, a DMV-Based Global Consultancy". D.C. United. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  76. ↑ "D.C. United Signs Front-of-Jersey Sponsorship with Guidehouse". February 15, 2024.
  77. ↑ "D.C. United Academy Camps: Directions". D.C. United. 2009. Archived from the original on July 5, 2008. Retrieved July 9, 2009.
  78. ↑ Goff, Steven (April 26, 2005). "MLS Officials: United Played on Irregular Field". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 27, 2009.
  79. ↑ Giambalvo, Emily (July 14, 2018). "D.C. United debuts Audi Field, and Wayne Rooney, in a convincing win over Vancouver". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 14, 2018.
  80. ↑ Goff, Steven. "D.C. United strikes deal with Audi for stadium naming rights Archived February 3, 2018, at the Wayback Machine ". The Washington Post. February 15, 2017.
  81. ↑ Bromley, Ben (February 15, 2014). "New D.C. United Stadium Renderings, by Architecture Firm Populous, Released". SB Nation . Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  82. ↑ Hansen, Drew (April 21, 2016). "D.C. United Stadium Has a Name (at Least Tentatively)". Washington Business Journal . Retrieved June 3, 2016.
  83. ↑ Kravitz, Derek (June 18, 2009). "Fans Asked to Choose Where Team Should Find New Home". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 9, 2009.
  84. ↑ Nakamura, David (July 21, 2007). "Talks Fall Apart on Stadium for D.C. Soccer Team". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 6, 2009.
  85. ↑ "Deal reached for new stadium". StadiaDirectory. July 25, 2013. Archived from the original on September 27, 2013. Retrieved July 25, 2013.
  86. ↑ "Term Sheet DC United Stadium Project" (PDF). District of Columbia and DC Soccer LLC. District of Columbia Office of the City Administrator. July 25, 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016.
  87. ↑ "Mayor Gray signs bill to fund DC United soccer stadium". WUSA 9. December 30, 2014. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 7, 2015.
  88. ↑ Rodriguez, Alicia (February 16, 2017). "DC United announce stadium groundbreaking ceremony on February 27". MLSsoccer.com. Archived from the original on February 19, 2017. Retrieved February 17, 2017.
  89. ↑ Giambalvo, Emily (July 10, 2018). "D.C. United ushers in 'a new era' with Audi Field ribbon-cutting ceremony". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
  90. ↑ DeNunzio, Jon (September 5, 1996). "United Wins in Arena's Return to U-Va". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  91. ↑ Tenorio, Paul (June 30, 2010). "U.S. Open Cup: D.C. United beats Richmond Kickers behind Jaime Moreno". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  92. ↑ Goff, Steven (August 25, 2005). "United Loses a Shot at U.S. Open Cup". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  93. ↑ Goff, Steven (July 21, 2009). "United Has Plenty to Do Before Open Cup Semis". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  94. ↑ Goff, Steven (March 16, 2005). "D.C. United Sees Danger in View". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  95. ↑ "D.C. United holds off Columbus Crew SC in Annapolis". ESPN FC. April 15, 2018. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  96. ↑ McDaniel, Ash (August 8, 2009). "60,000-plus expected for Real Madrid-DC United". ESPN. Associated Press . Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  97. ↑ Maurer, Pablo (June 8, 2014). "D.C. United struggle with unfamiliar playing surface at FedExField in scoreless Columbus Crew draw". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved December 20, 2015.
  98. ↑ "Supporters' Groups". D.C. United. DCUnited.com. Archived from the original on January 23, 2024. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  99. ↑ "About Us". La Barra Brava. December 24, 2007. Archived from the original on June 12, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  100. ↑ "Our City, Our Club: D.C. United Supporters Leave Their Mark on RFK". Archived from the original on January 3, 2023. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  101. ↑ "Major League Soccer Courts Latino Fans in the U.S." Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  102. ↑ "#LaNorte was a proud Supporter Club of D.C. United & the U.S. National Teams from 2001–2016". Twitter.com. Retrieved August 29, 2022.
  103. ↑ dcunited. "March to March 9: La Norte". dcunited. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  104. ↑ "Talon". September 5, 2012. Archived from the original on May 14, 2013. Retrieved June 11, 2013.
  105. ↑ Stubbs, Roman (June 19, 2015). "D.C. United, New England Revolution set to add another chapter to rich rivalry". The Washington Post . Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  106. ↑ "Union and United: Building animosity". Fox News Latino. October 1, 2011. Retrieved October 14, 2011.
  107. ↑ Zeitlin, Dave (August 20, 2012). "The Inside Doop: Union-D.C. United rivalry". Archived from the original on June 16, 2013. Retrieved June 14, 2013.
  108. ↑ "Battery set for Open Cup rematch with DC United". Charleston Battery . March 14, 2009. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  109. ↑ Goff, Steven (October 12, 2000). "United's Ownership Uncertain; After Sale Fell Through, MLS Might Take Over Operation". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on February 10, 2009. Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  110. ↑ "D.C. United enters into strategic partnership with Brazil's Clube Atlético Mineiro". D.C. United Media Relations. May 4, 2007. Archived from the original on December 31, 2008. Retrieved June 27, 2009.
  111. ↑ "MacFarlane leads group in purchase of Major League Soccer's D.C. United". D.C. United Media Relations. January 8, 2007. Archived from the original on February 2, 2008. Retrieved June 27, 2009.
  112. ↑ "Chang assumes control of DC United" . Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  113. ↑ Goff, Steve (October 21, 2009). "DCU Ownership, Olsen, USA Friendlies". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 8, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  114. ↑ Stein, Marc (July 6, 2012). "Philadelphia 76ers minority owners to purchase DC United of MLS". ESPN. Archived from the original on July 9, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  115. ↑ Goff, Steven. "Will Chang sells his share in D.C. United to majority investors". Washington Post. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  116. ↑ "D.C. United announce consolidation of ownership". DC United. August 7, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
  117. ↑ "NFL running back Mark Ingram II joins DC United's ownership group | MLSSoccer.com". mlssoccer. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
  118. ↑ "Rapper Yo Gotti becomes minority owner of D.C. United".
  119. ↑ Drew Hansen (June 7, 2022). "Exclusive: Enlightenment Capital's Devin Talbott buys stake in D.C. United". Washington Business Journal. Retrieved May 14, 2023. (subscription required)
  120. ↑ "D.C. United Announces Partnerships with NBC Sports Washington and TeleXitos | D.C. United" . Retrieved June 9, 2021.
  121. ↑ Goff, Steven. "D.C. United reaches 3-year deal with CSN". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 4, 2013.
  122. ↑ "D.C. United matches to appear on NewsChannel 8, ABC7". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 20, 2015.
  123. ↑ "D.C. United and WJLA 24/7 News Reach Deal to Televise Matches in 2020". D.C. United. February 21, 2020.
  124. ↑ "DC United sign multi-year MLS streaming deal with FloSports". SportsPro. January 8, 2019. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  125. ↑ Allen, Scott (March 12, 2019). "FloSports offers full refunds after rough debut, vows to win back D.C. United fans' trust". The Washington Post.
  126. ↑ Goff, Steven (October 3, 2019). "D.C. United severs ties with streaming partner FloSports". The Washington Post.
  127. ↑ "D.C. United Announce Broadcast Agreement with iHeartMedia". D.C. United.
  128. ↑ Goff, Steven (February 24, 2023). "Dave Johnson, D.C. United's longtime TV voice, returns as radio announcer". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
  129. ↑ "D.C. United Announces 2003 Season Sponsors". April 17, 2003.
  130. ↑ Morissey, Aaron (May 17, 2009). "This Is Your D.C. United: Tony Limarzi". DCist. Archived from the original on February 5, 2018. Retrieved March 2, 2018.
  131. ↑ Wiseman, Lauren (October 26, 2008). "A Resounding Hometown Enthusiasm". The Washington Post.
  132. ↑ "D.C. United to partner with La Nueva 87.7 FM for Spanish-language radio broadcasts". D.C. United. January 20, 2010.
  133. ↑ "D.C. United, CBS Washington announce multi-year partnership". D.C. United official website. May 14, 2014. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  134. ↑ Goff, Steven. "D.C. United news and notes". The Washington Post.
  135. ↑ "Players". D.C. United. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
  136. ↑ "D.C. United to launch youth academy residency program in Maryland" Archived February 9, 2017, at the Wayback Machine , The Washington Post, Steven Goff, February 19, 2015.
  137. ↑ "Orlando City eager to build strong pipeline from developmental academy to MLS level" Archived October 22, 2019, at the Wayback Machine , Orlando Sentinel, Paul Tenorio, July 4, 2015.
  138. ↑ "Trophies by mls club". Major League Soccer . Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  139. ↑ "CONCACAF Cup". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Archived from the original on January 12, 2016. Retrieved October 20, 2016.
  140. ↑ "D.C. United All-Time Leaders". MLSSoccer.com. August 22, 2009. Archived from the original on May 15, 2008. Retrieved June 22, 2013.
  141. ↑ "Rooney named United's 2018 MVP, Golden Boot winner". DCUnited.com. MLS Digital. November 28, 2018. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
  142. ↑ "D.C. United: Fans: D.C. United Hall of Tradition". Major League Soccer . 2008. Archived from the original on October 18, 2008. Retrieved June 27, 2009.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.