Washington Life Magazine - June 2003

D.C. United, of course! Although socceris still considered by many to be a“niche sport” in the United States, moreAmericans are becoming fans each year.Major League Soccer (MLS) started in1996, a nd as a charter member of MLS,D.C. United quickly set the standard forexcellence in the League on the field andin the stands. D.C. United, in its inauguralseason, proved to be unbeatable,capturing the first MLS Cup title. In1997, t he “Black-and-Red” repeated thisfeat, and were crowned 1997 MLS CupChampions before a crowd of 57,431 atRFK stadium. In its short, seven-yearhistory, D.C. United has earned moredomestic and international honors thanany other American soccer team, playedagainst some of the world’s most famousclubs, and has built a fiercely loyal anddedicated fan base that understandsand appreciates world-class soccer. In1999, they repeated their prior successes,marking three MLS Cup victories in thefour years of League play.

After a few disappointing seasons,the Black-and-Red got an early startin the 2002 campaign by naming formerMiami Fusion F.C. headman Ray Hudson as the club’s third head coachon January 8, and played a highly competitive season,missing MLS playoffs by one game. The teamhosted the 2002 MLS All-Star Game at RFK Stadiumfor the first time and also won the inaugural AtlanticCup trophy in what is to become an annual competitionwith their chief rival, the MetroStars. D.C. Unitedbecame the first MLS team to travel to England wherethey defeated Tottenham Hotspur last October. They repeatedthis feat on May 14, 2003 with a 1–0victory over the Spurs at RFK Stadium.Throughout its seven years, the Black-and-Red have earned the right to squareoff against some of the world’s most recognizableteams from across the globe, over 25 clubs from some 13 countries.

D.C. United is growing in popularity. With an already strong and enthusiasticfan base, the D.C. United team continues to offer unparalleled packages toensure that fans can fully enjoy the soccer experience. One of our favorites is theField-Level Party, a pre-game celebrationthat allows you exclusive field-level accessfor your guests with a private tent, for allattendees two hours prior to the matchwith tent, table, and chairs to accommodate50-1000. This fully catered pre-gameparty is perfect for corporate entertainingor a children’s event, and comeswith specially reserved lower bowl premiumseating during the match.

Like many MLS teams, D.C.United's roster is very diverse in bothethnicity and age. Team captain MarcoEtcheverry was named Most ValuablePlayer in MLS Cup '96, and has beenwith the team for all 7 years. The teamboasts several players in the U.S. Men'sNational Team player pool. This May,four D.C. United rookies (AleckoEskandarian, David Stokes, BrianCarroll, and Doug Warren) were namedto the U.S. Under-23 Men's NationalTeam 18-man roster. Eskandarian, a formerUniversity of Virginia star, was thetop pick in the 2003 MLS SuperDraftand joins Bobby Convey and SantinoQuaranta as emerging superstars whohold great promise for the future of D.C.United.

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