MLS Preview: DC United

In partnership with

Hooligan Soccer

·11. Februar 2025

MLS Preview: DC United

One of the 10 inaugural clubs of the MLS, it’s fair to say that DC United burst onto the scene, but have since faded into mediocrity and (possibly) irrelevance.

Club History

In the late ‘90s, DC United were THE dominant club in the MLS, winning the two MLS Cups, a US Open Cup, a Supporters Shield, a CONCACAF Champions Cup and a Copa Interamericana – all in two years. Over the next three they added another MLS Cup and Supporters Shield.

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Since then? Well, they haven’t been so hot. When the architect of their success, coach Bruce Arena, left to manage the USMNT in late 1998 the club entered a slow decline. They missed their first postseason ever in the 2000 season.

From 2004 through 2008 the club experienced a return to glory, winning their fourth MLS Cup, second US Open Cup and two consecutive Supporters Shields. But since 2008 they have only qualified for the playoffs six times, one of the worst percentages in the MLS.

Ownership

The holding company D.C. United Holdings controls the team. Throughout the years investors have come and gone but the current majority shareholder is Jason Levine, a D.C. area sports executive. Rapper Yo Gotti is a minority shareholder.

Notable Players

The “Magic Triangle” – a trio of players instrumental in the club’s dominance in the late ‘90s. Jaime Moreno (Bolivia) Has 427 appearances over 14 seasons Also the club’s top goal scorer (162). Marco Etcheverry (Bolivia) – Forward/Midfielder Won the MLS MVP in 1998 Raúl Díaz Arce (El Salvador) – Forward
Freddie Adu (United States) – Midfielder Teen sensation who was heralded as the U.S. Pelé but ultimately fell short of his hype. Made his professional debut at 14 years old in 2004.
Wayne Rooney (England) – Midfielder Played two seasons (2018 & 2019), during which he was the top goal scorer (25 in 48 games). Returned in 2022 as manager, but was a disaster with a record of 14W – 14D – 25L.

Other Facts

Audi Field (Source)

Play their home games at Audi Field in southern Washinton D.C. From 1996 through 2017 they played in Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium.
They have played in more continental competition games (62) than any other MLS club.
The supporter group La Barra Brava was formed by Latin (mostly Bolivian) fans in the late 90s to support the club’s “Magic Triangle” of players.
Have won the Wooden Spoon (awarded to the team with the worst overall record) three times since 2010.
Some of their rivalries include: Compete for the Atlantic Cup with the New York Red Bulls. Have an I-95 derby with the Philadelphia Union. The winner of any match with the Charleston Battery of the USL gains possession of the Coffee Pot Cup.

2024 Season Recap

10W – 10D – 14L with 40 points. Finished 10th in the Eastern Conference; 20th overall.
Though tied with Atlanta on points, their -18 goal differential knocked them out of the wild card playoff spot.

Who to Watch 2025

Having dropped or traded 14 players from their 2024 roster, the squad has some rebuilding ahead of them.

Christian Benteke (Belgium) – Forward The team captain had 25 goals and 5 assists in 33 games last season, leading the club in goal contributions and also the MLS Golden Boot.
Matti Peltola (Finland) – Defensive Midfielder A young (22) player with big potential; critical supplying the energy behind DC’s aggressive pressing style on defense.
Gabriel Pirani (Brazil) – Midfielder From a slow start, Pirani has become an attacking threat. Fans are hopeful his development kicks up another notch this season.

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