In a city more familiar with the sound of Redskins, Capitols and Nationals, DC United were a strange addition to the sporting landscape back in 1996. Not so now. For many years, Washington had been starved of major league success stories, but United set about putting that right. Through ups and downs, the club has been true to its name. Today, the big-time confidence is still part of the franchise’s DNA, and the crowds remain hungry for success. Why not experience the atmosphere for yourself? Get searching for your next DC United Tickets on StubHub and join the quest for the MLS Cup.
DC United – MLS’s pace-setters
Previous Washington soccer clubs have paid the price for a lack of silverware. Formed as one of the charter clubs of Major League Soccer in 1996, the Black and Red quickly set about establishing themselves as an on-field success. Conference titles, the Supporters’ Shield and the first two MLS Cups, all in the first couple of seasons, announced the franchise as a force in North American soccer, and earned the new boys a legion of supporters. With the creative playmaking of Marco “El Diablo” Etcheverry, the prolific firepower of El Salvador’s Raul Diaz Arce – a career haul of 44 goals in 68 United games – and the management of Bruce Arena, the team created a tradition of excellence by which all other DC squads will be judged.
The glory days of Diaz Arce, Etcheverry and Bolivian striker Jaime Moreno partly account for the team’s strong following in the Latino community of Washington; despite the nod to British football in the “United” name, Latin American footballing traditions have been fully adopted into the Black and Red club culture: “La Barra Brava” supporters group lead the way with songs, chants, drumming and banners in support of the team. You’ll also see the “Screaming Eagles” meeting for a traditional pre-game tailgate, a good example of the club’s cross-cultural appeal.
DC United for big match atmosphere
For regular-season matches, there’s a definite friendly atmosphere, and traditions like the field-level fan zone literally the bring players and crowd closer.
Whichever team are visiting, DC United tickets are worth securing. But there’s a big spike in demand whenever New York are in town. The frequent meetings between the cities’ clubs over the years have nurtured a fierce and mostly friendly rivalry. Hundreds, if not thousands, of away fans travel, which adds to the atmosphere.
It’s those big games that seem to bring out the best in United. “We have a confidence and a swagger”, keeper Bill Hamid once explained of a playoff-bound team. “It's a very positive mindset.”
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