June 2009 Archives
USOC 3rd round: DCU 2 - Ocean City Barons 0
06/30/2009 11:56 PM by Kyle Sheldon
It perhaps took a little longer than expected, but United eventually got two late goals - one from Christian Gomez and another from Ange N'Silu - to defeat the visiting Ocean City Barons Tuesday night. By virtue of the win, D.C. advances to face the Harrisburg City Islanders, who beat the New England Revolution 2-1. The quarterfinal game will take place next Tuesday, July 7, at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Tickets go on sale tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. ET.
A few post-game links for you to peruse:
- dcunited.com match report - by Charlie Boehm
- MLSnet.com Match Tracker [stats!]
- Post-game quote sheet
- Photos via Flickr
- Harrisburg match press release
- USOpenCup.com tournament bracket
We'll have game highlights and post-game interviews available on dcunited.com tomorrow.
Were you at the game? What did you think?
Photo of the Day: Xbox winner
06/30/2009 4:04 PM by Kyle Sheldon
Above is Ed Reynolds, who was the big winner of our recent Gamers Giveaway. Ed won a Xbox 360, FIFA 09, four tickets to a United game and pre-game field-side access!
Our marketing interns conducted a scintillating interview with Ed... try not to get too excited:
- Four (4) passes to the private training session with D.C. United and Real Madrid on August 8
- Four (4) Club Level tickets to D.C. United vs. Real Madrid on August 9.
- One (1) D.C. United jersey
- One (1) Real Madrid jersey
Audio: Roche's big adventure [Bryan Namoff]
06/30/2009 2:17 PM by Kyle Sheldon
You're all familiar with DC101's DJ-extraordinaire Roche (3-7 p.m. every day on 101.1!). What you may or may not know, is he is a big soccer guy and a D.C. United supporter through and through.
Roche approached me several weeks ago about his desire to do a podcast with United and MLS guys, but he didn't want it to be your run of the mill soccer podcast. In addition to talking a little soccer, he also wanted to get into the lifestyle, off-the-field activities and all the goings-on for professional soccer players in the states.
A couple weeks ago, Roche recorded a trial run with United's own Bryan Namoff, with help from my favorite sidekick, Whitney. Give the inaugural episode a listen - lots of good stuff, including insight into Roche and Namoff's old partying days, using twitter, United's stadium search, Marelo Gallardo's season and much more.
The big challenge now is coming up with a name for the podcast - any ideas?
Who would you like to see interviewed for the next episode, whether a United player or someone else from around MLS?
USOC 3rd round: DCU vs. Ocean City Barons
06/30/2009 11:00 AM by Kyle Sheldon
D.C. United is ready to take on the Ocean City Barons (PDL) tonight at the Maryland SoccerPlex in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
If you can't make out to the SoccerPlex, you can listen to the game on the radio in English (1050 AM) or Spanish (1540 AM). United Soccer League's will also be providing a single-camera stream via usllive.com, so you'll be able to watch the game, as well!
You can also follow our twitter feed for periodic updates (tag your tweest about the game with #dcu and they'll show up on the front page of dcunited.com).
Should United advance past the Barons this evening, it would face the winner of the New England Revolution and the Harrisburg City Islanders (who also play tonight) next Tuesday, July 7, also at the SoccerPlex.
A few things to take a look at ahead of this evening's contest:
- Washington Post game preview (by Steven Goff)
- Washington Times game preview (by John Haydon)
- Washington Examiner game preview (by Craig Stouffer)
- BehindTheBadge.com notes (and more notes)
- mlsnet.com game notes (mlsnet.com staff)
- Press of Atlantic City game preview (by Susan Lulgjuraj)
- sjbarons.com preview (Baron's website)
- usopencup.com third round preview
- Video: Namoff, Pontius, McTavish discuss game
So, what do you think? Obviously, it's a difficult challenge for any PDL side to go up against an MLS side, but that's the beauty of soccer - you never know how a game is going to play out. The Black-and-Red will need to match the energy and enthusiasm of the young Barons, while also playing its game. Anyone care to make a prediction for tonight's contest?
Everything you wanted to know...
06/29/2009 4:39 PM by Kyle Sheldon
... about the U.S. Open Cup.
Though United has already won two play-in games, the team's official defense of last year's U.S. Open Cup title begins tomorrow night at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, MD (7:30 p.m. ET). The match-up is an especially intriguing one as the Black-and-Red will face off against the Ocean City Barons - a Premier Development League team, which is made up entirely of amateur players (read: they don't get paid).
And now, a whole bunch of tidbits and notes about the tournament, United's Open Cup history and the Barons:
- After winning last year's edition of the Open Cup, D.C. will need to win four games in order to repeat. Should the team advance, it would face the winner of the Harrisburg City Islanders vs. the New England Revolution (who also play Tuesday night) next Tuesday, July 7 at the SoccerPlex.
- The main change to this year's tournament is the reduction of substitutions allowed in a game, from four (4) to three (3).
- 40 total teams will compete in this year's tournament - eight USASA, eight PDL, eight USL-2, eight USL-1 and eight MLS. As in past years, all MLS teams officially enter the tournament in the third round, while other teams had to win two games to get this point in the competition.
- The Open Cup winner receives $100,000 in prize money, while the runner-up collects $50,000. The last standing Division II (USL-1), Division III (USL-2) and amatuer (PDL, USASA) clubs receive $10,000 - a sum the Barons have already wrapped up by virture of advancing to the third round.
- The 2009 U.S. Open Cup final will be played on Wednesday, September 2.
- Including this year's play-in games, United is 23-9 (32 games) all-time in Open Cup play. The team has won the tournament twice, during its inaugural season in 1996 and again last year. It was the runner-up in 1997, falling to the Dallas Burn on penalties.
- In this year's two games, Chris Pontius has two goals and two assists in 153 minutes, while Brandon Barklage has two goals in 180 minutes. Fred has also seen success - two goals an an assist in in 119 minutes - but he will be unavailable due to injury.
- Not surprisingly, Jaime Moreno has the most Open Cup goals (11) and assists (9) in club history.
- The Ocean City Barons are currently in third place in the Northeast Division of PDL, with a record of 6-3-1. They have outscored their opponents 18-8.
- The Ocean City Barons were founded in 1996 and have competed in the fourth tier of American soccer (the USL Premier Development League) since 2003.
- Their Open Cup run to the final 16 equals their previous best finish, which came in 2005.
- Three busloads of Ocean City supporters are making the trip from New Jersey to Boyds, MD, where the game will be contested at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
- From their home venue of Carey Stadium, where a nearby Ferris wheel looms over the playing surface, the Barons have produced a number of professional players, including AGF Aarhus midfielder Jeremiah White. The 27-year-old with one U.S. National Team cap to his name currently plays with Aarhus in the Danish Superliga, where he is teammates with fellow U.S. international Benny Feilhaber.
- Average age of the Barons' roster is a little less than 21 years old.
- Byron Carmichael is tied for third all-time with 10 goals scored in the Professional Era of the U.S. Open Cup. He is tied with former MLS player Dante Washington and current Seattle Sounder Sebastien Le Toux. He only trails Jamie Moreno (11) and Rochester's Johnny Menyonger (12).
- Carmichael has faced D.C. United before as a member of the Wilmington Hammerheads in 2003. He started and played 54 minutes in United's 1-0 win over the Hammerheads, who had defeated the Dallas Burn 4-1 in the previous round (thanks to Carmichael's two assists).
- Carmichael is the club's all-time leading scorer with 44 goals, 19 assists (107 points) in 80 regular season games.
- Defender Joe Banks and Forward Byron Carmichael are both in their 6th season with the club. Both are coaches in the Barons youth academy and both broke the club record for minutes played in a career on the same day, finishing with the same number of minutes at the end of the game.
- After Saturday's game, Banks leads Carmichael by six minutes with 5,813 minutes played. Ocean City is 7-4-0 in Open Cup play (5-2 home, 2-2 away) and has qualified for the tournament five times in franchise history (2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009). They have qualified four times in the last six years. None of the 68 teams in the PDL have qualified that many times during that span.
- With back-to-back upsets of professional clubs in this year's tournament, they are one of six franchises to ever accomplish that feat.
- Since joining the PDL in 2003, the Barons have amassed a record of 64-24-22 (214 points), which is the 4th best record in the PDL during that time. Since joining the PDL in 2003, the Barons have the 3rd best home record (37-9-9) and hold the record for the longest PDL home unbeaten streak (28 games, 23-0-5 ... from 6/14/03 - 7/12/06 -- it was snapped by the Ottawa Fury by a score of 2-1 on 7/16/06)
- The Barons have won a number of awards from the USL: 2005 USL Progress Award, 2006 USL Hall of Fame Inductee (10+ club), 2007 PDL Executive of the Year, 2007 PDL Communications Award 2008, PDL Organization of the Year.
- The Barons have produced 16 professional players, including Jeremiah White (AGF Aarhus - Danish Superliga) who became the first Baron to earn a cap for the U.S. National Team last year. Some of the active pros include: Tony Donatelli (Montreal Impact), Ryan Heins (Rochester Rhinos), Jamie Franks (Chivas USA), Pat Hannigan (Miami FC), Chris Williams (Miami FC) and Brian Devlin (Harrisburg City Islanders). New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Danny Cepero played for the Barons briefly in 2006, playing in only one game and earning a shutout in a scoreless draw at the West Virginia Chaos on 5/19/06.
- Tunde Ogunbiyi and his older brother Jide were a part of the (Silver medal-winning) Nigerian Olympic team training camp. Both failed to make the final roster, but considering Tunde, outside of the PDL, hasn't played a competitive game since high school (0 games played in two years of college at the University of New Hampshire), it's an impressive feat. Tunde is currently attending Boston College. His older brother Jide was drafted by the New York Red Bulls in the 2009 MLS Superdraft, but has not yet signed with a club.
- J.T. Noone joins the Barons as the first Division I All-American to ever suit up for the club. He became the first Temple Owl to be named an All-American in 22 years. He also continues a streak of seven consecutive seasons where the Barons have had at least one member of the Temple University program on the roster.
- Noone has two goals and two assists in 10 games played this year, including a pair of goals in Open Cup play. He scored the third goal in the team's 3-0 win over Crystal Palace Baltimore, and scored the game-winning penalty kick in extra time against Real Maryland in the Second Round.
- Head Coach/General Manager Neil Holloway and Assistant Coach John Thompson were teammates with the Barons from 2002-06. They helped lead the team to their greatest season in 2004 when they completed a rare undefeated PDL season (14-0-4). Thompson was named the 2004 PDL Defender of the Year and joined Holloway on the All-PDL team. Thompson was also an All-PDL selection in 2005.
- Thompson and Holloway met as opponents on the playing field when Thompson led Lewis University to a victory over Holloway's undefeated Wheeling Jesuit University in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division II tournament.
What are we missing?
(Thanks to Josh Hakala of usopencup.com for providing some of the Barons notes!)
Video: NBC40 previews United-Barons
06/29/2009 3:29 PM by Kyle Sheldon
Atlantic City's NBC40 put together a preview of Tuesday night's match from the Baron's perspective. A few great quotes from the head coach and players...
And here is the second round recap from the Baron's 1-0 overtime win over Real Maryland...
Video: United previews Ocean City
06/29/2009 9:00 AM by Kyle Sheldon
Tomorrow night at the Maryland SoccerPlex, United takes on the Ocean City Barons in its first official game in U.S. Open Cup play. On June 16, the PDL Barons (the equivilant fourth division in the U.S.) defeated Real Maryland 1-0 on a penalty kick in extra time. Knowing little about their opponent, United's players discussed Tuesday's game and defending last year's Open Cup title.
More from...
Video: United discusses U.S. win over Spain
06/27/2009 10:19 AM by Kyle Sheldon
Following the United State's 2-0 win over Spain on Wednesday, we sat down with some of the guys to get their thoughts on the game and the magnitude of the result.
More from:
Be sure to tune in to ESPN at 2 p.m. on Sunday for the Confederations Cup final between the U.S. and Brazil!
Video: Santino Quaranta on USMNT call-up
06/26/2009 9:17 AM by Kyle Sheldon
Santino Quaranta discusses his call-up to the U.S. Men's National Team for this summer's Gold Cup tournament. Tino may have a chance to play in his home stadium when the U.S. takes on Honduras at RFK Stadium on July 8.
This is Tino's first call-up since 2006.
Children's Hospital Visit
06/24/2009 2:12 PM by Cris Cruz
D.C. United players and staff recently visited patients at the Children's National Medical Center as part of the team's community inititative, United Builds. To see more photos of community events, visit United's flickr page.
Real Madrid sales still going strong
06/23/2009 3:46 PM by Doug Hicks
Sales continue to roll in for United's huge international friendly with Real Madrid August 9. Nearly 35,000 seats have sold already and the phones on East Capitol Street continue to ring.
If you're looking to buy individual tickets in the lower level, you're too late. The good news is that seating remains available in these prime locations by purchasing the International 4-Pack or a Two-game group plan. United plan holders also have access to reserved seating in these areas.
Club level seating is rapidly selling, as well. Sideline seats in the club level are no longer available to the general public, though seats in the corners and behind the goals remain available.
Quality seats remain for purchase in the upper level at FedExField. Priority seating is available to those purchasing 4-Pack plans or the two-game group package. However, great seats are also available for individual game sale.
Whew!
There's a lot of buzz about this game. There are a lot of tickets already sold. Get your friends together and act now for the best possible seats to the hottest ticket of the summer.
MLS game #16: United 0 - Colorado 3
06/21/2009 1:58 AM by Cris Cruz
Not the best of games for United, huh? D.C. has not won at Colorado since back in 2000. United's record now drops to 5-3-8 (23 pts.) after the midpoint of the 2009 season.
The team will now have a few days off (well-deserved after three games in eight days) and return to training on Thursday. United is off from League play until July 4 when the team travels to Columbus to face the Crew, but will begin the defense of the U.S. Open Cup title. On June 30, the Black-and-Red will face the Ocean City Barons (PDL) in a third-round Open Cup matchup at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
Here are your post-game links:
Injuries, tiredness catch up to United by Pat Rooney
MLS game #16: D.C. United vs. Colorado Rapids
06/20/2009 11:52 AM by Cris Cruz
A busy week for D.C. United continues today as the team prepares to face the Colorado Rapids tonight. The team got into Denver late last night after the flight was delayed almost four hours. The Black-and-Red will go through a light kickaround this morning to get ready for tonight’s matchup.
Here’s what you should read before the game:
- At midpoint, glass half full for D.C. by Steve Goff (Washington Post)
- A trying time for McTavish by John Haydon (Washington Times)
- Soehn unsatissfied by effort in Seattle by Charlie Boehm (MLSNet)
- Rapids facing favorable schedule by John Meyer (Denver Post)
Predictions? Will Christian Gomez see playing time against his former team? Will Ben Olsen finally play? Drop in your score/lineup predictions below.
Replay
06/19/2009 10:00 AM by Doug Hicks
From our good friends at the League office:
Beginning today at 11 a.m., the D.C. United at Seattle Sounders FC game from Wednesday night will be aired in its entirety for free on MLSnet.com. It will start out on the media wall like a highlight, then move to the video archive late today: http://web.mlsnet.com/sights/archive.jsp?aType=videoHighlights
Enjoy!
Rookie Life: Episode 14
06/18/2009 6:42 PM by Cris Cruz
In the newest edition of Rookie Life, United's Chris Pontius talks about his two-goal performance in the 5-3 win over New York in an US Open Cup play-in match.
MLS game #15: DCU 3 - Seattle Sounders 3
06/18/2009 4:12 AM by Cris Cruz
Whew! So another late-game, come from behind tie for United on the road. Next up the team will train in Seattle tomorrow and travel to Colorado on Friday. There's no time to rest as the Black-and-Red face the Rapids this Saturday.
Here are your post-game links:
- United escape Seattle with point - by Andrew Winner
- United salvage another result - by Matt Massey
- Post-game quotes
Upper level now open for sale
06/17/2009 6:30 PM by Doug Hicks
With lower level seating virtually sold out, the upper bowl is now available for purchase when United faces Real Madrid in August. Yep, a furious sales pace has us at 24,000 and counting.
Here's how you can get your tickets:
Priority seating as a part of the International 4-pack (yes, this is the best option!).
If you haven't done so, hop to it! This one isn't to be missed.
Message from Devon McTavish
06/17/2009 12:49 PM by Cris Cruz
(The following post was written by United's Devon McTavish)
So I have a favor to ask, kind of a big one.
Some of you may or may not know that I have Crohn’s disease. It’s a digestive disease that---well, imagine the worst stomachache ever, then imagine having that all the time. It sucks. Now I’ve been fortunate and have been able to control it through medication. Unfortunately, these medications don’t work for everyone. One of those people is my father.
Pops, got diagnosed with Crohn’s about two months ago. He’s been in and out of the hospital and doesn’t seem to be responding to any of the treatments or medications the doctors are providing him. It’s been frustrating for my family and I know there are a thousand other families out there going through the same thing.
The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) is holding a sweet event on Saturday, June 20 to raise money and awareness for these terrible diseases. The event runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sylvan Theater (15th & Independence SW; Smithsonian metro stop-National Mall exit). It looks to be pretty happening, with live music from The Vicious Martinis, food, carnival games and face paintings for the kids (or kids at heart), and a one mile walk around the Tidal Basin.
As some of you may have figured out, we have a game in Colorado that same day so I won’t be able to make it. This is where I need your help! I need you to walk for me. There is a D.C. United team that has been created, led by my momma (Mrs. McTavish to you!) and my sister (Heather), so as Honorary Chair for the Walk I’d love it if you could help me out and join the D.C. United team by donating here.
If you’re unable to donate, which I totally understand (I was a developmental player) please think about just attending the event to learn more about this disease and how you can help. If you do happen to change your mind about donating, you’ll still be able to do so until August 31. Thanks for all the help and support you provide for myself and D.C. United!!! And be sure to catch our game tonight on ESPN2 at 10:30!!
Thanks again,
MLS game #15: D.C. United vs. Seattle Sounders FC
06/17/2009 12:09 PM by Cris Cruz
United faces the Seattle Sounders for the first time ever, as the Black-and-Red visit Qwest Field to take on the League’s newest expansion team. After a win last weekend catapulted the team to the top of the Eastern Conference (5-2-7, 22 pts.), United now looks to keep the momentum going in a tough road stretch.
Striker Luciano Emilio will be once again available for selection, after missing the game against Chicago because of a red card suspension. Ben Olsen, who missed several weeks due to a hamstring injury, also traveled to Seattle.
Tonight's game can be seen nationally on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes, or heard on the radio in English (1050 AM) or Spanish (730 AM). You can also follow the game on twitter - tag your tweets with #dcu or #dcunited and they'll show up on the front page of dcunited.com.
Here’s what you should read before the game:
- Back in D.C., Gomez finally getting settled - by Steven Goff (Washington Post)
- Difficult stretch awaits United - by John Haydon (Washington Times)
- United explores Northwest passage - by Craig Stouffer (Washington Examiner)
- United begin challenging road swing - by Charles Boehm (MLSNet)
- 'United way' on display tonight vs. Sounders - by Don Ruiz (The News Tribune)
Lower bowl nearly sold out!
06/16/2009 5:47 PM by Kyle Sheldon
We told you yesterday it would happenand and now it has - we've sold more than 20,000 tickets for the Real Madrid match on August 9. The lower bowl is very close to selling out and the good seats in the corners of the lower bowl are going very quickly.
At this point, there are only a few options to get sideline seats (and there aren't many left). For all of the latest info, visit dcunited.com.
Buy. Your. Tickets. Now.
06/15/2009 5:08 PM by Kyle Sheldon
If you've thus far delayed on buying tickets to the Real Madrid match on August 9, you might want to act now.
After selling more than 4,000 tickets today, the game is approaching 20,000 total seats sold. Lower level endline seats are sold out. Lower level sideline seats are nearly sold out. There are only a few thousand lower bowl seats left for public sale and we fully expect them to be sold out by the end of the day Tuesday (that's tomorrow, folks).
Once the lower bowl public sale tickets are sold out, the only way to get into the lower bowl will be as a plan holder or via the International 4-Pack.
Buy now or miss out on the best seats to see Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo in the biggest event in DC this summer.
I don't think you'll want to miss Kaka. Here is what he did earlier today for Brazil...
MLS game #14: DCU 2 - Chicago Fire 1
06/13/2009 11:01 PM by Kyle Sheldon
First place in the Eastern Conference.
How do you like them apples?
MLS game #14: DCU vs. Chicago Fire
06/13/2009 9:51 AM by Kyle Sheldon
Today's game against the Chicago Fire provides a simple equation for the Black-and-Red - win and take over first place in the Eastern Conference. With New York-Toronto (8 p.m.) and New England-Kansas City (8:30 p.m.) tonight, as well, the standings could look very different at the end of the night.
Tonight, United will be without the services of its leading goal-scorer Luciano Emilio, due to the red card received last weekend against New York, while Chicago will be without centerback Bakary Soumare, also due to a red card suspension. After missing the last several games with a hamstring strain, Ben Olsen has been upgraded to "probable" and may very well be available this evening off the bench.
Tonight's game can be seen locally on Comcast SportsNet or heard on the radio in English (1050 AM) or Spanish (1540 AM). You can also follow the game on twitter - tag your tweets with #dcu or #dcunited and they'll show up on the front page of dcunited.com.
The pre-game rundown begins... now.
- First Place is Up for Grabs for United - by Steven Goff (The Washington Post)
- A team once again United - by Scott Miller (The Washington Times)
- A Real test coming to town - by John Haydon (The Washington Times)
- Soehn making the right moves - by Craig Stouffer (Washington Examiner)
- United prepared for tough challenge from Fire - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
- United's N'Silu adjusts to American life - by Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
- Fire versus D.C. United preview - AP (espn.com)
Video!
Anyone care to drop in a score or lineup prediction? With Emilio out who will we see paired up top? Does Fred keep his spot as the #10 or do we see Christian Gomez slide back into the role with more than a full week of training under his belt?
More huge news out of Madrid
06/11/2009 8:56 AM by Doug Hicks
Let's not beat around the bush here. Real Madrid now own the rights to Cristiano Ronaldo.
That news comes on the heels the announcement that Kaka will make The Bernabeu his home. Reports out of Madrid list David Villa, Frank Ribery and Xabi Alonso, among others, as additional targets of the club during the summer and in advance of the August 9 friendly against D.C. United at FedExField. That is an event not to be missed.
Here's all you need to know. Today, you may buy tickets in the form of the International 4-Pack, a two-game group package, by participating in United's stadium survey or wait for single game tickets to go on sale at 10:00 a.m. ET tomorrow (Friday).
Click away.
Video: Santino Quaranta on Ch. 4
06/10/2009 11:25 PM by Kyle Sheldon
NBC4 came out to RFK Stadium earlier this week to talk to Santino Quaranta about his past drug addiction and how far he's come in the last year and a half. Check out their piece below.
Video: Wicks makes a great save... right?
06/10/2009 4:43 PM by Kyle Sheldon
During the second half of last week's 2-0 win over the New York, Red Bulls midfielder Dane Richards sprinted down the right side of the field and into the goal box. The speedy Richards was able to get a shot past a sliding Clyde Simms that missed just wide of the goal and went into the side netting... or did it? Though United was awarded a goal kick on the play, a review of the shot reveals that Josh Wicks made a great reaction save. Despite the video evidence below, Mr. Wicks will be one save short in his final statistics this year...
Your help please...
06/10/2009 10:42 AM by Doug Hicks
D.C. United has long held a close relationship with the club’s supporters and often looks to this group in gauging business decisions.It is this bond that separates our club from the majority of professional sports franchises in this country.
Tomorrow, D.C. United will make public a very important survey on our website and through e-mail distribution. Issues to be considered will span a vast spectrum of business elements associated with our stadium pursuit and a large response rate is needed. Please be on the lookout for this survey, participate and share it with others.
As a thank you to those taking time out of their day tomorrow to complete the survey, D.C. United will provide a code allowing fans to purchase individual game tickets to United’s much-anticipated international friendly with Real Madrid C.F. on August 9. Doing so will enable core fans the chance for preferred locations in advance of general sale on Friday, June 12 at 10:00 a.m.
On behalf of D.C. United, thank you in advance for your continued support of the Black-and-Red and for your feedback tomorrow.
UPDATE: The survey is now available: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=0Synb_2bVBCtKn1r0AirGnYg_3d_3d. At the end of the survey you'll be taken to the order form allowing you to purchase tickets to see D.C. United vs Real Madrid.
UPDATE 2: The survey is still available, but the special pre-sale offer has ended. General sale begins at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 12.
Brandon Prideaux retires
06/09/2009 4:03 PM by Doug Hicks
Former United defender Brandon Prideaux today announced that the 2009 season will be his last in Major League Soccer. Currently a member of the Chicago Fire, Brandon played for United from 2002-2005, helping D.C. to an MLS Cup in 2004. As a member of the Black-and-Red, the gritty defender made 116 League appearances (106 starts) totalling nearly 10,000 minutes.
Brandon is still close to many within the organization and I know that I speak for us all in wishing him well. United supporters will get a first-hand opportunity to show their appreciation, as well, this Saturday when "Brando" plays at RFK for, perhaps, the final time in his 12-year professional career.
If you don't have have plans to be at RFK yet, please join us!
Big news from Spain
06/08/2009 10:45 PM by Doug Hicks
Last week, incoming Real Madrid C.F. president Florentino Perez promised to 'return hope and excitement' to his club. His speech set off a frenzy of speculation as to whom the club would sign. The first big splash has now occurred as Real Madrid tonight announced the signing of 27-year-old Brazilian superstar Kaka. That's quite a start!
By now, you know that Kaka and his new Real Madrid teammates will be in town August 9 to face D.C. United. Click here to buy the International 4-Pack, which features the Real Madrid friendly and MLS matches against David Beckham and the Galaxy, Freddie Ljungberg and Seattle Sounders FC, and the Colorado Rapids. Plan holders are given priority seating locations for the Real Madrid match, though those wishing to be notified of single-game ticketing notifications can sign up on this page while reading speculations of additional big name players that may be headed to FedExField later this summer.
Video: Rookie Life - Episode 12
06/08/2009 11:51 AM by Cris Cruz
In this week's episode of Rookie Life, the rookies talk about the importance of off-the-field commitments, including interviews, community events and appearances. Chris Pontius talks about attending a wheelchair soccer clinic.
Video: Highlights and post-game interviews
06/05/2009 3:44 PM by Cris Cruz
More videos:
MLS game #13: DCU 2 - NYRB 0
06/04/2009 10:59 PM by Kyle Sheldon
The Atlantic Cup is ours for the seventh time in the last eight years. Is that good?
A first half tally from Santino Quaranta, a late penalty kick from Jaime Moreno and five saves from Josh Wicks in securing the shutout were the difference as United topped the Red Bulls for the third time in 2009. The Black-and-Red move into sole posession of second place in the Eastern Conference and sit just two points behind the first place Fire with the team's next game coming against Chicago next Saturday, June 13, at RFK Stadium. Will you be there?
Here are your post-game links:
- United tames Red Bulls, captures Atlantic Cup - By Charlie Boehm
- United-Red Bulls photo gallery
- Post-game quote sheet
- D.C. 'keeper Wicks gaining confidence - By Charlie Boehm
What did you think of the game tonight? How did you think Rodney Wallace performed as the second holding midfielder? Were you pleased with Josh Wicks' performance?
Media: Chris Pontius on Comcast SportsNet
06/04/2009 2:03 PM by Kyle Sheldon
Tune in to Comcast SportsNet's Washington Post Live tonight to see a pre-game interview with Chris Pontius. Host Ivan Carter will connect with Chris via Skype (from my desk, no less) to talk about tonight's game with the Red Bulls (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2).
Are you aware that Chris has three goals and two assists in just two games against New York? Where I come from, that's pretty good.
MLS game #13: DCU vs. NYRB
06/04/2009 10:20 AM by Kyle Sheldon
Tonight at RFK Stadium, D.C. United meets its most disliked rival in the New York Red Bulls. It is the final meeting for the two teams this season (unless they meet in the post-season). United has been victorious in both of the prior two meetings in 2009, earning a ridiculous come-from-behind 3-2 win at Giants Stadium on April 26 and a 5-3 U.S. Open Cup win at RFK on May 20.
Following a disappointing last-minute, penalty-kick-disaster loss against the New England Revolution last Saturday, United is looking to get back to its unbeatable ways tonight. With a tightly packed Eastern Conference standings, three points tonight would be helpful as the team looks to separate itself.
If you're in DC, you should make your way out to RFK Stadium. If not, tune in to ESPN2 to watch this evening's contest.
In the meantime, here's what you should look at to get you ready for the game:
- Wicks Solidifies Hold on United's Goalie Job - By Paul Tenorio (Washington Post)
- United focuses on finishing - By John Haydon (Washington Times)
- Moreno aims to help bring back United's attack - By Craig Stouffer (Washington Examiner)
- United not overlooking Red Bulls - By Charlie Boehm (dcunited.com)
- First XI: Epic rivalry - by Jeff Bradley (dcunited.com)
- Red Bulls versus D.C. United preview - Associated Press (espn.com)
- Red Bulls face rough road - By Brian Lewis (New York Post)
- Video: Access United - Week 12
If you're interested in winning two tickets to next weekend's game against the Chicago Fire, simply enter a lineup or score prediction in the comments below - you don't even need to guess correctly, we'll pick a winner from everyone who enters!
Video: Access United - Week 12
06/03/2009 8:35 PM by Kyle Sheldon
Host Tony Limarzi talks to the team about the tough loss in New England and the game ahead against New York (Thursday night at RFK Stadium, 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2). In the third segment, we take a look at a recovery day by mic-ing up our trainers as they put the team through the paces. Marc Burch especially loves the exercise where you have to pick up and put down cones... one at a time. Enjoy.
Photo of the Day: DCU in London!
06/03/2009 4:39 PM by Kyle Sheldon
Comcast SportsNet and United play-by-play man Dave Johnson was recently on vacation in London when he came upon a set of MLS jerseys for sale in a sports store (he snapped the above photo). Included next to Mr. Beckham's Galaxy kit were a number of home United kits - pretty cool!
Barra Brava vs. Screaming Eagles [for a good cause!]
06/03/2009 3:55 PM by Kyle Sheldon
You may have already read about this little matchup on Dan Steinberg's D.C. Sports Bog, but here are the details straight from the Namoffs:
Barra Brava FC, in cooperation with Nadine Namoff, is pleased to host the 1st Annual D.C. United Supporters’ Charity Shield Match with Screaming Eagles FC on Sunday, June 7th at Robinson Field on the campus on George Mason University. Starting at 1:00 p.m with the women's teams and continuing at 3:00 p.m. with the men, Barra Brava FC and Screaming Eagles FC will feature in a friendly doubleheader benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Wounded Warriors Project. 100% of proceeds raised by ticket sales and your charitable donations will be split between the participating charities.
In addition to supporting your fellow fans and two outstanding charities, attendees will also get the chance to meet many of the players from our defending U.S. Open Cup Champions, D.C. United. With the United fans becoming players and the United players becoming fans, this is a truly unique and exciting event that you won't want to miss.
Video: New York preview
06/03/2009 12:25 PM by Kyle Sheldon
We spoke with the team yesterday about Thursday night's match against New York. It is the final regular season meeting between the two teams, so be sure you get out to RFK Stadium.
More from...
Video: Bryan Namoff on Washington Post Live
06/02/2009 2:27 PM by Kyle Sheldon
Last week, Bryan Namoff was a guest on Comcast SportsNet's Washington Post Live. Namoff and host Ivan Carter discussed the season so far, draws, facing Real Madrid, a future home for D.C. United and turning 30. The Comcast crew was nice enough to give Bryan a birthday cake, as last Thursday was his 30th!
Photos: Training 5/29/09
06/02/2009 11:11 AM by Cris Cruz
Ever wonder what goes on at training? Here's a behind-the-scenes look thanks to D.C. United photography intern Matt Gillis!
Video: Rookie Life - Episode 11
06/01/2009 6:33 PM by Kyle Sheldon
Things are heating up in Rookie Life as the season progresses... this week's episode looks back at Chris Pontius' last-minute goal against New York on April 26.
Real Madrid names new president
06/01/2009 5:57 PM by Kyle Sheldon
Today in Spain, Real Madrid officially welcomed Florentino Perez as its new president. In a speech at the investiture cermoney, Perez said "we want to return Real Madrid to where it belongs." You can read his entire speech at realmadrid.com.
As you know, D.C. United will face Real Madrid on August 9 at FedEx Field. For all the information you could possibly need about the game, click here.
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