This was the first season that I've really followed DC United from start - watching them beat CD Olimpia away on FSC in Ithaca during my last months of college - to finish - looking through my fingers in my broken seat at RFK as the referee ended United's season.
From the regular season home start against Kansas City I think most of us realized that the central defense was always going to be the make or break factor this year. Trading Erpen for Vanney was like putting a not very stick band aid on a broken finger. For a while it worked and United ran off a string of shutouts during their all important run during the middle of the season where they sealed up the Supporter's Shield.
Then the wheels fell off - anyone who watched the regular season finale against Columbus got a glimpse of the end really. Unsure defending and not quite enough firepower in some tired legs.
Some memorable moments:
Emilio scoring the equalizer at home in the shitting rain against CD Guadalajara finally silencing the "Chivas!" chants after more than 90 minutes.
Everything ounce of energy Benny "The Beard" Olsen left on the field giving us one of the best seasons of his career.
A sold out RFK to see United take down the Beckham train on its first trip from the station.
The entire lower bowl (not just the loud side) on its feet for what turned out to be the last 15 minutes of United's season.
Until next year... when we'll hopefully have a deal for a new stadium (in the district?), a designated player (Veron??) and more of the highest expectations.
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