DC United Games of 2000
Quick Recaps

United 0, Galaxy 4
Washington, March 25, 2000 - What was that! D.C. United had a huge home crowd on hand to see the team get their rings and defeat the Galaxy again. However, Cobi Jones (player of the week honors for his performance) and the Galaxy did not get the memo. This game marks the first time United is held scoreless at home. A chance for United to rebound comes against the New York/New Jersey MetroStars at the Swamp.

United 2, MetroStars 3
East Rutherford, April 1, 2000 - Too little, too late! D.C. United attracts to a huge home crowd for the Metros. However, another sluggish defensive effort yields three goals before the swarming DC attack can generate two goals and scares the Metro faithful. The last time the MetroStars tasted victory over United, was way back in May of 1998. It is back to RFK and now a win is imperative against the Chicago Fire.

United 3, Fire 2
Washington, April 8, 2000 - Wow! DC Wins! DC Wins! D.C. United had a huge rebound against a strong Chicago Fire team at RFK, coming back to win in injury time 3-2. United scored two goals in one minute enabling Ben Olsen to earn player of the week honors. Dominic Hasek was in attendance and calls this the most exciting game of any sport he watched and praised the RFK faithful as better than any hockey crowd. New England Revolution next, 4/15 @ 7:30 in Foxboro.

United 1, Revolution 2 (OT)
Foxboro, April 15, 2000 - A tough loss for DC in Foxboro! D.C. United took an early lead (first time this season) then battled the Revolution while a man down for the final 64 minutes, only to give up a golden goal (coal goal from United's point of view) by Imad Baba (two goals and earning player of the week honors). A chance for rebound and revenge comes against the New York/New Jersey MetroStars on 4/22 @ 7:30 at the happy confines of RFK.

United 2, MetroStars 3 (OT)
Washington, April 22, 2000 - Another overtime loss. How can a team that controls the ball, as United, find new ways to give the games away? The luster may be off and teams are no longer timid when playing the Black and Red. Mike Petke scored the dramatic overtime goal to lead the shorthanded MetroStars.

United 2, San Jose 2 (OT)
San Jose, April 29, 2000 - Well it is not a loss. It is time for United to maintain control until the end of the game and not give goals and games away. Spartan Stadium has not been a friendly host to United -- however the lackadaisical attack by United made them very polite guests. The Crew is up and has not one at RFK, maybe that will be the medicine to get things in order.

United 1, Crew 2
Washington, May 3, 2000 - Ouch! Another own goal and it is the game looser. Columbus must be stoked, they finally win at RFK for an RFK futility record of 1-13. After Carey Talley beat Crew goalkeeper Mark Dougherty for the equalizer it was all the Crew could do to stay level in a game of ball control totally dominated by United.

United 5, Rapids 2
Denver, May 3, 2000 - This looks good, United is back on track, scoring early and often. The United attack continued peppering the Rapids goal. Jaime Moreno records his first ever hat-trick and Marco Etcheverry accounted for three assists in this victory at Mile High Stadium. D.C. still gave up a goofy goal in this entertaining, wild affair.

United 0, Fusion 1 (OT)
Fort Lauderdale, May 10, 2000 - The Fusion have a new coach, new goalkeeper, and small home crowd, but still the Fusion finds a way to steal a win in overtime. Fusion win this game with a coal goal scored by forward Welton an assisted by Rocket Roy Lassiter. Hey, on the defensive side goalkeeper Nick Rimando may become something special but right now he is not Tony Meola! In a game that saw a combined 36 shots, only one found the back of the net.

United 1, Revolution 3
Washington, May 13, 2000 - This losing at home is getting old. New England may have finally put the pieces together and should get better as the season progresses. United again dominated ball control only to fall victim to three free kick goals, a sight getting common. New England did not loose their composure and Jeff Causey stands up tall against his old team. Congratulations should be sent to Sunil Gulati (the team's new Managing Director) for finally assembling a team for the great fans of New England.

United 0, Wizards 2
Kansas City, May 17, 2000 - Another small home crowd for this very good Wizards team. Still, United could have won this game -- will anyone beat KC? This was an easy shut-out for Tony Meola (just two saves) in earning a league-leading eighth shutout of the season. Tony has gone 525 minutes without allowing a goal. Meola is 3 minutes shy of the record set by Lincoln Phillips, Head Coach and goalkeeper of the Washington Darts of the NASL, who went 528 minutes without letting in a goal. People get out to Arrowhead Stadium, this team looks like something special.

Something Special in Kansas City
Kansas City, May 20, 2000 - With a 2-0 win over the San Jose at Arrowhead Stadium Tony Meola extended his MLS-record scoreless streak to 615 minutes and claimed his league-leading ninth shutout of the season. What wasn't publicized, is that Tony also surpassed the shutout streak record of the North American Soccer League (NASL). In 1970, Lincoln Phillips the head coach and goalkeeper of the Washington Darts went a record 528 minutes without letting in a goal. Lincoln Phillips led that Washington team all the way to the NASL championship series, a two game home-and-home series. Rochester won the championship over Washington by an aggregate score of 4-3. Lincoln currently works with Prince William Soccer, Inc. (PWSI). The other great news out of Arrowhead was the crowd, 17,272 attended this match, the largest of the season for Kansas City and the club's largest crowd since 1996. Congratulations Tony and the Wizards, these are always a team effort!

United 1, Galaxy 2
Pasadena, May 20, 2000 - The Luis Hernandez era is underway with a victory before 40+K fans and another United own goal. This makes three for the season, tying the MLS own goal season record (dubious honor). This is it folks! United needs to remember what got them all of the silverware and put it together on the pitch and it is time for another black-out at RFK. The fans need to re-make RFK the most difficult venue in the MLS! Let's start the cheering with the Dallas game and help the lads break this string of bad luck!

United 3, Burn 2
Washington, May 27, 2000 - RDA is Back! United victory! Raul Diaz-Arce returns to D.C. United and his impact is felt immediately, the crowd was loud and welcoming and he responded by stepping right into the attack. With RDA on the field the defense needs to respect his speed and ability, which means mid-field it opened up providing operating freedom for Etcheverry (which is never good for the opposition). This open field also allowed Chris Albright to show why he was a so highly rated prospect, having his best game in the Black and Red. Chris scored his first MLS goal and the first goal of the game off an Etcheverry free kick and set up the second -- a header by Llamosa. Moreno was injured at the 17 minute mark and replaced by anther newcomer, Sneaky Pete Marino (Pete played well and has good speed). As has been the case all season D.C. dominated the play only to have Matt Jordan (Dallas keeper) keep the game close so Jason Kreis could add suspense with his two goals. Finally got to see the opposition score what was credited as an own goal (it appeared this was going to be a goal for Olsen -- no matter the defensive contact). United now needs to reel off some wins and it will start in Columbus on June 3rd -- Jamie Moreno, Marco Etcheverry, Ben Olsen, Jeff Agoos, and Carlos Llamosa will not be available for this game. That means that it will be Sneaky Pete Marino and RDA up front. The fans made RFK difficult for Dallas despite the rain! Also, this was a great game for the Discovery.com Jr., team captain, her commitment paid dividends, congratulations Francesca!

Two Streaks Ends in Tampa -- Still, Great Job Tony!
Tampa, May 27, 2000 - The Mutiny has been totally dominant at home this year (a six game home win streak), however the Wizards were not informed. With a 2-1 win, Kansas City ends the Tampa home winning streak and Tony Meola's MLS-record scoreless streak ends at 681. However, the Wizards tie the 12 game start of the season unbeaten streak set by LA in 1996! And with a win or tie June 4th in Chicago the record is theirs.

United 1, Crew 1
Columbus, June 3, 2000 - Despite having five starters out of the game (due to national team call ups and injuries) United grabs a good result on the road after what looked like a horrendous start. In the second minute of play, Crew forward Jeff Cunningham staked the home side to an early lead on a fast-break that caught the United defense off guard. Columbus continued the pressuring the rest of the half but did appear to play much too conservatively against the depleted United side in the second half. To United's credit they did manage to maintain the ball control advantage over the course of the game. This advantage payed dividends when forward A.J. Wood (coming off the bench) got his first goal of 2000 which knotted the game at one. Tom Presthus was tested in the final seconds of regulation play, turning away a quick series of shots to keep the game even. All in all, this was a good result on the road.

United 0, Wizards 0
Washington, June 10, 2000 - Twas the night the lights went out in D.C. The Kansas City Wizards withstood United's relentless assaults for 45 minute to leave Washington with an abbreviated 0-0 draw. The lighting system malfunctioned at RFK Stadium Saturday night at halftime and after 60 minutes in which the problem could not be fixed the game was called official. The faithful at RFK passed the hour mostly cheering their team and jeering the Wizards and the stadium authority. This was not an appetizing result considering the pressure United was applying to the Wizards and all in attendance knew it was only a matter of time before United would have the lead. That is not to say the Wizards did not have chances, they did because Preki was able to create those opportunities. However, one cannot but feel this was a three point opportunity lost.

United 4, Battery 0
United States Soccer Federation 2000 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
Charleston, June 14, 2000, Second Round Match - The Charleston Battery's dream of lightning striking twice with Open Cup glory ended tonight at Blackbaud Stadium. The Battery bested United 4-3 in a third-round golden goal thriller in the 1999 USOC. However, United was ready for the Battery this evening with Jaime Moreno netting the game winner then Raul Diaz Arce adds a hat trick for D.C. United in Charleston. A good crowd of 3,627 Battery fans was at the park and saw some early play that had to delight. However, this play did not result in a score. United also had their first half opportunities which they could not capitalize. Though they controlled play in the first half, playing on the road against a spirited team that has had experienced USOC success and the game knotted at zero could not be a good scenario for United. It still took another 17 minutes for United to find the back of the net. Then the flood gates opened with only a flicker of opportunity for the Battery. Still, this game was an admirable performance by the Battery. United advances to the third round, the sweet sixteen. Check out the the MLSnet US Open Cup Site.

United 2, Fire 3
Chicago, June 17, 2000 - After the spirited U.S. Open Cup victory in Charleston, United played another uninspired game and found another way to lose. Mind you, the Fire is a good team, but so is United. Losing has a way of eating you and each mistake looms large. After falling behind 1-0, United came back on goals by Etcheverry and Cooks to lead 2-1. But mistakes on defense put Tom Presthus in untenable position and Chicago has the staff that will make you pay. United's record stands at 3-10-3 for 12 standings points.

United 2, MetroStars 2
East Rutherford, June 21, 2000 - United likes to live life out on the edge this season. NY/NJ again jumps to an early two goal advantage. However, this time United does not give up another in the second half. United tally two in the second half to tie the match with Jaime Moreno scoring the tying goal with four minutes left in regulation and earning the defending MLS Cup champions their first point against an Eastern Division rival. US international Tab Ramos back from injury assists in the first and scores the second for the MetroStars. United's first goal was Chris Albright's second goal of the year. Now every game becomes critical. United gained no ground in the press for the play offs, on the other hand they did not lose ground. This Saturday is another critical match (Dallas) and Marco Etcheverry will be with the Bolivian national team for a World Cup qualifying match. United has been here before and needs another gutsy performance and a loud croud at RFK to back them up!

United 2, Burn 0
Washington, June 24, 2000 - Just what the doctor ordered! United scores two goals in the second half to gain a desperately needed three standing points from the Dallas Burn. Chris Albright is credited with the game winner scored in the 65th minute no a nifty header which beat Burn keeper Matt Jordan. A rare heroic defensive save by Jeff Agoos prevented the Burn from tying the score. Raul Diaz Arce set the fans at ease with a beautiful chip-shot goal over Jordan in the 90th minute (another rare occurrence).

United 1, Galaxy 2
Washington, June 28, 2000 - Is RFK becoming the Los Angeles Galaxy's summer home or are there still folks upset with United being force to trade Diaz Arce after 1997? The team representing the evil Galactic Empire received a warm welcome from the not so faithful at RFK. These folks even cheered the result, which was another loss for our heros. United was missing Moreno and Etcheverry, took the early lead on a goal by Carey Talley and dominated ball control yet loses another match. Cobi Jones scored the game winner in the 62nd minute and preserved the win with a goal line header of a shot that beat Kevin Hartman. Again it is time to right this ship and RFK is the place it needs to be done, the Rapids are next.

United 1, Rapids 1
Washington, July 1, 2000 - Again this season United proves to be a most gracious host! On the bright side, someone finally came through and converted a cross from 17-year-old Bobby Convey. His first (of what we hope is many) MLS point came when his perfectly placed cross from the right of the Rapids' goal found the head of Raul Diaz Arce from 6 yards out. However, in a painful and now common occurrence, Andres Limpar sent in a long free kick to Matt Okoh, whose header squibbed past keeper Mark Simpson for the equalizer. Mark got there to make the play, but just could not get enough of his hand on the ball. The Rapids were inert for most of this game and there should have been no question, no suspense. United dominated the play throughout and had numerous opportunities to avoid this result. Time to regroup and hope to celebrate the 4th with a win in Tampa.

United 0, Mutiny 3
Tampa Bay, July 4, 2000 - Tampa Bay has something special in Senegalese forward Mamdou Diallo. Diallo is putting up Stern John and Roy Lassiter numbers his game winner brought his goal total to 17 on the season. Mother nature had some surprises planned for this evening as well, with the Mutiny leading 1-0 the game was delayed 87 minutes, due to a sudden thunderstorm. But that was not all she planned, the excitement increased when the fireworks prepared for the Independence Day celebration was ignited when lightning reportedly struck the stadium. For fans of former United players, goalkeeper Scott Garlick played very well and kept a clean slate while making 12 saves in the game. This is Garlick's fifth shutout of the Y2K season. Not to be forgotten, Carlos Valderrama is also on the verge of breaking the single season assist record, his assist in this game brought his total for the year to 19 which ties the single season record set by Marco Etcheverry in 1996 and equaled in 1998. For United this was another forgettable performance, but, all is not lost, it is time to dig into the recent past and tap into the heart of the champion. The quest for the cup begins anew on Saturday deep in the heart of Texas.

A New MLS Regular Season Single Game Attendance Record Set Then Broken
July 4, 2000 - This day a new MLS single game regular season attendance record was set in Colorado and then broken in Los Angeles. In Colorado's Mile High Stadium 53,126 Rapids fans cheered the home side's late game heroics in their 2-1 victory of the Chicago Fire. Then later that evening in Pasadena and Rose Bowl 53,844 soccer fans celebrated Independence Day by watching the Galaxy 1-0 victory over the Columbus Crew.

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