Who Are D.C. United? History, Stats & More
D.C. United is a soccer powerhouse in the heart of the nation’s capital. As a member of Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference, the club has dominated the competition, clinching four MLS Cup victories, four Supporters Shields, three U.S. Open Cups, six Eastern Conference championships, one CONCACAF Champions League title, and even becoming the only American team to claim the prestigious Copa Interamericana.
History Of D.C. United: Founded In 1994
D.C. United was founded in 1994, and began competing in 1996, as one of the 10 original teams in Major League Soccer. The Washington-based franchise was established by a group of investors led by John R. Kluge and Stuart Subotnick.
Who Was The Founder Of D.C. United?
John R. Kluge was a prominent American businessman and investor known for his vast wealth and significant impact on the media industry. At the time of his passing in 2010, Kluge was regarded as one of the richest individuals in the world. He served as the chairman of Metromedia, a media conglomerate that held interests in television and radio broadcasting, outdoor advertising, and various other media-related assets.
Stuart Subotnick is a highly successful American entrepreneur and investor, who played a key role in the establishment of Metromedia, alongside John R. Kluge. Throughout his career, Subotnick has been a part of numerous thriving business endeavors and has made substantial contributions to several philanthropic organizations.
Current President Of D.C. United; Who Is Danita Johnson?
Danita Johnson‘s appointment as the President of Business Operations for D.C. United in December 2020 marked a new chapter in her illustrious career. With a background in the WNBA, having spent five years with the Los Angeles Sparks, Johnson brought a fresh perspective to the role.
Despite having limited experience in soccer prior to joining D.C. United, her impressive track record in the sports business made her the ideal candidate for the job. Johnson’s familiarity with the Washington area, having worked with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Wizards, Mystics, and Capitals, made her the perfect fit for D.C. United. Her experience, combined with her unwavering determination, makes her more than capable of rising to the challenge and leading the club to new heights.
Stadium Of D.C. United: Audi Field
Audi Field stadium has taken the Washington, D.C. area by storm. With its 20,000 capacity, it is the perfect destination for soccer fans to watch their favorite team in action. The stadium opened its doors to the public on July 14, 2018, with a thrilling match between D.C. United and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
The naming rights to this state-of-the-art stadium belong to the luxury automaker, Audi, who signed a 12-year contract in 2017. Designed by the renowned architectural firms Populous and Marshall Moya Design, the stadium is a masterpiece of modern design and technology.
Audi Field is not only a marvel of modern engineering and design, but it also marks a new era for soccer fans in Washington, D.C. With its world-class facilities and breathtaking design, it is the ultimate destination for all soccer enthusiasts in the region
Q: What is the name of D.C. United’s stadium?
Ans: Audi Field is the home stadium of D.C. United.
Fans And Culture Of D.C. United
D.C. United has a passionate and dedicated fanbase, known as the “Black-and-Red Army,” who have supported the team through thick and thin. From the Screaming Eagles to the Barra Brava, D.C. United fans come together in supporters’ groups to create a unique and dynamic matchday atmosphere.
The supporters of D.C. United is a vibrant and passionate group of fans that make attending matches a truly unforgettable experience. They are dedicated to the club and make their presence felt at every match with their singing, chanting, and elaborate displays of support.
The culture of D.C. United is centered around the club’s values of excellence, passion, and community. The fans are a true testament to the heart and soul of the club, and their passion and enthusiasm for the sport are a key component of the rich history and culture of D.C. United.
D.C. United Key Individuals
Notable Players In The History Of D.C. United
D.C. United has been home to some of the most talented players in MLS history, many of whom have made lasting impacts on the club’s success. Marco Etcheverry, a midfielder who played for the team from 1996 to 2003, was a standout player and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 1998. His impressive skills helped lead D.C. United to three MLS Cup championships during his time with the team.
Another player who left his mark on the club is Jaime Moreno. The forward played for D.C. United from 1996 to 2010 and is now the all-time leading scorer in MLS history. Moreno’s impressive career was recognized when he was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2011. He was also a key player during D.C. United’s championship run in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Eddie Pope, Ben Olsen, and Christian Gomez are just a few more of the notable players who have represented D.C. United over the years. Each of these talented individuals has contributed to the club’s success and helped establish D.C. United is one of the top teams in MLS.
Best Manager In The History Of D.C. United
Bruce Arena‘s name will forever be remembered in the annals of D.C. United history. During his time as manager from 1996 to 1998, Arena led the team to new heights of success, capturing two MLS Cup championships, one Supporters’ Shield, and one CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Known for his tactical genius and unparalleled ability to build a winning team, Arena made an indelible impact on the club. Under his leadership, D.C. United established itself as a top team in MLS and set a standard for excellence that continues to inspire the club today.
It’s no secret that Arena’s influence on D.C. United was transformative. His tactical prowess, combined with his unwavering commitment to success, elevated the club to new heights and cemented his legacy as one of the best managers in the history of D.C. United.
D.C. United Record Breakers
All-Time Top Scorers Of D.C. United
Jaime Moreno, the Bolivian attacker is a cult hero in the Washington area. The versatile attacker is the top goal scorer and top assist provide for one of the most successful teams in Major League Soccer, thus cementing his legacy as one of the best players to ever play for D.C. United.
| NAME OF THE PLAYER | NUMBER OF GOALS SCORED |
| Jaime Moreno | 152 |
| Christian Gomez | 56 |
| Raul Diaz | 54 |
| Luciano Emilio | 49 |
| Roy Lasiter | 43 |
| Ola Kamara | 37 |
Q: Who is the all-time leading goal scorer of D.C. United?
Ans: Jaime Moreno has scored the most goals in D.C. United history.
All-Time Top Assist Providers Of D.C. United
Interestingly all five players in the top five assists providers have retired. While Jaime Moreno made the most appearances (386), Christian Gomez has the fewest appearances (150) for D.C. United.
| NAME OF THE PLAYER | NUMBER OF ASSISTS |
| Jaime Moreno | 80 |
| Marco Etcheverry | 75 |
| Ben Olsen | 40 |
| Santino Quaranta | 33 |
| Christian Gomez | 30 |
Who Has The Most All-Time Appearances For D.C. United?
After hanging his boots in May 2011, Jaime Moreno was immediately appointed as a coach D.C. United’s under-23 team.
| NAME OF THE PLAYER | NUMBER OF APPEARANCES |
| Jaime Moreno | 386 |
| Ben Olsen | 253 |
| Steve Birnbaum | 247 |
| Bryan Namoff | 226 |
| Marco Etcheverry | 218 |
Most Expensive Transfers In The History Of D.C. United
Belgium International star Christian Benteke was signed in August 2022 by D.C. United on a permanent transfer.
| NAME | CLUB FROM | CLUB TO | TRANSFER AMOUNT |
| Christian Benteke | Crystal Palace | D.C. United | $5.46M |
| Edison Flores | Club Atletico Morelia | D.C. United | $4.55M |
| Paul Arriola | Club Tijuana | D.C. United | $2.91M |
| Ola Kamara | Shenzen FC | D.C. United | $2.23M |
| Luciano Acosta | CA Boca Juniors | D.C. United | $1.3M |
Conclusion: Overview Of D.C. United Legacy
D.C. United is one of the most successful and storied clubs in Major League Soccer history. Established in 1994 as one of the league’s original ten teams, D.C. United has a rich legacy of success, including four MLS Cup championships, five Supporters’ Shields, and one CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The club’s rich history and sustained success have established it as one of the premier teams in MLS and a source of pride for fans and players alike.
