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D.C. United Team History

D.C. United
DC United Primary Logo
DC United Alternate Logo
DC United Wordmark Logo
DC United Team Merch

Established
1996

City
Washington D.C.

League History
1996 – Present / Major League Soccer

Team History
1996 – Present / D.C. United

Nickname
DC United – D.C. United is one of the most successful teams in Major League Soccer (MLS), and they have a long history behind their nickname that dates back to 1995 when the team was founded. The name “United” was chosen to represent unity among all people in Washington D.C. and a sense of pride for those who live there and support the team no matter what happens on or off the field.

The word “united” also reflects an integral part of D.C.'s past: its role during World War II, when President Franklin Roosevelt declared that "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." This phrase has become synonymous with courage, bravery, and patriotism - qualities embodied by players and fans at every game day experience at RFK Stadium or Audi Field today!

The addition of 'DC' before United pays homage not just to our nation's capital but also to its citizens; DC stands for District Citizens - showing respect towards all who make up this great city regardless if they're native-born or transplants from other parts around the world! It serves as a reminder that everyone can come together under the same banner despite their differences – something true sports fans understand better than anyone else!

Championship
MLS Cups 4
2004, 1999, 1997, 1996

Stadium
2018 – Present / Audi Field
1996 - 2017 / RFK Stadium

Owner
2019 - Present / Jason Levien and Steven Kaplan
2018 / Patrick Soon-Shiong, Jason Levien and Steven Kaplan
2012 - 2018 / William Chang, Erick Thohir and Jason Levien
2006 - 2012 / William Chang (D.C. United Holdings)
2001 - 2006 / Anschutz Entertainment Group
1995 - 2000 / Washington Soccer, LP

  • 1996
  • 1996
  • 1997
  • 1999
  • 2004
  • dc united 1996

    DC United Team Formation

    Prior to the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the United States Soccer Federation fulfilled its promise to FIFA by aiding in the foundation of a new professional league. On June 15, 1994, Major League Soccer selected Washington, D.C. out of twenty-two applicants to host one of the first seven teams, with three more added before the league’s launch. On April 6, ...
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  • dc united mls champs 1996

    1996 MLS Champs

    MLS Cup 1996 was the inaugural edition of the MLS Cup, the championship match of Major League Soccer (MLS), the top-level soccer league of the United States. Hosted at Foxboro Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on October 20, 1996, it was contested by D.C. United and the Los Angeles Galaxy to decide the champion of the 1996 season. Both finalists finished ...
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  • dc united mls champs 1997

    1997 MLS Champs

    MLS Cup 1997 was the second edition of the MLS Cup, the post-season championship match of Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. It was played on October 26, 1997, between defending champion and hosts D.C. United and the Colorado Rapids to determine the champion of the 1997 season. The match was played in front of 57,431 spectators at ...
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  • United Celebrates

    1999 MLS Champs

    MLS Cup 1999 was the fourth edition of the MLS Cup, the championship match of Major League Soccer (MLS), which decided the champion of the 1999 season. It took place on November 21, 1999, at Foxboro Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and was contested by D.C. United and the Los Angeles Galaxy in a rematch of the inaugural final played at ...
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  • DC United MLS Champs 2004

    2004 MLS Champs

    MLS Cup 2004 was the ninth edition of the MLS Cup, the championship match of Major League Soccer (MLS), which took place on November 14, 2004, at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California. It was contested between D.C. United and the Kansas City Wizards to decide the champion of the 2004 season. The two teams had qualified for the ...
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Who is the greatest D.C. United?
  • Add your greatest player

To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.

History of the DC United

D.C. United is one of the most successful teams in Major League Soccer (MLS). Since their inception in 1996, they have won four MLS Cups and five Supporters' Shields, making them the most decorated team in MLS history. They are also one of only two teams to qualify for every edition of the CONCACAF Champions League since its creation in 2008-09 and have reached three finals, winning twice (1998 & 2018). The team has had a long and illustrious career, becoming an iconic domestic and international club.

The D.C United franchise was founded as part of Major League Soccer’s inaugural season back on April 6th, 1996, with Bruce Arena as their first coach/general manager leading his side to multiple successes over time, including becoming champions within their first year which set a precedent for future success throughout many years ahead; this included being crowned winners again during 1997 before going onto win 3 more titles between 1999 - 2004 amongst other accomplishments such as reaching 5 US Open Cup Finals while also having players like Jaime Moreno who became all-time top goal scorer with 131 goals scored during his spell at DCU from 1998 - 2002 showing how consistent they were when it came down to producing talent on field level too!

In recent years D.C United had continued to be competitive despite not winning any silverware since 2017 when they lifted another Eastern Conference title, just missing out narrowly against Seattle Sounders FC's 2–1 aggregate scoreline after an extra period due largely thanks to some stellar performances by goalkeeper Bill Hamid who made several keys saves throughout match up helping keep DCU alive until the very end but ultimately unable get past eventual champions that year however; overall fans should still take pride knowing the fact that even though there hasn't been much tangible success recently squad remains competitive enough hold own against best sides league so hopefully soon enough will see return glory days similar those experienced earlier era when club dominated domestic scene!

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