Sounders FC v DC United
June 17th Kick off 7.30pm
Referee: Ricardo Salazar
Assistants: Fabio Tovar, Darren Clark – 4th: Jasen Anno
DC United – A History of Success
DC United are the most successful professional soccer organisation in the history of the United States. They have been MLS Cup Champions four times (1996, 1997, 1999 and 2004) and won the 1996 and 2008 U.S. Open Cups, the 1998 CONCACAF Champions Cup, the 1998 Interamerican Cup and the 1997, 1999, 2006 and 2007 MLS Supporters Shield. In short they are the benchmark for on field success in this sport in this era.
They play their home games at the RFK Stadium in Washington DC. John Harkes, Marco Etcheverry and Jeff Agoos are among the famous names who have donned the DC United jersey. George Soros was one of the original investors when the franchise started. Volkswagen sponsor their jerseys in the second most lucrative deal in MLS history. The German car company is sponsoring them to the tune of over $14 million over five years, beginning on May 6, 2008. If only they’d known how German Sounders FC was going to be!
Both Clubs Enter First Ever Meeting after a Win
Both these sides come off a 2-1 home win at the weekend. Jaime Moreno and Christian Gomez (pictured right) scored first half goals to down Chicago Fire, although Josh Wicks’ five saves suggest it was an inspirational night from the keeper rather than a dominant performance that sent them on their way. Wicks saved a Brian McBride penalty to save the three points. The victory leap frogged the ‘Black and Red’ over Chicago and they now sit proudly at the top of the Eastern Conference table.
Sounders ended a terrible run although it has to be said that since they beat Toronto to complete an opening run of three victories, San Jose is the only side they have beaten. A win over high-flying DC United would propel the self confidence of this young club enormously.
DC Dangermen
Defender Bryan Namoff has played every minute of DC United’s season. He just turned thirty at the end of last month, and has been with the club since 2001. He will be wearing number 26.
This is Costa Rican born Rodney Wallace’s first season in MLS after two seasons at the Maryland Terrapins. The Terrapins captured the 2008 College Cup, and Wallace started each of the 25 games he played in. He has started 13 games and notched two goals and three assists already.
Jaime Moreno is not 99, he just wears the number. But he might as well be for all that he has done in the game. With 75 appearances over 17 years for Bolivia, he came back after a seven year absence in the 2007 Copa America. In 2008, Jaime helped his team to a historic draw against Brazil in a World Cup qualifier in September, before announcing his retirement from international play a month later. Previous clubs include Blooming, Middlesbrough, Independiente Santa Fe and the New York Metrostars. He has made over 300 MLS appearances. He was the first Bolivian to play in the EPL. Luckily for Seattle, he will probably miss this match due to a hamstring injury.
Brazilian Luciano Emilio is back after suspension. He is DC’s top scorer with five goals. He has played in Germany for FC Köln and Allemania Aachen. Other clubs include Real España, Union Barbarense and CD Olimpia. Having missed Saturday’s game, he is sure to be fit and fresh. A potential battle with Jhon Hurtado may be one to watch.
Serbian Dejan Jakovic has started 13 of the 14 games and played every minute of those. He was on the bench for the Kansas City game but has been selected as a starter ever since. A Canadian international, he was signed from Red Star Belgrade in February.
United Fans
United’s largest three fan groups are Barra Brava, Screaming Eagles and La Norte. They are a well supported club but it is not known whether the midweek fixture will dissuade many from making their first trip to Seattle.
For another match preview, please visit Sounder at Heart.
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