Okay, Ursula (if memory serves me right) started the thread about the worst moments of the past year. But, believe it or not, there were some great moments as well. Not as many as we'd like, but they were there. And those cynics and blowhards who might respond "the whole long season was one long terrible time with no good moments" let me remind you that only the fans from Miami and Tampa Bay are entitled to credibly post such a statement. Even if we hadn't scored a goal all year and had gone winless, the fact we had a season is at least a major blessing. So, what do you say? What do you nominate for best moments of the season?
Bobby COnvey header to win game vs LaLaGals to shut up all those asses rooting against DC. Ray running down the sidelines pumping his fists and pointing at all the ESians cheering against us.
The last win of the season over the Metropukes. When Curtis scored the place went nuts, I went nuts! Then when Howard was tossed it was a big fat desert to finish off the meal.
Easy, and clearly undisputable - Ben Olsen taking the field and actually playing. All the pathetic wins we had this year amounted to zippy. Benny coming back is the first step in righting the ship. Now if DK can unload the fat Bolivians, everyone on the roster 5'6" and under (except Rimando) and bring in some studs - we will be back on track for the playoffs.
The 4-2 smackdown of the Metropukes early in the year. Marco's free kick goal against Chicago. Convey's header on Hispanic Heritage night. Hangin with the honeys at The Barra Brava Tailgate honorable mention to running around like a crazed banshee on the pitch during the Monsoon at the Allstar game.
You beat me to it, JH6. The 3-2 comeback win over the Revs was a good one, too. Kiwi started making a name for himself.
I gotta agree with this one on many levels. However, Ray somewhat mitigated the euphoria later in the week saying that he was going to sign a sallie talent (no knock on Q2 intended by me). Some others up there for me: March 30 win vs Chicago when all the players saluted the fans. Noelle getting suspended. Beating the mutts in the swamp. Our first 2002 defeat of the mutts. Our most recent defeat of the mutts and the naming of a cup (even if it is contrived). Our first point on the road (July in Chicago) Etch's performance in the MLS all-star game (although that's a pale second place to the activity of the lunatics!) Benching Convey so that he'd come out stronger the next game. The last Dallas game. Ali Curtis scoring a short-handed goal vs lalagals. GM
Off the field favorites of mine were the Ben Olsen chat on Washington Post.com where he quoted he wanted the team to tear the MetroDonkeys a new one or something to that extent. D.C. United's charity golf event was a lot of fun and a highlight to my season. On field: Beating the MetroDonkeys back to back games in September. If DC's going down the tubes, at least it is sweet to screw up the MetroDonkey's season. Also, Nicky's clutch saves during the team's 4-2 win over SJ 8/31/02. Here's to better days next year! Bill-DC
I'll second this one. Certain games, goals, and moral victories mean little in a season so disappointing and inconsistent. So the sight of Ben back, even if not at full strength, is what I will take as the biggest positive. Dave
Benny flying through the air to hammer a header on goal. (but then near-post tony saved it) Convey's emergence in the center of the park and scoring 4 goals was also a highlight.
1. Singin' in the rain at the all star game. 2. The first match we beat the Scum. I remember the incredible high we had coming off the game. That victory was an old-school DCU win. 3. Convey beating the Gals. That also was the night La Norte started turning around. People started coming back. 4. Olsen on the field. 5. Q2 goals to break our scoreless streak. Honorable mention: After we lost to Dallas, all the fans in unison singing "DC United." Unlike last season, this was a roar of defiance and heart. We did not go gently into the night. Sachin
Off the top of my head ... Winning the innaugural Atlantic Cup, earning the honestly voted naming rights, adding hardware to our trophy chest while finishing dead last in the league, and--as Sachin notes--still keeping the Metros' trophy chest empty. That pretty much covers the rivalry part. Convey moving into central midfield to jumpstart our non-productive attack, scoring goals, holding the ball, protecting midfield, defending, and becoming a leader. Ray Hudson's hillarious comments and wonderful fan interaction. Acquiring Milton Reyes, who in most years would have been the best acquisition in the league (but this year that'd have to be Ruiz). Playing defense ... admittedly never a strength, but recently had been rather nauseating. Getting a keeper. I'm a big Garlick fan. Mike Ammann had some good years, but unfortunately, it wasn't with United, and soft goals were scored on us galore. Niki Tiki Tavi "The Mongoose" Rimando (seriously, has anyone talked to him and asked what freakin nickname he wants? He needs one) was dominant. Hudson's bow to the fans after games and his adamant defense of DC United when loud fans come to root for the opposing team. Olsen's return. Acquiring Brandon Prideaux. Santino's long range score at Dallas. My joining the Screaming Eagles. Now maybe I'll get to meet some of you guys, because I don't really know more than 3 or 4 right now. -Tron
And me adding fuel to the fire with a few well aimed programs... Ben Olsen coming back. McKinley giving me his jersey at the end of the final game. Also everything else that was said was pretty great too.
On further reflection, I have two top moments to report: Starting two chants: You can stick Landon up your arse and Who's your daddy? Who's your daddy? BEN OL-SEN
Crushing San Jose late in the season 4-2 sure ranks up there!! (home game 12) Ryan Nelsen scored (again) and DC capped a monumental comeback sending Soccer Barbie(s) home crying (and by that I mean Landon Donavon
Early on, the 2-0 defeat of the Fire game me hope for a good season. Beating to scum out of the Metros 4-2 was great. Convey's header against Galaxy. Getting our first away point in Naperville. Going to the all-star game. Beating San Jose 4-2. Winning the Atlantic Cup. The proud feeling I had for the team when they left it all on the field the last day. Also, knowing we have the greatest fans in the country. Just listen after the final whistle blew.
Nelsen standing over prima-Donovan at the Quakes game. Nelsen, Pope, and Nick giving prima-Donovan what he deserved later in the game.