I'm old enough that I go back to the NASL. Grew up in San Jose as a Quakes fan in the 1970's. Moved to Michigan in High School in time to watch Trevor Francis tear up the league for a couple of years with the Detroit Express. And then when that league folded I endured the 11 seasons of darkness. During that time my only team was the US Mens National Team. I watched matches from other leagues around the world whenever possible. But I really didn't have much connection to the game. And I dreamed of someday having a club team that I could support. When MLS launched in 1996, DC United was the team I was attracted to before the first kick. Probably because of the name and the simple classy uniforms. And so that's the team I watched. And my instinct's seemed correct during those early years because United seemed like the only team in MLS that wanted to be a "serious" football club. But I always held out hope that Detroit would get a team that would be closer to home. And over the years that possibility became less and less likely. So I kept watching DC United as a casual fan. Everything changed for me in 2005 during the CONCACAF Champion's Cup match between United and Pumas UNAM at RFK. That was the first time that I ever felt the same emotion about ANY club team that I have always felt toward the US National Team. And from that moment on I resolved to become a "supporter". Now I travel to support United whenever possible. (And it ain't nearly enough) But my great friends in La Barra Brava always make me feel welcome when I show up. And I'm hooked for life. Vamos United!
I lived in Delaware all my life until two days ago when I moved to Charlotte. DC is the closest team to DE and I attended my first game in 2002 against the metro. I always played soccer during school and played the video games but a German Exchange student I had wanted to watch a game live so we went. That's how I got hooked.
Slightly OT, but I say we propose a "homecoming game" where EVERYBODY (local and non-local) tries to make it to ole' floppy jugged, STD havin' RFK (Stadium Porn Thread ) As far as cheering our boys onto victory, there is no better way to do that, and, no greater feeling, that doing it at home. I was surprised that a number of the posts on here mention falling in love with DCU, even though they have yet to make it out to RFK.
yes, i am surprised as well. attending the game in person and seeing the pitch, and the game unfold in front of you. it is unbelieveable and so beautiful
If we can travel as far as LA for a game, everyone that's posted here should make it your mission to come to RFK for a game. The old broad ain't gonna be around forever and it's an experience you guys don't want to miss. I think all you guys should pick a game next season and plan on meeting each other and us at a game.
This is exactly what I mean! For all the faraway fans- screw the excuses and let's all make every effort to attend the same game. Make it out to RFK, meet the supporter groups and then give the team your all for the next 90 minutes. Just think, for one day (talking again to my out of town peeps) you won't feel like the odd-ball soccer/DCU lover because you'll be surrounded by others who have that same love.
I came to DC in '98. Watched the semifinals series, I believe, and started rooting for DC. The final came on and I caught it by surprise. DC dominated and when they lost I thought, "we'll get 'em in the next game." Turns out there is no home and away in MLS. Major disappointment. Then I got married and life ended. Now I'm divorced and have been watching DC from a number of different places. They're the only team I've been able to watch and root for. Not sure why. Uniforms? Bouncing stands? Who knows. I did catch a few games at RFK before I fled the city. Remember Ali Curtis scoring a nice goal in a losing effort to San Jose. Seems like every game I went to in those waning DC days was a loss. Probably was, in fact.
I'm a Richmonder, but my roots are in the DC area. Like loads of us down here, I grew up in Northern Virginia, left for college at VCU and never went back. I used to go to Washington Senators and Redskins games with my family at RFK when it was still brand-new. I played soccer with my brothers back in the 70s when it was still considered a strange, un-American sport. Followed the Dips in the 70s. One brief shining summer, when the Dips had lost their lease at RFK, they played at Woodson High about two miles from my house. My brothers and I helped park cars in exchange for free tickets. That's when I was hooked on professional soccer. Years passed, I followed the USMNT and Liverpool as much as I could in the pre-internet days. When I heard that there was going to be a new US league with a team in DC, that was it. The fact that they had the best name, best uniforms and graphics, best fans, and incredible early success cemented it. The lean years only made my love for them that much stronger. I've been a Barra member for a few years now, but last year I graduated from the quiet side to standing with the locos. Like most things in life it was a 'why didn't I do this years ago?' kind of thing.
I'm originally from DC, very recently exiled to London, UK. I'll be back for long summer vacations though, because I'm a teacher. Right now I'm supporting from afar and missing United...
Watched DCU in Delaware since 1996. Moved to Florida and watch on Direct Kick. Going to the game in Houston this weekend. Bringing 5 cases of Yuengling for those DCU fans deprived of the good stuff in Texas. Go Reserves!!!....I mean....DCU!!!!