1996 D.C. United season
| 1996 season | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| General manager | Dave Kasper | ||
| Head coach | Bruce Arena | ||
| Stadium | RFK Stadium | ||
| MLS | 3rd | ||
| MLS Cup | Champions | ||
| U.S. Open Cup | Champions | ||
| Top goalscorer | League: Raúl Díaz Arce (23) All: Raúl Díaz Arce (24) | ||
| Highest home attendance | 32,864 vs New England (April 27, 1996) | ||
| Average home league attendance | 15,585 | ||
|
| |||
The 1996 D.C. United season was the teams debutant season in Major League Soccer (MLS), and 1996 was the inaugural year of play in MLS competition. United would become the first club to win the MLS Cup this year.
Background
Prior to Major League Soccer's inaugural season, it had been six years since the Washington Metropolitan Area had a professional soccer club play within the region. The last team, was the late 1980s/early 1990s version of the Washington Diplomats. The Diplomats, played in the American Soccer League, which at the time was, by de facto, the top division of soccer in the United States although it was not sanctioned by U.S. Soccer or FIFA as a top tier soccer league. With the installation of the D.C. United franchise, it was the first time since the 1981 that a top division pro soccer club played in the region.
The foundation of the team came on June 15, 1994, when 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.[1]
Club name
Once an MLS franchise was awarded to Washington, the new club management sought a name for the club. Attempting to allude to the American sporting culture, original suppositions included the area's name followed by a mascot for the club. Some ideas included the "Spies", "Americans" and "Eagles". Eventually, the idea of simply naming the team "D.C. United" was decided upon as the club name. The moniker "United" alluded to European club names such as Leeds and Manchester United, as well as reflecting on being based in capital of the United States.[2]
MLS regular season
![[icon]](/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (October 2021) |
The team got off to a slow start, losing its first three games in April, but improved during the season, including a four-match winning streak in August, and qualified for the playoffs.
MLS Playoffs
The final month of D.C. United's inaugural season saw the club compete in the first ever MLS Cup Playoffs, eventually being crowned the MLS Cup champions. Ten days later, United earned the double by winning the 1996 U.S. Open Cup, the United States' domestic knockout cup competition. Such a feat would not be accomplished again until the Chicago Fire did so in 1998. To date, only four other MLS sides have ever achieved any sort of "double", being regular season, playoffs, or cup competition.
Playoff play continued into October with game three of the conference semifinal series, with kickoff on October 2. United, tied with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars were level 1–1 in the series. Played in front of a crowd of 20,423, United would emerge victorious in the match and in the series winning the match and series by a 2–1 scoreline. In game three, Steve Rammel opened the scoring in the 67th minute, giving United a crucial 1–0 victory. Inside 20 minutes later, the MetroStars leveled things up off an 86th-minute strike from NY/NJ's Antony de Ávila. The match, looking destined for sudden death extra time was abruptly halted when a penalty was called against NY/NJ in the box. The call resulted with United's Raúl Díaz Arce notching the eventual match winner in the 89th minute of play. The win booked United into the 1996 MLS Eastern Conference Finals.
D.C. United took on the Supporters' Shield winners, Tampa Bay Mutiny on October 10 to open up the Eastern Conference Finals. The first match of the three-game series was held at RFK Stadium, where United posted a 4–1 victory. The score was United's largest margin of victory throughout the playoffs. The match saw Díaz Arce notch a hat trick, making him the first player in MLS Cup Playoffs history to score a hat trick in a playoff match. Díaz Arce scored in the 38th minute to give United the go-ahead lead, only for Tampa Bay's Roy Lassiter to equalize in the 42nd minute. United's Steve Rammel score what would eventually be the match-winning goal in the 52nd minute to give United a 2–1 lead over the Mutiny. Díaz Arce would score insurance goals for United in a three-minute span, scoring in the 58th and 60th minutes of play.
Held two days later, game two of the conference finals took place at Houlihan's Stadium near Tampa, Florida. With a crowd of 9,339 on hand, Tampa Bay took a 1–0 lead against D.C. inside 15 minutes, thanks to a strike from Steve Ralston. Ralston's goal proved to be the difference between the two sides for the remainder of the first half. However, four minutes into the second half of play, United's Richie Williams netted the equalizer. Díaz Arce would, once again, provide last minute heroics scoring in the 82nd minute to give United the 2–1 lead, and to book themselves in the inaugural MLS Cup championship.
Match results
Major League Soccer
Regular season
| April 6, 1996 Matchday 1 | San Jose Clash | 1–0 | D.C. United | San Jose, California |
| Report | Stadium: Spartan Stadium Attendance: 31,683 Referee: Esse Baharmast |
| April 13, 1996 Matchday 2 | Columbus Crew | 4–0 | D.C. United | Columbus, Ohio |
| Report |
|
Stadium: Crew Stadium Attendance: 25,266 Referee: Raul Dominguez |
| April 20, 1996 Matchday 3 | D.C. United | 1–2 | Los Angeles Galaxy | Washington, D.C. |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 35,032 Referee: Paul Tamberino |
| April 27, 1996 Matchday 4 | New England Revolution | 1–1 (3–2 SO) | D.C. United | Foxborough, Massachusetts |
| Report | Stadium: Foxboro Stadium Attendance: 32,864 Referee: Esse Baharmast | |||
| Shootout | ||||
| May 1, 1996 Matchday 5 | D.C. United | 3–1 | Dallas Burn | Washington, D.C. |
|
Report | Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 11,253 Referee: Byungil Noh |
| May 5, 1996 Matchday 6 | Los Angeles Galaxy | 3–1 | D.C. United | Pasadena, California |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: Rose Bowl Attendance: 20,471 Referee: Arturo Angeles |
| May 12, 1996 Matchday 7 | D.C. United | 1–1 (1–2 SO) | NY/NJ MetroStars | Washington, D.C. |
| Report | Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 14,722 Referee: Kevin Stott | |||
| Shootout | ||||
| May 15, 1996 Matchday 8 | D.C. United | 5–2 | Columbus Crew | Washington, D.C. |
| Report | Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 7,422 Referee: Esse Baharmast |
| May 18, 1996 Matchday 9 | Dallas Burn | 3–2 | D.C. United | Dallas, Texas |
| Report | Stadium: Cotton Bowl Attendance: 23,351 Referee: Arturo Angeles |
| May 30, 1996 Matchday 10 | NY/NJ MetroStars | 1–2 | D.C. United | East Rutherford, New Jersey |
| Report | Stadium: Giants Stadium Attendance: 25,322 Referee: Zimmerman Boulos |
| June 2, 1996 Matchday 11 | Colorado Rapids | 2–2 (1–3 SO) | D.C. United | Denver, Colorado |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: Mile High Stadium Attendance: 8,517 Referee: Kevin Stott | |
| Shootout | ||||
| June 5, 1996 Matchday 12 | D.C. United | 3–1 | San Jose Clash | Washington, D.C. |
|
Report | Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 15,845 Referee: Paul Tamberino |
| June 20, 1996 Matchday 13 | Kansas City Wiz | 5–1 | D.C. United | Kansas City, Missouri |
| Report | Stadium: Arrowhead Stadium Attendance: 9,458 Referee: Rich Grady |
| June 23, 1996 Matchday 14 | San Jose Clash | 2–1 | D.C. United | San Jose, California |
|
Report | Stadium: Spartan Stadium Attendance: 14,088 Referee: Frank Gorog |
| June 30, 1996 Matchday 15 | D.C. United | 3–1 | New England Revolution | Washington, D.C. |
| Report | Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 19,355 Referee: Esse Baharmast |
| July 4, 1996 Matchday 16 | Dallas Burn | 1–1 (3–1 SO) | D.C. United | Dallas, Texas |
| Report | Stadium: Cotton Bowl Attendance: 16,177 Referee: Tim Weyland | |||
| Shootout | ||||
| July 7, 1996 Matchday 17 | D.C. United | 6–1 | Dallas Burn | Washington, D.C. |
| Report |
|
Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 11,244 Referee: Paul Tamberino |
| July 12, 1996 Matchday 18 | D.C. United | 1–0 | Tampa Bay Mutiny | Washington, D.C. |
|
Report | Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 20,014 Referee: Robert Sheker |
| July 20, 1996 Matchday 19 | New England Revolution | 2–0 | D.C. United | Foxborough, Massachusetts |
| Report |
|
Stadium: Foxboro Stadium Attendance: 18,347 Referee: Kevin Stott |
| July 28, 1996 Matchday 20 | D.C. United | 2–0 | Columbus Crew | Washington, D.C. |
| Report |
|
Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 11,373 Referee: Ruben Rodhas |
| July 31, 1996 Matchday 21 | D.C. United | 2–3 | Kansas City Wiz | Washington, D.C. |
|
Report | Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 9,457 Referee: Kevin Terry |
| August 4, 1996 Matchday 22 | D.C. United | 2–4 | Kansas City Wiz | Washington, D.C. |
|
Report | Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 12,356 Referee: Joshua Patlak |
| August 7, 1996 Matchday 23 | Tampa Bay Mutiny | 1–3 | D.C. United | Tampa, Florida |
| Report | Stadium: Houlihan's Stadium Attendance: 6,476 Referee: Rich Grady |
| August 10, 1996 Matchday 24 | Columbus Crew | 3–2 | D.C. United | Columbus, Ohio |
| Report | Stadium: Ohio Stadium Attendance: 18,587 Referee: Steve Olson |
| August 18, 1996 Matchday 25 | D.C. United | 2–1 | Los Angeles Galaxy | Washington, D.C. |
| Report | Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 24,536 Referee: Esse Baharmast |
| August 21, 1996 Matchday 26 | NY/NJ MetroStars | 2–3 | D.C. United | East Rutherford, New Jersey |
| Report |
|
Stadium: Giants Stadium Attendance: 20,416 Referee: Arturo Angeles |
| August 25, 1996 Matchday 27 | D.C. United | 3–0 | Tampa Bay Mutiny | Washington, D.C. |
| Report | Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 15,804 Referee: Roberto Van de Wyngard |
| August 29, 1996 Matchday 28 | Colorado Rapids | 1–2 | D.C. United | Denver, Colorado |
| Report | Stadium: Mile High Stadium Attendance: 6,368 Referee: Ali Saheli |
| September 6, 1996 Matchday 29 | D.C. United | 1–2 | NY/NJ MetroStars | Washington, D.C. |
| Report | Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 8,053 Referee: Zimmerman Boulos |
| September 14, 1996 Matchday 30 | Tampa Bay Mutiny | 2–0 | D.C. United | Tampa, Florida |
| Report | Stadium: Houlihan's Stadium Attendance: 8,135 Referee: Paul Tamberino |
| September 17, 1996 Matchday 31 | D.C. United | 3–2 | New England Revolution | Washington, D.C. |
| Report | Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 7,360 Referee: Marcel Yonan |
| September 21, 1996 Matchday 32 | D.C. United | 3–1 | Colorado Rapids | Washington, D.C. |
| Report | Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 20,573 Referee: Arturo Angeles |
Playoffs
Conference semifinals
| September 24, 1996 Game 1 | NY/NJ MetroStars | 2–2 (6–5 SO) | D.C. United | East Rutherford, New Jersey |
| Report | Stadium: Giants Stadium Attendance: 14,416 Referee:  Esse Baharmast | |||
| Shootout | ||||
| Note: MetroStars lead the series 1–0 | ||||
| September 27, 1996 Game 2 | D.C. United | 1–0 | NY/NJ MetroStars | Washington, D.C. |
|
Report | Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 21,442 Referee:  Paul Tamberino | ||
| Note: Series tied 1–1 | ||||
| October 2, 1996 Game 3 | D.C. United | 2–1 | NY/NJ MetroStars | Washington, D.C. |
| Report | Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 20,423 Referee: Brian Hall | |||
| Note: D.C. United win series 2–1 | ||||
Conference finals
| October 10, 1996 Game 1 | D.C. United | 4–1 | Tampa Bay Mutiny | Washington, D.C. |
| Report | Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 23,566 Referee: Kevin Stott | |||
| Note: D.C. United lead the series 1–0 | ||||
| October 12, 1996 Game 2 | Tampa Bay Mutiny | 1–2 | D.C. United | Tampa, Florida |
|
Report | Stadium: Houlihan's Stadium Attendance: 9,339 Referee: Rich Grady | ||
| Note: D.C. United wins series 2–0 | ||||
MLS Cup
| October 20 Final | LA Galaxy | 2–3 (a.e.t.) | D.C. United | Foxborough, Massachusetts |
| Report |
|
Stadium: Foxboro Stadium Attendance: 34,643 Referee: Esfandiar Baharmast |
U.S. Open Cup
| September 4 Quarterfinals | D.C. United (MLS)  | 2–0 |  Carolina Dynamo (USISL) | Charlottesville, Virginia |
| Report |
|
Stadium: Klöckner Stadium Attendance: 1,829 Referee: Ruben Rodhas |
| October 27 Semifinals | Dallas Burn (MLS)  | 0–2 | D.C. United (MLS) | Dallas, Texas |
| Report |
|
Stadium: Cotton Bowl Attendance: 1,958 Referee: Kevin Terry |
| October 30 Final | D.C. United (MLS) | 3–0 |  Rochester Raging Rhinos (A-L) | Washington, D.C. |
| Report |
|
Stadium: RFK Stadium Attendance: 7,234 Referee: Esse Baharast |
League standings
Conference
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | SOW | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tampa Bay Mutiny | 32 | 19 | 1 | 12 | 66 | 51 | +15 | 58 | MLS Cup Playoffs |
| 2 | D.C. United | 32 | 15 | 1 | 16 | 62 | 56 | +6 | 46 | |
| 3 | NY/NJ MetroStars | 32 | 12 | 3 | 17 | 45 | 47 | −2 | 39 | |
| 4 | Columbus Crew | 32 | 11 | 4 | 17 | 59 | 60 | −1 | 37 | |
| 5 | New England Revolution | 32 | 9 | 6 | 17 | 43 | 56 | −13 | 33 |
Overall
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | SOW | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tampa Bay Mutiny (S) | 32 | 19 | 1 | 12 | 66 | 51 | +15 | 58 | |
| 2 | Los Angeles Galaxy | 32 | 15 | 4 | 13 | 59 | 49 | +10 | 49 | CONCACAF Champions' Cup |
| 3 | D.C. United (C) | 32 | 15 | 1 | 16 | 62 | 56 | +6 | 46 | |
| 4 | Dallas Burn | 32 | 12 | 5 | 15 | 50 | 48 | +2 | 41 | |
| 5 | Kansas City Wiz | 32 | 12 | 5 | 15 | 61 | 63 | −2 | 41 | |
| 6 | NY/NJ MetroStars | 32 | 12 | 3 | 17 | 45 | 47 | −2 | 39 | |
| 7 | San Jose Clash | 32 | 12 | 3 | 17 | 50 | 50 | 0 | 39 | |
| 8 | Columbus Crew | 32 | 11 | 4 | 17 | 59 | 60 | −1 | 37 | |
| 9 | New England Revolution | 32 | 9 | 6 | 17 | 43 | 56 | −13 | 33 | |
| 10 | Colorado Rapids | 32 | 9 | 2 | 21 | 44 | 59 | −15 | 29 |
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head record; 3) goal difference; 4) number of goals scored
(C) Champions; (S) Supporters' Shield
Transfers
In
Recognition
| This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (December 2010) |
References
| External videos | |
|---|---|
 San Jose Clash vs D.C. United First-Ever MLS Match on YouTube |
- ^ "General Overview". Major League Soccer. 2009. Archived from the original on June 25, 2008. Retrieved June 26, 2009.
- ^ Dure, Beau (2010). Long Range Goals: The Success Story of Major League Soccer. Dulles, Virginia: Potomac Books. pp. 21–23. ISBN 978-1-59797-509-4.
- ^ "Intermark - Home Page".