WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United announced today that the club will open their 2005 Major League Soccer campaign on Saturday, April 2nd at the Home Depot Center against CD Chivas USA. The game will highlight the first weekend of action for the League's 10th season and is set for a national television audience on ABC. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET. The MLS Cup champions will open their home schedule by hosting the Chicago Fire on April 9th at 7:30 p.m. ET. Ticket packages for the Black-and-Red are now available by dialing United at 202-587-5000 or by visiting www.dcunited.com.
"We're excited to help welcome Chivas USA into the League on the Opening Day of the 2005 season," said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. "We're also excited to open our home season before our great fans at RFK Stadium and pleased that conversations with the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission and Major League Baseball have resulted in our fans being able to remain in the same seating locations that they've been accustomed to."
</p>
D.C. United are scheduled to host Harbor View FC (JAM) on March 9th in Champions Cup action. Harbor View advanced to the Champions Cup draw courtesy on a 3-2 aggregate victory over Tivoli Gardens FC (JAM) in clinching the Caribbean Football Union club championship. United's complete League schedule will be released in January.
The Black-and-Red were MLS' best home team in 2004, boasting a 9-2-4 League record and a +14 goal differential. The club has not lost a game at RFK Stadium since a 4-2 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Galaxy on May 5, 2004.
