With the final regular season match-up between D.C. United and the rival New York Red Bulls coming up this Saturday, September 23, the Atlantic Cup is still up for grabs. United currently hold an advantage over the Red Bulls with a 1-0-2 record against them.
The teams drew 2-2 in the season opener at RFK, but then United crushed the Red Bulls 4-1 in New York 20 days later. On Aug. 16 the teams played to a 0-0 draw in New York. A win or draw on Saturday will give the Black-and-Red the Cup. The Red Bulls not only need a win to tie D.C. in points, but must also erase the +3 goal differential United currently has over them in order to take home the trophy.
The Atlantic Cup, now in its fifth year, is awarded to the winner of the season series between D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls. In the Cup's inaugural year of 2002, United won the title, with the former MetroStars taking the trophy the next year. United, however, have won the Cup the last two seasons and stand in good position to win it for a third year in a row.
Anacostia clean up
Ten members of the 'Screaming Eagles' and two from 'La Norte,' with support from D.C. United's United Builds initiative participated in the Anacostia Park Clean Up on Sept. 16. The event was part of the 'International Coastal Clean Up Day,' which is a global event sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy. Thousands of volunteers worldwide clear debris from waterways and also record the types and amount of trash collected to identify litter patterns.
The Screaming Eagles not only support United in the stands but also in the community, so this event easily tied in with their mission. It also afforded United supporters the chance to get a sneak peak at the proposed D.C. United stadium site at Poplar Point (the point is at the end of Anacostia Park).
Within the three hours of the event, the United supporters team collected more than 20 bags of trash. It was an eye- opening experience at just how much debris is along the riverbanks.
Training with Braddock Road Youth Club
On Sept. 11, D.C. United kicked off their first week of training with the Braddock Road Youth Club (BRYC) at Lake Braddock Park in Burke, Va.
Over 130 kids participated as United assistant coach Mark Simpson led a training session for the club's U-6 through U-10 boys and girls teams. In addition to Simpson's instruction, the kids were also given the opportunity to train in small groups with D.C. United players. Eight members of United's senior squad (Rod Dyachenko, Matt Nickell, Andy Metcalf, Ryan McIntosh, Bobby Boswell, Josh Gros, Devon McTavish and Justin Moose) were on hand to offer individual instruction to the kids.
In addition, each child also received a free voucher good for one ticket to a future D.C. United home game. The team will also host a Braddock Road Youth Club Night at RFK Stadium on Saturday when United take on the New York Red Bulls. Around 500 BRYC members are expected at the game, and BRYC players will serve as ball kids for the evening.
The BRYC and D.C United training program will continue every Monday at Lake Braddock Park from 4:30-7 p.m. ET until Oct. 9. The program will conclude with a Tuesday night session at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 17.
D.C. United alumni update
Former United midfielder Bobby Convey has played a major role in Reading's rise to sixth place in the English Premier League. Taking the field against Sheffield United this past weekend, Convey had one of the fastest assists in Premiership history, as his lofted pass allowed Kevin Doyle to score just 16 seconds after kickoff.
Reading has now won its last two matches, with Convey recording an assist in each. He has started all five games for the Royals and is tied for the team lead with two assists.
Likewise, former United forward Lucio Filomeno has found success with his new club, Argentina's Nuevo Chicago. Last weekend he came on as a substitute at halftime, helping the team find a second-half equalizer to salvage a 1-1 draw against Belgrano de Cordoba. Filomeno has appeared in every one of Nuevo Chicago's matches this season, starting six of them.
With the draw, the team sits in 11th place in Argentina's Primera Division with a record of 3-3-1. Filomeno and the rest of Nueva Chicago now prepare for their toughest test to date: a home meeting with unbeaten Argentine powerhouse Boca Juniors on Sunday.
Unfortunately, the news is not so good for former United captain Ryan Nelsen. The New Zealand-born defender will be out until at least Christmas as he underwent surgery to cure a nagging hamstring problem that has kept him out of action since preseason. His club, Blackburn Rovers, recorded its first win of the new season last weekend and is currently in 12th place in the English Premier League.
