Earnie Stewart retires
A former member of both the U.S. national team and D.C. United, Earnie Stewart has decided to retire from professional soccer earlier than expected because of repeated knee injuries. Stewart, 36, began and finished his professional soccer career playing for VVV Venlo and will continue after retirement as a technical director for the team. He scored 106 goals in his years in the Dutch Premier League with Willem II Tilberg and NAC Breda. A two-year member of United, Stewart notched four goals and six assists in 47 games for the Black-and-Red, while patrolling the right side of midfield. He was a key presence on the U.S. national team for more than 10 years, scoring 17 goals in 101 international appearances. Stewart played in three World Cups, and scored against Colombia in the 1994 tournament.
Black-and-Red at RFK
On May 19, 2004, D.C. United fell 4-2 to the Los Angeles Galaxy. In the loss Freddy Adu picked up his first-ever goal at RFK Stadium and simultaneously triggered a home-unbeaten streak that lasted until April 23, 2005. Since May 19 of last year D.C. United has constructed a 9-1-4 testimony to the rest of MLS: fear Washington, D.C. During that time United has complied a goal differential of +17 at home.
Including MLS Cup Playoffs, D.C. United's home record since May 19, 2004 stands at 11-1-4. Their 2004 home record was a league best 9-2-4. Their complete 2004 season record at RFK was an astounding 13-2-4.
John Wilson's trial continues
John Wilson continues to be on trial with United this week. A 27-year old veteran defender, who's played primarily in the USL First Division over the last seven seasons, Wilson also played in three games during the 2000 MLS Cup Championship for Kansas City Wizards and scored his lone MLS goal in a 16-minute appearance for New England Revolution in 2002. This past Sunday, Wilson played superb defense for a full 90 minutes in the D.C. United versus Kansas City Reserves game.
Screaming Eagle's 10th Anniversary Party
Monday evening the Screaming Eagles and members of D.C. United gathered at Casablanca in Alexandria for an exclusive party. There was a complimentary buffet and entertainment for kids of all ages. Screaming Eagles is an Internet-born supporter's club that receives many benefits ranging from discounted tickets to great tailgating parties. To learn more about what a Screaming Eagles supporter is visit their website at www.screaming-eagles.com.
Hall of Fame
During halftime of this Saturday's game against FC Dallas, The Virginia/D.C. Soccer Hall of Fame will induct the class of 2005. Hall of Fame inductees will include three players: Former U.S. men's national team player John Kerr, Jr., U.S. Women's national team player Gayle Smith Wilson, and American University standout Mike Brady. There will also be three meritorious members selected for their service to soccer in the Virginia and D.C. Area: Coach Al Albert from William & Mary, founder of FC Richmond Dave Amsler, and founder of the Virginia Beach Soccer Club Bob Sokolinsky.
Andrew Weber on trial
Three-time all-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation and two-time all-region goalkeeper Andrew Weber is currently on trial with D.C. United. A recent graduate of the University of New Mexico, Weber holds UNM's career records for games played (83), minutes played (7,681), goalie wins (50), saves (350), and shutouts (25). In 2004, his final season at UNM, he recorded eleven shutouts.
