The D.C. United Reserves fought to a 1-1 draw with the University of Maryland in the feature game of Sunday's 'Kicks Against Cancer' event at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Rod Dyachenko scored in the first half following a slick turn in the box to put United up 1-0, but Robbie Rogers' astonishing strike brought the defending NCAA champions even.
The tightly-contested match was the culmination of the annual KICKS Against Breast Cancer College Tournament and SHUT-OUT Cancer College Classic. Proceeds from the event will be split between the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults and the Howard County General Hospital's Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource and Image Center in Columbia, Md., both non-profit organizations supporting individuals affected by cancer.
Kicks Against Cancer
The KICKS Against Breast Cancer Intercollegiate Soccer Tournament was established in honor of Claudia Mayer, a friend of tournament Director Louise Waxler (WUSA/Washington Freedom), who passed away in 1996 after a two-year battle with breast cancer. Since the inception of the tournament nine years ago, donations and fundraising by participating teams has totaled more than $350,000.
To donate, visit www.kicksagainstbreastcanc.com.
Formerly Little
Prior to the United reserve match on Sunday, the Washington Freedom took the field vs. the University of Virginia and debuted a former player by a new name. A former Freedom standout known to all as Jacqui Little was announced as Jacqui Rimando, as the forward made her debut following December's marriage to United goalkeeper Nick Rimando.
Nicknamed 'The Jet' for her speed, the goal-scoring Rimando notched the lone tally for the Freedom late in the game, earning a 1-1 draw. The goalkeeping Rimando was in the stands to cheer on his wife.
Saturday television
As a part of the MLS three-year deal with HDNet, Saturday's match between the Houston Dynamo and D.C. United will be delivered to fans live and in high definition on HDNet. It will be the first of 13 exclusive MLS games on HDNet, where HDNet will be the only place fans can watch the game. Game time is 7:30 p.m. ET.
HDNet is the official, national high definition television partner of MLS. Under the terms of the agreement with MLS, HDNet will broadcast a live game each weekend throughout the regular season and MLS Cup Playoffs. HDNet's games will air primarily on Saturday nights.
Shirt sponsor
Beginning with Saturday's game against Houston, D.C. United will once again be sporting kits with a sponsor logo. Sierra Mist has once again agreed to a deal that will put them on the most famous shirt in Major league Soccer.
A green tinted patch will be present on the lower back of the shirt and on the front of the right leg on the shorts. The popular soft drink was also the uniform sponsor of D.C. United last season.
