WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United announced today the club will honor members of its inaugural 1996 MLS Cup championship team at United's September 23 match versus the New York Red Bulls. Additionally, the four-time MLS Cup champion will launch its newly-created alumni association. Numerous players from the club's past teams will be in attendance.
"1996 was a magical year for soccer in America with the launch of MLS," said United President & CEO, Kevin Payne. "We at D.C. United were, and are, immensely proud of our accomplishment in winning the first ever MLS Cup. The group of players which came together to earn those first club honors became the backbone of the most storied team in League history, and it is with great pride and satisfaction that we honor them in celebrating the 10 year anniversary of our first Championship."
Fans may purchase the 1996 Championship Reunion ticket package now, by calling D.C. United at 202-587-5000 or via dcunited.com. A $50 ticket provides access to a private, pre-game party in the Diamond Club with members of the '96 team and other United alumni. The pre-game party includes a full buffet with complimentary soda/water and a cash bar and a copy of the 1996 Championship Season Commemorative DVD. Ticket holders are then able to view pre-game warm-ups from a covered area before watching the game in VIP seating.
The D.C. United Alumni Association will serve to connect former players who donned the black and red colors of United, by creating and seeking out community service opportunities, meet-and-greets and other events. The primary hope is to link all former players, who represent an extension of the current D.C. United family.
Under current Red Bulls coach Bruce Arena, United captured the first-ever MLS Cup championship, defeating the L.A. Galaxy 3-2 in overtime at Foxboro Stadium in Foxboro, MA. The teams battled to a 2-2 draw in the midst of a heavy New England downpour before United defender - and current Real Salt Lake star - Eddie Pope's header found the back of the net in the first overtime period. The golden goal allowed United to walk away with the Alan I. Rothenberg Trophy.
The team finished the regular season with a 16-16 record, good for second place in the Eastern Conference behind the Tampa Bay Mutiny. The Black-and-Red faced their rivals to the north in the first round of the playoffs, taking the series from the MetroStars 2-1. The squad swept the Eastern Conference Finals 2-0 over the Mutiny to earn its spot in the final. Just ten days after capturing the first MLS Cup, United defeated the Rochester Raging Rhinos of the A-League (now the USL First Division) 3-0 to win the U.S. Open Cup, the nation's oldest soccer tournament. The two titles gave Untied the added distinction of becoming the first club to win the American "double."
Former players and coaches who have confirmed they will be attending include: Jeff Agoos, Bruce Arena, Raul Diaz Arce, Jeff Causey, Ben Crawley, John Harkes, Mike Huwiler, Kris Kelderman, Brian Kamler, John Maessner, Jaime Moreno, Shawn Medved, Steve Rammel, Mark Simpson, Richie Williams.
