The Red and Black is back

Last year I was witness to one of the greatest games in MLS history. DC United and New England Revolution (Revs) squared off at RFK Stadium with a spot in the MLS Cup Final on the line. The game was back and forth and fast paced and up and down and whatever other metaphor you can come up with and after 90 minutes it was tied at 3-3. Two exhausted teams went through 2 periods of extra time (overtime) with no winner. The game went to penalty kicks and ended when Revs halfback Clint Dempsey’s PK was saved by United goalkeeper Nick Rimando on a dive to his left. The stadium erupted into bedlam. Rimando jumped up and ran towards the corner flag and leapt (though not very high, he was absolutely drained) with his fist in the air before being enveloped by his teammates as they all sprinted to him in celebration. I didn’t know what to do with myself. I just stood there hoarse-voiced amid the mass of celebrating humanity in the stands with my hands on my head for moments before jumping around high-fiving every free hand in site. United would go on to win their 4th MLS Cup (in 9 years).

This weekend United can clinch another playoff berth with a victory against Metrostars at Giants Stadium. It’s pretty much inevitable that they’ll make the playoffs but it’s just a matter of when. I know I’ll be standing in RFK come playoff time supporting the truest occupants of the stadium (baseball over-supporters can piss off - if not for United, the Nationals would not have a place to play as RFK would have been torn down... you're welcome). Somebody find me a drum.