DC United

Founding and Early Years

D.C. United was awarded its franchise on 15 June 1994, as a founding member of MLS, and began league play in 1996. The club first played at RFK Stadium before moving in 2018 to Audi Field, in Washington's Buzzard Point neighborhood.

Club Evolution

Nicknamed "Black-and-Red," D.C. United wear those colours, with a crest featuring a stylised eagle and the capital's flag. The club's name follows the tradition of European "United" clubs, in the mould of Manchester United.

Great Managers

Bruce Arena (1996-1998) built the club's founding dynasty, winning two MLS Cups (1996, 1997), a Supporters' Shield, a CONCACAF Champions' Cup, and the Copa Interamericana, both in 1998. Thomas Rongen added a third MLS Cup in 1999, while Piotr Nowak (2004-2006) won a fourth MLS Cup in 2004 and two consecutive Supporters' Shields.

Iconic Players

Marco Etcheverry, Jaime Moreno, and Raúl Díaz Arce, nicknamed "the Magic Triangle," form the heart of the 1990s dynasty. Freddy Adu became the youngest American professional athlete since 1887 in 2004, while Wayne Rooney wore the club's shirt in 2018-2019.

Major Achievements

D.C. United have won four MLS Cups (1996, 1997, 1999, 2004), four Supporters' Shields, three US Open Cups, one CONCACAF Champions' Cup (1998), and the 1998 Copa Interamericana, the only US club to have won that last trophy.

The Club Today

Led by René Weiler since July 2025 and chaired by Jason Levien, D.C. United, one of MLS's most decorated founding clubs, are playing a mid-table 2026 season in the Eastern Conference.