40 Facts About D.C. United Vs Columbus

The Rivalry Begins

D.C. United and Columbus Crew have a storied history in Major League Soccer (MLS). Their rivalry has produced memorable moments, thrilling matches, and a passionate fan base. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about these two teams.

1. D.C. United was one of the original ten teams in MLS, founded in 1995.
2. Columbus Crew, also an original MLS team, was established in 1994 but began playing in 1996.
3. The first match between D.C. United and Columbus Crew took place on April 13, 1996.
4. D.C. United won the inaugural MLS Cup in 1996, defeating the Los Angeles Galaxy.
5. Columbus Crew won their first MLS Cup in 2008, beating the New York Red Bulls.

Memorable Matches

Over the years, D.C. United and Columbus Crew have faced off in numerous unforgettable games. Here are some highlights:

6. In 1999, D.C. United defeated Columbus Crew 4-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals.
7. Columbus Crew's first victory over D.C. United came on June 15, 1996, with a 4-0 scoreline.
8. A thrilling 3-3 draw occurred on August 4, 2018, showcasing the competitive nature of their rivalry.
9. D.C. United's largest margin of victory against Columbus Crew was a 6-2 win on May 8, 2004.
10. Columbus Crew's biggest win over D.C. United was a 5-1 triumph on October 24, 2020.

Star Players

Both teams have boasted some of the league's most talented players. Here are a few who made significant impacts:

11. D.C. United's Marco Etcheverry, known as "El Diablo," was a key player in their early success.
12. Columbus Crew's Brian McBride was the team's first-ever draft pick and a prolific goal scorer.
13. Jaime Moreno, a D.C. United legend, scored over 100 goals for the club.
14. Guillermo Barros Schelotto led Columbus Crew to their 2008 MLS Cup victory.
15. Wayne Rooney, a global superstar, played for D.C. United from 2018 to 2019.

Stadiums and Fan Culture

Stadiums and fans play a crucial role in the atmosphere of these matches. Let's look at some interesting facts about their home grounds and supporters:

16. D.C. United's original home was RFK Stadium, where they played from 1996 to 2017.
17. Columbus Crew's first home was Ohio Stadium, shared with Ohio State University.
18. Audi Field, D.C. United's current stadium, opened in 2018.
19. Columbus Crew moved to Lower.com Field in 2021, a state-of-the-art facility.
20. D.C. United's supporters' group, the Screaming Eagles, is known for their passionate support.
21. The Nordecke is Columbus Crew's vibrant supporters' section, creating an electric atmosphere.

Records and Achievements

Both teams have set records and achieved milestones in MLS history. Here are some notable accomplishments:

22. D.C. United has won four MLS Cups, the most recent in 2004.
23. Columbus Crew has won two MLS Cups, with their latest victory in 2020.
24. D.C. United holds the record for the most Supporters' Shields, awarded to the team with the best regular-season record, with four.
25. Columbus Crew won their first Supporters' Shield in 2004.
26. D.C. United was the first MLS team to win the CONCACAF Champions' Cup in 1998.
27. Columbus Crew's 2020 MLS Cup win was their first in 12 years.

Coaching Legends

Coaches have played pivotal roles in shaping the success of these teams. Here are some legendary figures:

28. Bruce Arena led D.C. United to their first two MLS Cups in 1996 and 1997.
29. Sigi Schmid guided Columbus Crew to their first MLS Cup in 2008.
30. Ben Olsen, a former D.C. United player, coached the team from 2010 to 2020.
31. Caleb Porter, the current Columbus Crew coach, won the 2020 MLS Cup with the team.
32. Thomas Rongen, another notable D.C. United coach, won the 1999 MLS Cup.

International Influence

International players have significantly impacted both teams. Here are some who left their mark:

33. D.C. United's Luciano Emilio, from Brazil, won the MLS MVP award in 2007.
34. Columbus Crew's Federico Higuaín, from Argentina, was a key playmaker from 2012 to 2019.
35. D.C. United's Bolivian star, Jaime Moreno, was one of the league's top scorers.
36. Columbus Crew's Dutch defender, Wilfried Nancy, played a crucial role in their 2020 MLS Cup win.
37. D.C. United's English forward, Wayne Rooney, brought international attention to the team.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, both teams have promising futures with young talents and ambitious goals. Here are some exciting prospects:

38. D.C. United's Griffin Yow, a homegrown talent, is seen as a future star.
39. Columbus Crew's Aidan Morris, a young midfielder, has shown great potential.
40. Both teams continue to invest in their youth academies, aiming to develop the next generation of soccer stars.

The Final Whistle

D.C. United vs Columbus Crew has given soccer fans countless memorable moments. From thrilling goals to intense rivalries, this matchup never disappoints. Both teams have rich histories and passionate supporters, making every game a must-watch event. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, understanding the key facts about these teams adds depth to the experience. Keep an eye on standout players, historical stats, and unforgettable matches. This knowledge not only enhances your appreciation of the game but also connects you to a larger community of soccer enthusiasts. So next time these two teams face off, you'll be ready to enjoy every minute with a deeper understanding of what makes this rivalry so special. Soccer isn't just a game; it's a shared passion that brings people together. Enjoy the match!