40 Facts About D.C. United Vs. Inter Miami

D.C. United: A Storied History

D.C. United is one of Major League Soccer's (MLS) original teams, boasting a rich history and numerous accolades. Here are some fascinating facts about this iconic club.

1. Founding Year: D.C. United was established in 1995, making it one of the ten charter clubs of MLS.
2. First MLS Cup: The team won the inaugural MLS Cup in 1996, setting a high standard for future seasons.
3. Home Stadium: Audi Field, located in Washington, D.C., has been their home since 2018.
4. Record Attendance: The highest attendance for a D.C. United home game was 54,282 in 2001 at RFK Stadium.
5. Notable Player: Marco Etcheverry, a Bolivian midfielder, is considered one of the greatest players in the club's history.
6. Supporters' Group: The Screaming Eagles, founded in 1995, are one of the most passionate fan groups in MLS.
7. International Success: D.C. United won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup in 1998, becoming the first MLS team to do so.
8. Rivalries: Their fiercest rivalry is with the New York Red Bulls, known as the Atlantic Cup.
9. Youth Academy: The club's academy has produced several MLS players, including Bill Hamid and Andy Najar.
10. Mascot: Talon, a bald eagle, is the team's official mascot.

Inter Miami: The New Kids on the Block

Inter Miami CF, co-owned by David Beckham, is one of the newest teams in MLS. Despite their short history, they have quickly made a name for themselves.

11. Founding Year: Inter Miami was founded in 2018 and began playing in MLS in 2020.
12. First Match: Their debut match was on March 1, 2020, against Los Angeles FC.
13. Home Stadium: DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, serves as their temporary home.
14. Ownership: David Beckham, a former MLS star, is a co-owner of the club.
15. First Goal: Rodolfo Pizarro scored the club's first-ever goal on March 7, 2020.
16. Team Colors: The team's colors are black, pink, and white.
17. Nickname: Often referred to as "The Herons," inspired by the bird featured in their logo.
18. First Win: Their first victory came on August 22, 2020, against Orlando City SC.
19. Designated Players: Blaise Matuidi and Gonzalo Higuaín are among their high-profile signings.
20. Youth Academy: Inter Miami has invested heavily in their youth academy, aiming to develop local talent.

Head-to-Head: D.C. United vs. Inter Miami

When these two teams clash, it's always an exciting affair. Here are some key facts about their encounters.

21. First Meeting: Their first match took place on March 7, 2020, with D.C. United winning 2-1.
22. Total Matches: As of 2023, they have faced each other 6 times.
23. Wins: D.C. United has won 3 matches, while Inter Miami has won 2.
24. Draws: Only one match has ended in a draw.
25. Biggest Win: D.C. United's largest victory over Inter Miami was a 3-0 win in 2021.
26. Top Scorer: Gonzalo Higuaín has scored the most goals in this fixture, with 3 goals.
27. Memorable Moment: A dramatic 90th-minute winner by Ola Kamara in 2021 remains a highlight.
28. Red Cards: There have been 2 red cards in their encounters, both for D.C. United players.
29. Penalty Kicks: Only one penalty has been awarded in their matches, converted by Inter Miami.
30. Fan Attendance: The highest attendance for this fixture was 19,000 at Audi Field in 2022.

Key Players to Watch

Both teams boast some incredible talent. Here are some players who have made a significant impact.

31. Bill Hamid: D.C. United's goalkeeper, known for his shot-stopping abilities.
32. Gonzalo Higuaín: Inter Miami's star striker, with a prolific scoring record.
33. Julian Gressel: A versatile player for D.C. United, known for his assists.
34. Blaise Matuidi: A World Cup winner, bringing experience to Inter Miami's midfield.
35. Edison Flores: A creative force for D.C. United, capable of changing games.
36. Lewis Morgan: Inter Miami's winger, known for his pace and crossing ability.
37. Ola Kamara: D.C. United's forward, consistently finding the back of the net.
38. Rodolfo Pizarro: A key playmaker for Inter Miami, creating numerous chances.
39. Andy Najar: A versatile defender for D.C. United, contributing both defensively and offensively.
40. Federico Higuaín: Gonzalo's brother, providing experience and creativity for Inter Miami.

Final Whistle

D.C. United vs. Inter Miami is more than just a soccer match. It's a clash of histories, styles, and ambitions. D.C. United, with its rich legacy, brings experience and tradition. Inter Miami, the newer kid on the block, injects fresh energy and star power. This rivalry showcases the best of MLS, from thrilling goals to nail-biting finishes. Fans get to witness legends like Wayne Rooney and rising stars like Gonzalo Higuaín. The matches are not just games; they're events that bring communities together, creating lasting memories. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a casual viewer, this matchup offers something for everyone. So, next time these teams face off, grab your jersey, cheer loudly, and enjoy the beautiful game. Soccer in the U.S. is growing, and rivalries like this are a big reason why.