Team

Special thanks to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center who lit up the night in support of D.C. United as MLS Cup Playoffs continue for the Black-and-Red. Photos by Kea Taylor/Convention Center

D.C. United visits the Red Bulls in leg 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals tonight at 8:00 PM on NBC Sports Network.

A summary of tweets from players after United's 1-1 draw with New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference semifinal.

Pablo Sandoval (World Series MVP); Will Chang; Marco Scutaro (NLCS MVP); Gregor Blanco (World Series Gold Glove) are tuned in to United's playoff run

Q&A WITH D.C. UNITED OWNER WILL CHANG

What is it like to win a second World Series?
Will Chang: Just as exciting as the first. In some ways, this time around was more satisfying, because we overcame so much more adversity, surviving six elimination games.

How does it compare to your first title with the Giants?
WC: We had more than one million fans come out to the victory parade in 2010. I was surprised to see just as many fans come out and cheer us on yesterday.

Is there anything you learned during the team's post-season run that you could share with D.C. United?
WC: Hunter Pence inspired the team with an emotional speech and a huddle when our backs were against the wall. We do this in soccer, as well, but this kind of team bonding is rare in baseball, where the focus is more on individual performance. The lesson learned is that “teamwork” is a very powerful weapon.

Do players on the Giants ask you about MLS and D.C. United?
WC: Yes, particularly from our players who are from countries, like Venezuela, where soccer is a big part of their culture. Given our style of play and the iconic players we've fielded throughout the years, many have become avid D.C. United fans.

Knowing you're headed to DC, how excited are you for Saturday’s match?
WC: I am very excited to have D.C. United back in the playoffs and I am really looking forward to being in RFK this Saturday to cheer our boys on. Vamos United!

October has been a good month for D.C. United and San Francisco Giants owner Will Chang. Both of his teams are in the post-season. United clinched a spot on Saturday night and, last night, the San Francisco Giants advanced to the World Series with a 9-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 7 of the NLCS. Obviously, he is thrilled. He shares his thoughts below.

What it is like to have both of your teams in the playoffs?

Will Chang: My dream come true will be to bring home an MLS Cup and a World Series Trophy. It is wonderful experience to have one of your teams in the playoffs, but to have two is indeed very special. Both D.C. United and the Giants have overcome many adversities to get into the postseason.

Will Chang holding the 2010 World Series trophy

When DeRo suffered a season ending injury, many people wrote us off. However, something special happened ... each and every player on our team stepped up and started to play better. That’s what championship teams do….they overcome adversity and succeed! The story about the Giants is similar. When Brian Wilson suffered a season ending injury, many wrote us off. Then we lost Melky Cabrera, again, many said our season was doomed. We lost two of our best players, everyone else stepped up and started to play better.

What was your reaction to Lewis Neal’s goal in the 91st minute?

WC: My first reaction was overwhelming delight. I showed it by screaming as loud as I could. Then the feeling of relief came over me, as I realized that this clinched our playoff berth, after several seasons of disappointment. I am so happy that Lewis scored the game-winning goal, too. It was a beautiful goal, but you also have to give credit to Branko who gave Lewis a perfect pass for an assist. I am also happy for Nick who set a club record for most number of goals by a rookie. There are many great players who started their career at D.C. United, so this is a special honor for him.

If, by chance, United and the Giants play at the same time - how do you follow both games?

WC:Fortunately, the World Series and the MLS Cup will not be played at the same time. During the season, if both teams are playing at the same time, I try to watch the D.C. United game in real time and watch the Giants on TiVo later. I try to impose a news blackout so that I preserve the element of surprise and excitement.

The Blackout is coming. Will you be there? Buy tickets