United Notebook
D.C. United's mission of "winning championships and serving the community" isn't only for the first team. On Sunday, October 14, D.C. United Academy players, coaches, and parents participated in the Acumen Solution's 8K Race for a Cause in Arlington, VA. The race helped raise money for United for D.C. - the club's charitable arm.
Forty-five players from United's U-14, U-15, and U-16 teams ran with 15 coaches and parent plus the events hundreds of other participants. D.C. United front office staff also participated.
Most of the Academy players were sleepy and chilly at the start of the race (see above), but they warmed up during the run and enjoyed representing the Black-and-Red and a community event.
New Director of Youth Development, Sonny Silooy, finished first among the Academy coaches. And, as the photo on the right suggests, he was pretty happy about it.
A lucky fan has won the same watch
Breitling Superocean Chronograph 2000M
For the second year in a row, Lenkersdorfer Fine Jewelers has sponsored dcunited.com's Man of the Match voting. As part of the promotion, Lenkersdorfer generously provides a new Breitling Superocean Chronograph 2000M (retail value: $4,845.00) to both the D.C. United player that wins the most Man of the Match awards and to a fan that voted for Man of the Match and is selected in a random drawing.
PLAYER WINNER
Chris Pontius is having a career season and fans noticed. United's midfield/forward was named Pontius the Lenkersdorfer Fine Jewelers Man of the Match seven times this season. We will be awarded the new Breitling watch before the regular season finale on October 20. MLS Rookie of the Year candidate Nick DeLeon was second with four Man of the Match awards.
FAN WINNER
Chris Pontius isn't the person in the Washington region that will be sporting a new watch on his wrist. Christopher L. from Manassas, VA won the sweepstakes drawing. He'll receive his watch before Saturday's match as well.
Players share their love of reading with online students
After training today, Dwayne De Rosario and Perry Kitchen took a moment to participate in an online education event with K12.com. DeRo read “Froggy Plays Soccer” while Perry read “Splat!: The Colorful Cat” to some local students while the session was recorded for online use. Below are photos from the event.
A summary of tweets from players after Saturday's match in Toronto. D.C. United defeated Toronto FC 1-0 thanks to Hamdi Salihi's goal in the 88th minute.
Not the pretty but well def take that. Big 3 points #dcu
— Dwayne De Rosario (@dwaynederosario) October 6, 2012
Fantastic 1-0 win today.. Great result heading into the international break
— Bill Hamid (@BillHamid28) October 6, 2012
MASSIVE win for the club today! Strong effort from everyone 2nite!! BIG thanks to those who made the trip up 2day!! #vamosunited
— Brandon McDonald (@BMcDonald4) October 6, 2012
Massive 3 points this afternoon! Very ugly game but proud of the effort today. #vamosunited
— Perry Kitchen (@PerryKitchen23) October 6, 2012
3 points all count the same. Big time effort today and by those who traveled to support. #vamosunited
— Michael Chabala (@Chabala6) October 6, 2012
YOU TELL US: What did you think of the result?
Who would win a race between Talon and the Nationals' mascot Teddy?
It is a year of firsts for the Washington Nationals. 2012 marks the first time the Nationals have made it to the postseason, the first time they have won the NL East (and first for a baseball team in DC since 1933), and the first time Teddy won the President's Race.
For a few hours this afternoon, social media was buzzing about Teddy's win. All the talk about racing mascots made us wonder, who is the fastest mascot in DC? Is Talon faster than Teddy?
YOU TELL US: Who would win a race between Teddy and Talon?
A look at some of the stories from D.C. United 1-1 draw with the Portland Timbers on Saturday, September 29.
- Pontius scores first, but Dike answers as DC and Portland share points (dcunited.com)
- DC United not perfect, but happy with improving road form (mlssoccer.com)
- A shaky penalty kick decision in Portland; D.C. United benefits (NBC Sports)
- Pontius scores in United’s 1-1 tie at Portland (washingtonpost.com)
- Postgame observations: D.C. United 1, Portland 1 (washingtontimes.com)
New app created by Spin allows soccer fans to video chat and share photos or videos in real-time.
Spin has developed a new way for fans to gather online before, during, and after matches using an iPad. The app is called Spin Stadium D.C. United and it is available on iTunes.
With Spin Stadium D.C. United, you can get the excitement of being in the stands, even when you're watching the match at home.
- Chat with your friends and fellow supporters using the video and sound features.
- Wave a virtual flag or start a D.C. United chant.
- View and share photos from the match.
- Draw your own Tifo on the screen and share.
Give the app a try and then let know Spin know what you think by rating the app in iTunes and providing feedback at getspin.com/feedback
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Download the app for iPad 2 or 3 using iTunes
- Open the app and create an account.
- Invite other friends with an iPad 2 or 3 to also download the app.
- Once everyone has downloaded the app you can create an Gathering and begin to chat via video and share photos or videos.
On Wednesday, a 16-foot statue of Zinedine Zidane headbutting Marco Materazzi was unveiled outside the Pompidou Centre in Paris (right).
Adel Abdessemed, the Algerian-born artist of the statue, said, "This statue goes against the tradition of making statues in honour of certain victories. It is an ode to defeat."
Other soccer players have also been the subject of statues.
There is a statue of Bobby Moore outside of Wembley Stadium and one of Thierry Henry outside of Emirates Stadium. Carlos Valderrama, and his golden locks, greet fans outside Estadio Eduardo Santos in Santa Marta, Columbia (right).
Some stadiums choose to honor executives, coaches, or celebrities.
In MLS, there is a statue of League founder Lamar Hunt outside of FC Dallas Stadium. Craven Cottage - Fulham's home ground - has a statue of the legendary pop singer Michael Jackson. A statue of Bob Marley strums a guitar outside the entrance to Independence Park ("The Office"), home of Jamaica's national team.
YOU TELL US: What soccer statue would you build?
D.C. United's ownership group, players, and staff served lunch at SOME (So Others Might Eat) today. The club's mission is to "Win championships and serve the community."
D.C. United owners Will Chang (left), Erick Thohir (right) and Jason Levien (background)
D.C. United owners Jason Levien (foreground) and Erick Thohir (background)
D.C. United staff member Aprile Pritchet (left) and Chris Pontius (right)
Chris Pontius (foreground) and D.C. United staff member Boris Flores (background)
View the full photo gallery on Facebook
A summary of tweets from players after Sunday night's match against Chivas USA. D.C. United won the match 1-0 and moved into a tie for third place in the Eastern Conference.
Big Win #DCU!!!
— Dwayne De Rosario (@dwaynederosario) September 24, 2012
Another HUGE win for us 2nite! All around great effort from the guys!! Thanks to all who came out n supported!! #VAMOSUNITED
— Brandon McDonald (@BMcDonald4) September 24, 2012
Another massive win! Congrats to my boy Branko on the game winning goal! And thanks to all the fans that made it out tonight #dcu #4games
— Dejan Jakovic (@DejanJakovic) September 24, 2012
Big win! Wasn't the cleanest of games but so happy for Branko! Thanks to all the fans that made it out
— Chris Pontius (@ChrisPontius13) September 24, 2012
Thanks to all those Dc United fans!!!Very Proud of my teammates,well Done guys!! 3 points.. #vamosqvamosDc#
—M.Saragosa (@MarceloSaragosa) September 24, 2012