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The D.C. versus New York is the longest standing rivalry in Major League Soccer. Since the inaugural MLS season, D.C United and the New York Red Bulls (formerly the New York/New Jersey Metrostars)have seen their share of dramatic clashes both in the regular season and playoffs. The name for the competition was not set until 2002 when both the trophy and rivalry was coined the Atlantic Cup.
RELATED:Looking back at memorable Atlantic Cup moments
D.C. United won the cup in 2012, and will visit New York twice and host the Red Bulls once in 2013 as reigning champions. This Saturday at Red Bull Arena (12:30 p.m. EST; NBC), the teams will meet for the first time this season as the quest for the Atlantic Cup begins.
Atlantic Cup Rules and Tiebreakers
- Standings points earned in all MLS regular season head-to-head games between DCU and RBNY
- If even, total goals scored in the matches
- If even, away goals scored in the matches *note this is not applicable in a three-game series in 2013
- If items 1-3 do not determine a victor, the trophy holder (D.C.) retains the Cup
D.C. United has four 2-packs to the 2013 Shamrock Fest at RFK that we'll be giving away on our Facebook page tonight and tomorrow. Entering the sweepstakes is easy:
- Login to Facebook
- LIKE the Official D.C. United page
- LIKE the Official Shamrock Fest page
- Cross your fingers and hope your name is randomly selected!
There will be four winners randomly selected at 6:00 P.M. on March 14. Each winner will receive two tickets to the big event.
Shamrock Fest Details:
Saturday, March 16
RFK Stadium - 1:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Congratulations to Private First Class Andrew Calvert and his fiance, D.C. United wishes you all the best as you start your lives together.
The Black-and-Red had a special guest in the locker room after tonight's match. Lorenzo Alexander, a linebacker for the Washington Redskins attended the game, and joined the team after the match to celebrate the 1-0 victory.
United captain Dwayne De Rosario snaps a pick with Alexander in the team hallway:
With Lorenzo Alexander of @redskins After our home opener win at RFK @onemangang97 twitter.com/dwaynederosari…
— Dwayne De Rosario (@dwaynederosario) March 10, 2013
Last year, the Black-and-Red visited a Redskins summer training session in Ashburn, VA. In December 2012, Pontius, Jakovic, White and Scouting Coordinator Kurt Morsink hit FedEx Field for Monday Night Football game versus the New York Giants.
D.C. United captain Dwayne De Rosario will not be available for tonight's match, but the midfielder and team leader will be at RFK to support his teammates.
See u all tnite @dcunited home opener at RFK Stadium #washingtonDC Kick-Off 7pm. Vamos United...
— Dwayne De Rosario (@dwaynederosario) March 9, 2013
Midfielder and newfound weatherman Chris Pontius keeps it simple.
Game day #DCU
— Chris Pontius (@ChrisPontius13) March 9, 2013
Midfielder Kyle Porter is ready for his first home opener as a member of the Black-and-Red.
Excited for the Home opener... #3points #DCU #RFK
— Kyle Neville Porter (@KylePorter19) March 9, 2013
Managing Partner Erick Thohir is hoping for a United "W" tonight.
Not my day, Satria Muda also lost. Change to soccer ☺, tomorow MLS : DC United vs Real Salt Lake City. Vamos DCU.
— Erick Thohir (@erickthohir) March 9, 2013
Chief Marketing Officer Doug Hicks gives props to the best fans in MLS.
#ff The best supporters in America: @screamingeagles @barra_brava @districtultrasx @lanorte128 #dcu #olsensarmy
— Doug Hicks (@DCUDoug) March 8, 2013
Washington Post beat writer Steven Goff and NBC Sports Network host Russ Thaler dig the time-lapse video of RFK.
So cool. “@soccerinsider: Video: The beautiful simplicity of a soccer field ow.ly/iCMXq @dcutv #dcu #rfk #mls”
— Russ Thaler (@RussThaler) March 9, 2013
Fan Beth Meyers is treating today like a holiday.
Tailgate inventory complete. Off to buy some new chairs and of course, beer. It's the most wonderful day of the year! VAMOS #DCU
— Beth Myers (@DCbmyers) March 9, 2013
Fan Alex Glomb has his tickets ready to go.
Vamos United!!Home opener tonight!#DCU #MLS twitter.com/GlombBomb/stat…
— Alex Glomb (@GlombBomb) March 9, 2013
D.C. United's goalkeeper Bill Hamid knows how to make an entrance. Untied's stellar homegrown product earned the 2013 season's first Save of the Week. The 22-year-old netminder made a spectacular save, denying Giles Barnes' one-touch rocket from inside the six yard box during Saturday's 2-0 loss to the Houston Dynamo.
Hamid earned 25% of the votes, beating Andy Gruenebaum of the Columbus Crew by 1 percentage point. The show-stopping save earned Hamid his first ever Save of the Week after multiple nominations for the honor.
2012 Rookie of the Year Finalist Nick DeLeon added some new, team-sprited ink to his right arm. The 22-year-old standout broke United's rookie regular-season scoring record last year, and now boasts a vintage D.C. United logo tattoo, showing his dedication to and passion for the Black-and-Red.
Do you share his passion? Show us your ink!
Chris Pontius is a man of many talents. His endless work rate and speed are the perfect combination for a midfielder. His finishing is that of a striker. But tomorrow, he wears a completely different hat. Pontius will present the DC Metro Area with their morning weather report on FOX 5.
Tune in at 8:15 a.m., to see the 2012 MLS All-Star MVP give it a go as a local weatherman. Then join Pontius and the rest of the Black-and-Red on Saturday at RFK when the team hosts Real Salt Lake in the 2013 home opener.
This morning, D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen joined DC 101's Elliot in the Morning show, take a listen: