Hall of Tradition
As the most successful organization in the history of American professional soccer, D.C. United has been represented by some of the most talented players and staff in Major League Soccer history. Whether on the field or in the front office, these individuals have been integral in the success of the Black-and-Red.
Through the Hall of Tradition, D.C. United and the club's legendary supporters pay homage to those enshrined within. Created in 2003 in conjunction with the induction of John Harkes, the Hall of Tradition is an eternal home for lasting memories of United's greatest successes and most influential components.
John Harkes
Inducted: May 14, 2003
John Harkes, one of America's most successful soccer players ever and the first member of the Black-and-Red, was the first ever individual inducted into D.C. United's Hall of Tradition. The iconic midfielder led United to five major titles in three seasons as team captain from 1996-1998, including back-to-back MLS Cup Championships in 1996 and 1997, the 1996 U.S. Open Cup, the 1998 CONCACAF Champions' Cup, and the 1998 Inter-American Cup. Harkes was named to MLS All-Star teams all three years.
Harkes also served in front office and broadcast roles for United. The former midfielder headed the club's burgeoning youth initiatives in 2004 through 2006 in addition to serving as a color analyst on Comcast SportsNet telecasts from 2005 to 2006.
Marco Etcheverry
Inducted: October 20, 2007
An original member of D.C. United, Marco Etcheverry remains a fan favorite of United faithful and is widely remember for his cultured left foot, his wide-ranging vision, his flowing black hair and his menacing glare. A seven-time MLS All-Star, Etcheverry is one of the most accomplished players in League history. Known as simply, 'El Diablo,' Etcheverry represented the club from 1996-2003, earning individual accolades as Major League Soccer's Most Valuable Player in 1998 and MLS Cup MVP honors in 1996. The talented midfielder earned MVP honors for the 2002 Pepsi All-Star Game played at RFK Stadium. He was named to the League's Best XI squad four consecutive seasons from 1996-1999. In 2005, Etcheverry was named to the League's All-Time Best XI and finished his career third in MLS's all-time assist rankings (101).
Etcheverry announced his retirement as a player on January 22, 2004, having finished his eighth MLS campaign with six goals and seven assists in 2003. At the time, Etcheverry was D.C. United's all-time leader in assists (101), game-winning assists (25), games played (191), games started (180), and minutes played (16,305). He ranked second in shots (319), shots on goal (156) and game-winning goals (11). Most importantly, Etcheverry was the driving force behind three MLS Cup titles (1996, 1997 and 1999), a U.S. Open Cup championship (1996), two Supporters' Shields (1997 and 1999) and the 1998 Champions' Cup and InterAmerican Cup victories.
Jeff Agoos
Inducted: October 16, 2008
An original member of D.C. United, Jeff Agoos served as an anchor in United's widely respected back line from 1996-2000. Agoos remains one of the most accomplished defenders in League history.
Known simply as 'Goose,' the stocky defender represented United five times in the MLS All-Star Game. Agoos was also named to the League's Best XI three times (1997, 1999, 2001) while a member of the Black-and-Red. Most importantly, Agoos was a driving force behind three MLS Cup titles (1996, 1997 and 1999), a U.S. Open Cup championship (1996), two Supporters' Shields (1997 and 1999) and the 1998 Champions' Cup and InterAmerican Cup.
Following the 2005 Major League Soccer season, Agoos was named to the League's All-Time Best XI. He announced his retirement as an active player December 8, 2005.
Raúl Díaz Arce
Inducted: September 12, 2009
A fan favorite and original member of D.C. United, Raul Diaz Arce will be remembered as one of the most prolific scorers in the club's history. Diaz Arce's goals helped the Black-and-Red capture two MLS Cup trophies (1996 and 1997), a U.S. Open Cup championship (1996) and the Supporters' Shield trophy (1997). The Salvadoran icon was United's top goal scorer with 23 goals during the 1996 season and ranked second in the League behind Tampa Bay's Roy Lassiter. Diaz Arce is the club's second all-time leading goal scorer with 44 goals in 68 games and ranks first with an average of 0.65 goals per game.
Diaz Arce was the first player in MLS history to score a hat trick in post season play, striking three times in Game One of the 1996 Eastern Conference finals against Tampa Bay. United won the game 4-1 and would go on to become the first MLS Cup champions. Diaz Arce played six seasons in MLS, three with United (1996-1997, 2000-2001) and, at the time he ended his MLS career in 2001, he was second in career goals with 82.
