Brandon McDonald can’t get enough soccer.
After practicing in the morning and watching Euro 2012through the afternoon, D.C.’s defensive pillar still hadn’t satisfied his itchfor the world’s game early Tuesday evening.
That was, until McDonald turned on Comcast SportsNet’sRivalry Week broadcast of a 2004 D.C. United win over the New York/New JerseyMetroStars.
“That was awesome,” said McDonald after watching the 6-2D.C. triumph. “It’s funny, I seethe same fans. I saw a fan thatwas there in ‘04 that I see every day in the tunnel now. It’s crazy, our fans are something else.”
As impressed as he was with United’s loyal followers, noteverything McDonald saw during the vintage broadcast wowed the D.C.defender. Ben Olsen’s free kickgoal at the end of regulation didn’t quite pass McDonald’s sniff test.
“I guess he gave the guy a wink or something because helifted his leg,” McDonald said with a smile while describing his coach’s setpiece tally that slipped under the MetroStars’ wall. “But hey, he scores and that’s all that matters. He got on the stat [sheet].”
If McDonald wasn’t pleased with Olsen’s 2004 effort, perhapstonight’s Rivalry Week installment will do the trick…
Tonight’s match - 7:00 PM: D.C. United vs. New York/New JerseyMetroStars
(October 1, 2005)
Join the conversation: Follow our matchday Twitter account at twitter.com/dcumatchday for commentary and stats during the Rivalry Week matches. Use the hashtag #CSNRivalryWeek to contribute.
Both Atlantic Cup rivals had plenty to play for when the twosides met at Giants Stadium on the first day of October back in 2005. D.C. United was a victory away fromclinching a playoff berth, while the MetroStars - and manager Bob Bradley –were under extreme pressure to win in hopes of keeping their postseason dreamsalive.
Despite an up and down season, the hosts had plenty ofreason for confidence. Theyentered on an 11-match home unbeaten streak and more than 27,000 fans showed upfor the critical contest.
But in front of their biggest non-doubleheader crowd of theyear, the MetroStars couldn’t deliver.
After trailing 1-0 at the half, United rattled off foursecond-half goals. Ben Olsenscored two and Jaime Moreno added another in the 4-1 win as D.C. punched itsplayoff ticket. Three days later,Bradley was fired by MetroStars General Manager Alexi Lalas.
"Itis not necessarily losing, but how you lose," Lalas later admitted. "A few weeks ago, we had a badresult against a rival when we needed to make major points at home in front ofa big crowd."
Any doubts as to which game Lalas was talking about?
