As the 2014 team began to take shape, it was evident there was something special about this group. The goal was making the postseason, and D.C. United worked tirelessly to make that a reality. Though the playoff run was cut short, it’s Black-and-Red nature to always strive for the next goal, to always stay hungry. Before we look ahead to next season’s goals, let’s take a look back at a 2014 team that brought pride to this badge.
With an overall regular season record of 17-9-8, D.C. United finished first in the Eastern Conference with 59 point, good enough for third overall in MLS, as well as the most points in D.C. United history. This campaign also marks the second time in three years the Black-and-Red has finished top three overall.
With key offseason acquisitions leading the backline, and a breakout year for goalkeeper Bill Hamid, United also finished with the fewest goals against (37) in MLS, tied for best with the LA Galaxy.
Though the MLS season ended in the Conference Semifinals, D.C. United saw major success in CONCACAF Champions League, going unbeaten in the group stage. Two wins each over Tauro FC of Panama and Waterhouse FC of Jamaica earned United the top seed for the next round, which begins in February of 2015. This will be the Black-and-Red’s second chance to win hardware outside of League play in two consecutive campaigns, having won the 2013 Lamar Hunt Open Cup in Salt Lake City last season.
2014 was certainly full of celebratory moments, let’s look at other milestones from the year:
- Bill Hamid becomes first Homegrown goalkeeper to make MLS All-Star Team
- Perry Kitchen and Hamid play in 100th MLS game
- Davy Arnaud plays in his 300th MLS game
- Eddie Johnson plays in his 200th MLS game
- Arnaud, Chris Rolfe, Fabian Espindola all score their 50th career goals
- Taylor Kemp scores first career goal, registers first career assist
- Hamid registers career high 110 saves
- Steven Birnbaum earned first MLS minutes, starts every game since June 7
- Luis Silva sets new career high: 11 goals, 4 assists
- Fabian Espindola sets new career high: 11 goals, nine assists
- Kitchen sets new career highs: 5 goals, 4 assists
- Nick DeLeon sets new career high: 5 assists
