United goalkeeper Bill Hamid boasts a special connection with the club and its history at RFK Stadium, as the Virginia native became the Black-and-Red's first-ever Homegrown Player in September of 2009 and has since asserted himself as one of the league's top netminders, with historic RFK as his regular backdrop. Of all the memories Hamid has collected at RFK, he dubs his favorite as the May 26, 2010, friendly against iconic Italian side AC Milan, whom United defeated 3-2 in front of their home fans.
In the match, Hamid, a 19-year-old with only three Major League Soccer starts under his belt at the time, made a brilliant save within the game's first minute, diving to the grass to deny a streaking Alexandre Pato. The Black-and-Red proceeded to take an early lead, with Stephen King and Chris Pontius setting up Luciano Emilio for a tap-in goal in the 20th minute.
United quickly doubled their advantage when Pontius headed in a well-placed corner kick from Santino Quaranta, beating sprawling AC Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati much to delight of the RFK faithful.
The 30,367 spectators enjoyed a clinic from Brazilian star Ronaldinho, who barely missed on several self-generated scoring opportunities, including a bicycle kick from inside the box that bounced off the right post and out.
The Black-and-Red continued to hold their own against AC Milan and increased their lead to 3-0 after a failed Abbiati clearance resulted in another score for the home side. AC Milan then spurred a furious late-game rally, finding their way back into the match with two goals from Massimo Oddo, including a powerful strike from well outside the box.
Despite the strong push from AC Milan, Hamid and the Black-and-Red backline protected their lead until time expired, giving United a memorable win at RFK against one of the world’s top clubs.
