The Black-and-Red's debut of Audi Field on July 14 was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season up until the stadium's opening. Sitting in last place in the Eastern Conference with only half of a season remaining, United needed a spark heading into their extended homestand, and found one with Audi Field's christening. Since July 14 United have turned their new home into a fortress, and with a postseason berth now secured the Black-and-Red's next goal is to cap off their unforgettable Audi Field inaugural season by bringing playoff games back to their home in the District.
"With just a little more we can secure home-field advantage, and I think that is the talk of the locker room right now, how do we go get home-field advantage?” goalkeeper Bill Hamid said.
The Black-and-Red and LAFC, who also opened their new home, Banc of California Stadium, earlier this year, are both in prime positions to host postseason games just a few short months after opening their doors for the first time. Past MLS teams to host playoff matches in their stadium's debut seasons include Atlanta United (Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2017), the Houston Dynamo (BBVA Compass Stadium in 2012), Sporting Kansas City (Children's Mercy Park in 2011), the New York Red Bulls (Red Bull Arena in 2010), the Seattle Sounders (CenturyLink Field in 2009), Real Salt Lake (Rio Tinto Stadium in 2008), the Chicago Fire (Toyota Park in 2006), FC Dallas (Toyota Stadium in 2005), the LA Galaxy (StubHub Center in 2003), the New England Revolution (Gillette Stadium in 2002), and the Columbus Crew (Mapfre Stadium in 1999).
Home-field advantage for playoffs would serve as a perfect cherry on top of United's memorable inaugural season at Audi Field, but it would also put the Black-and-Red in an ideal position to make a deep postseason run given their impressive form at home. United have played their best soccer at Audi Field, only dropping two closely-contested matches at home and picking up massive wins over Atlanta United, the Montreal Impact, FC Dallas, and New York City FC along the way.
Wayne Rooney commented on the significance of earning home-field advantage, but said United's outlook and preparation will remain the same, regardless of where they're playing, regardless of who they're playing.
"Of course [home-field advantage] can be important, obviously our form here is great, but if we host a game or we don’t we have to be confident in whoever we play, wherever we play, that we can win the game," Rooney said. "We are in great form, whether it’s at home or away we have to take that belief into that game and be ready."
The Black-and-Red will be ready to make their mark on the 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs regardless of whether they're at home or on the road, but hosting postseason games would be sure to cap off Audi Field's inaugural season in ideal fashion.
