Since D.C. United took part in Major League Soccer's first-ever match back in 1996, the Black-and-Red have had an up-and-down track record on opening night. As United prepares for Saturday's home opener against Sporting Kansas City, we take a look back at the club's record in openers.
SEASON OPENERS
Record: 7-7-2
Best result: 5-2 win @Tampa Bay (3/20/99)
Worst result: 4-0 loss vs. L.A. (3/25/00), 4-0 loss @SKC (3/27/10)
Note: Debuts haven't been kind to United of late, as last year's 3-1 victory over Columbus snapped a five-year winless streak on opening night. In three of the four years D.C. won MLS Cup, the Black-and-Red also won their opening match.
HOME OPENERS
Record: 7-5-4
Best result: 4-1 vs Toronto (4/5/08)
Worst result: 4-0 loss vs L.A. (3/25/00)
Note: Before beating the Crew last year, United had won just once in their previous six home openers.
AGAINST KANSAS CITY
Record: 2-4
Note: Kansas City has opened their season against D.C. six times. After losing to the Black-and-Red in 1998 and 2001, K.C. racked up wins 2003, 2007, 2008 and 2010.
Saturday's showdown between D.C. and Kansas City is schedule for 7:30 p.m. at RFK. The match will be broadcast locally on CSN+ with Tony Limarzi and John Harkes on the call. Buy tickets.
