As D.C. United gears up for its friendly against emergingEuropean power Paris St. Germain later this week, this seems an apt time tolook back at the club’s lengthy history in international friendly competition.
Over 17 seasons, the Black-and-Red have compiled a ratherrespectable record against the world’s best. Taking into account mid-season friendlies – and excluding preseasonmatches – United has gone 10-5-6 against international foes since John Maessnerscored an 81st minute game-winner against El Salvadoran side Luis Angel Firpoback on September 10, 1996.
MOST IMPRESSIVE RESULTS
There are a few obvious candidates for the honor of biggestnotch in D.C. United’s belt, and a pretty good argument can be made for anyand all of the following three conquests.
D.C. United 3 – AC Milan 2 (May 26, 2010)
In the midst of the club’s worst season, the Black-and-Redpulled off a major upset. DannyAllsopp, Luciano Emilio and Chris Pontius scored as United topped a Milan squadthat went on to win the 2010-2011 Serie A title.
D.C. United 1 – Real Madrid 1 (August 9, 2006)
Playing on a neutral field in Seattle, United tied a Madrid contingent thatfeatured Roberto Carlos, Ruud van Nistelrooy and David Beckham. Alecko Eskandarian scored for D.C., andBen Olsen dramatically saved a shot from Spanish legend Raul to preserve theimpressive result. Madrid would goon to win back-to-back La Liga titles.
D.C. United 0 – Boca Juniors 0 (June 23, 2002)
Nine yellow cards and one red card were shown in a friendlythat was anything but. CarlosTevez and Guillermo Barros Schelotto (who was ejected in the 37th minute) werethe big draws for Boca, which was in the middle of a stretch that would see theArgentine giants claim three of four Copa Libertadores crowns.
A win or draw against overnight power PSG on Saturday wouldalmost certainly catapult into – if not atop– this list. Did we leave out any results in ourlist of the club’s top international accomplishments?
