D.C. United finished their 2018 MLS regular season with an incredible unbeaten streak that resulted in what was once an unlikely trip to the postseason. Unfortunately, those postseason dreams ended with an early exit on Thursday night after a shootout loss to the Columbus Crew. Despite the heartbreaking defeat, players and fans alike will remember the first-ever playoff game of the Audi Field era as an electric night of soccer in the District thanks to the unwavering, passionate backing of the supporters.
Throughout the highs and lows of a winner-take-all game that saw two extra-time goals and a tense penalty shootout, the D.C. fans were behind their team during the entirety of the match. All 20,600 fans who packed Audi Field created an infectious atmosphere, chanting and singing for more than two hours to support their club and to cap off Audi Field's unforgettable inaugural season in style.
“The atmosphere was incredible today,” Nick DeLeon said after the match. “I don’t think I’ve heard Audi Field rock like that, it was as loud as I’ve ever heard it.”
After the disappointing conclusion to the match, the players thanked the supporters for not only creating an incredible atmosphere for the Knockout Round, but for cheering them on all season long—from being last place in the Eastern Conference to earning a home playoff game in their Audi Field debut season. According to goalkeeper Bill Hamid, United's unbeaten streak would not have been possible without the relentless support from the fans.
“I can’t thank Washington D.C. enough for supporting us, for getting behind us, for pushing us and helping us get into the playoffs,” Hamid said after the game. “Without them, this run would have been impossible.”
“It was the best atmosphere we’ve had at Audi Field, no question,” head coach Ben Olsen added. “And that’s part of the disappointment in this whole deal, is that we don’t get to come back and reward them for the support they’ve given us. But it was great. Again, in the end, I think they appreciated the effort and I think it was also appreciation for the last couple of months.”
United may not have ended their season the way they envisioned, but there's no denying the team and the fans came together to begin fostering a truly special environment at Audi Field, and to usher in a new era of soccer in the District. The synergy between the supporters and the players has already put Audi Field at the forefront of Major League Soccer fortresses, and now the Black-and-Red will regroup, work toward next year, and eagerly await the 2019 season when they can return to their new home's pitch and continue striving to make their fans proud.
