D.C. United gave fans plenty to cheer about in their inaugural season at Audi Field. The Black-and-Red finished the regular season with 12 wins in their new stadium, including a five-game win streak that helped lift the squad into a spot in the postseason.
The first win for the Black-and-Red at Audi Field came in the team’s inaugural match in their new home. Yamil Asad opened the scoring in the 26th minute, finding the top-corner with an incredible curling shot from outside the box. Two goals from Paul Arriola in the 69th and 80th minutes sealed the 3-1 victory for United, giving fans a glimpse of what was to come at Audi Field.
From July 28th to August 19th, United compiled a four-game win streak at home with victories over the Colorado Rapids, Orlando City, the Portland Timbers, and the New England Revolution. During that streak, the Black-and-Red outscored opponents 11-4. Wayne Rooney, who would go on to win United’s Golden Boot, opened his scoring account against Colorado before adding an additional two goals over the streak. Luciano Acosta scored four of his own during this run, including a hat-trick against Orlando City; his last-minute header that gave the Black-and-Red the win has been immortalized as part of “The Tackle”.
United tacked on wins against the eventual MLS Cup champions, Atlanta United, and Minnesota United, before starting a five-game win streak that would lift them into the postseason. The Black-and-Red started that streak in style with a pivotal 5-0 victory over the Montreal Impact. The next three games featured outstanding defensive displays from United, grinding out one-goal victories against the Chicago Fire, Toronto FC, and FC Dallas. Rooney collected three of the four goals scored in these matchups, including a stunning free-kick from distance against Toronto.
The final 3 points of the Black-and-Red’s improbable run of results at Audi Field came in a 3-1 victory over New York City FC. With that win, the Black-and-Red punched their ticket to the postseason, completing a turnaround that seemed impossible as United kicked off in their new fortress. After 1,080 minutes, 31 goals, and 12 wins, the Black-and-Red are looking forward to 2019 and another season of wins at Audi Field.
