Yesterday marked the one year anniversary since D.C. United opened their new stadium Audi Field. After 21 historic seasons, which saw United raise four MLS Cups and four Lamar Hunt US Open Cups, the Black-and-Red said goodbye to RFK Stadium and moved into their new home. With a capacity of 20,000, Audi Field is a state of the art facility located in the heart of the city, allowing for D.C. United to attract big-name players like Wayne Rooney and reach a larger fanbase.
In their opening game at Audi Field on July 14, 2018, D.C. United recorded a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps. Former United player, Yamil Asad opened the scoring at the new venue, while Paul Arriola added two of his own in front of a sold-out crowd to give the Black-and-Red their first victory at the new stadium. This day also marked the debut for England’s all-time leading scorer, Wayne Rooney. Rooney came off the bench with a little over 30 minutes to play and immediately made an impact for his new club setting up Paul Arriola for his second goal of the match in the 80th minute.
D.C. United wasted no time settling into their new home at Audi Field. The Black-and-Red were in last place of the Eastern Conference before Audi field was opened, but the new stadium seemed to revitalize the club as they went from last place to a fourth-place finish and a playoff appearance. Through 27 matches, United have made Audi Field a fortress, compiling a record of 17-4-6 in MLS. The Black-and-Red have scored 53 goals through that span with a goal differential of 26.
A little over halfway through the 2019 season, D.C. United are unbeaten in their last seven MLS matches at home with an overall record of 5-2-5 at home and currently sit in second place in the Eastern Conference. In their next match at Audi Field, the Black-and-Red host French heavyweights Olympique de Marseille for an international friendly on July 23 at 8 PM ET.
