It has been a long, long journey but we are finally here: D.C. United’s final match at RFK Stadium. While Sunday’s game between United and the New York Red Bulls will mark the end of United’s time at RFK it will close a long, storied chapter of soccer not just in Washington D.C., but also the United States as a whole. It is the only stadium in the the United States to host all of the following: the U.S. Open Cup Final, the MLS Cup Final, the NASL Soccer Bowl, the Men’s and Women’s World Cup, and the Summer Olympics.
Over the past several months Prost Amerika has reached out to some of the many players, coaches, and luminaries who have made RFK Stadium what it is today. It is a potpourri of the heroes, the villains (and in the case of Mike Petke -both), and the local players who have grown up in the Washington D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area and gone on to great things in this game.
Please enjoy their thoughts on the stadium and some of their stories about this soccer landmark.
A quick thanks as well to the various teams and to U.S. Soccer for their help on this and to Steven Agen and Radio Cascadia for the interview with Alex Caulfield.
Jill Ellis-Head Coach, United States Women’s National Team
Ellis is an alumni of William & Mary and a resident of Virginia.
In 1981, the year I came to America, I went to RFK Stadium and watched the Washington Diplomats play. It was the first professional soccer game I saw in United States. The stadium is a part of a lot of great memories for me. I saw my first World Cup match there. I saw the first my first Redskins game there. I’ve coached the National Team there. We all know that eventually the life of stadiums come to an end, but RFK had 50-plus years of amazing games, history and memories. It’s a place that will always be special to me.
Perry Kitchen- Midfielder, Randers
Kitchen made 158 appearances for D.C. United and helped the side win the 1998 U.S. Open Cup.
Thoughts on RFK Stadium:
I think it is a little bittersweet, to be honest. Having played at RFK for five seasons, I definitely have some great memories there. RFK is a special place, but it has certainly seen better days, and I think it is ultimately time for the club to move on. The fans and club deserve a home of their own and I am looking forward to seeing the team in their new stadium.
Making my professional debut at RFK back in 2011 is definitely a special memory. Another wild memory is the 6-4 game we had against Real Salt Lake there[2016]. That was one of the craziest games I have ever been a part of. I also earned an international cap at RFK last October and that was a very special moment for me. I have plenty of other great memories wearing the Black and Red at RFK but these are just a few.
Ali Krieger – Defender, Orlando Pride and United States Women’s National Team.
Krieger, a former member of the Washington Freedom and Washington Spirit, has made 98 appearances for the U.S. Women’s National Team.
Thoughts on RFK Stadium:
RFK is such a monumental stadium and holds many of my favorite soccer memories! Even though it’s been the heart of sports in DC forever, if it stands one more day it may crumble all by itself. It’s way past time for DC to have a soccer-specific stadium! The city, community and both men’s (MLS) and women’s (NWSL) clubs deserve it.
Favorite memory from RFK Stadium:
Believe it or not, I scored a hat trick in 2004 for the Freedom Reserves. Yes, you read that correctly. But my absolute favorite memory of RFK has to be when I was 11 years old and three-foot nothing, winning the 1995 Kellogg’s Cup for the Prince William Sparklers against one of our club rivals, the Chantilly Hurricanes. I also remember watching Switzerland vs. Nigeria and Holland vs. Spain with my Dad at the 1994 Men’s World Cup.
Tom Soehn – Interim Head Coach of the New England Revolution
Soehn was D.C. United’s Assistant Coach from 2003-2007 and was their head coach from 2007-2009. Under his tenure the club won the 2007 MLS Supporters’ Shield and the 2008 U.S. Open Cup
Thoughts on RFK Stadium:
I had a lot of good memories. I spent six years at RFK. It’s an old stadium, but when you’re there that long, you have a lot of good memories. It’s a venue that will be missed. Knowing that they’re building a new stadium, I’m sure when you enter that new stadium, there will be a new excitement in the city.
Favorite memory from RFK Stadium:
We won a penalty shootout against the Revolution of all teams that got us to the final [in 1997]. That was one of those emotional moments that you just don’t ever forget.
Carlos Llamosa – Assistant Coach of the New England Revolution
Llamosa made 73 appearances for D.C. United from 1997-2000 and made 29 appearances for the United States Men’s National Team. During his time with United he would win two MLS Cups (1997 and 1999), the 1998 CONCACAF Champions Cup, and the 1998 MLS Supporters’ Shield.
Thoughts on RFK Stadium:
It’s sad to see those guys walk away from that stadium with a lot of memories, good memories from that stadium. But also they need a new venue, a soccer-specific stadium for the team.
Favorite memory of RFK Stadium:
Definitely the best memory I have is MLS Cup in 1997, when I personally won it for the first time against the Colorado Rapids.
Lewis Neal – Midfielder, Orlando City B
Neal made 53 appearances for D.C. United from 2012 to 2014. He also scored the game-winning goal for United in the 2013 U.S. Open Cup Final against Real Salt Lake, one of the greatest upset in Open Cup final history.
Thoughts on RFK Stadium:
Obviously emotional for a lot of people involved. RFK gets its fair share of stick in terms of being an older building but me personally, I had a lot of very, very fond memories there. I used to love playing in front of the crowd there at RFK. Certainly a very historic stadium. It’s a pretty iconic and historic stadium and it’s going to be gone forever and it’s something that I’m sure a lot of people in and around the club are going to want to celebrate, and rightly so.
Favorite memory from RFK Stadium:
My fondest memory has to be, I was fortunate enough to score the winner in the Columbus Crew game that put us into the playoffs for, I think it was the first time in 5 seasons that D.C. had gotten back into the playoffs so that was certainly a fond memory for me.
Jim Gabarra- General Manager and Head Coach, Washington Spirit
Thoughts on RFK Stadium:
For me, RFK will always be one of if not the most historically significant U.S. Soccer shrines. I can’t believe that has taken this long for D.C. United to get to its last season at RFK.
Favorite memory from RFK Stadium:
April 14, 2001 WUSA inaugural match, a picture perfect day, record crowd with all the US Women’s National Team mega stars and dignitaries all in attendance. The patriotic feeling of an eagle flying in at end of the national anthem and a win that was the norm for home teams in all sports at RFK.
Claudio Reyna-Director of Football Operations, New York City Football Club
Thoughts on RFK Stadium:
It’s sad to see RFK go but I think everyone can agree that it’s time to move on.
Favorite memory from RFK Stadium:
I have two favorite memories – 1) When the US beat Mexico 4-0 and I had 2 goals and 1 assist and 2) The 1996 Olympic game vs. Portugal when we tied 1-1 and the stadium was sold out and rocking like never before. One of my personal favorite atmospheres I ever played in the US.
Alecko Eskandarian – Senior Manager: Player Relations and Competition, Major League Soccer
Eskandarian made 81 appearances and scored 20 goals for United from 2003 to 2006. In 2004, he would score twice and earn MLS Cup MVP honors in United’s 2-0 win over Sporting Kansas City.
Thoughts on RFK Stadium:
Of course it’s sad that this will be the final season that D.C. United plays at RFK Stadium because we had so many great memories there. However I’m very happy for the club and the fans that they will finally be moving to a soccer specific stadium.
Favorite memory of RFK Stadium:
I have many great memories at RFK so it’s difficult to pick just one… Here are my top three: the feeling of scoring my first professional goal in 2003, the incredible atmosphere at the 2004 Eastern Conference Championship game vs New England, and the incredible support the fans showed me in my first game back in 2006 after being out for a year with a concussion.
Andrew Jacobson- Defender, Vancouver Whitecaps
Jacobson made 17 appearances for United in 2009.
Thoughts on RFK Stadium:
There’s a lot of history to it, but that being said I think it’s going to revamp soccer in DC. It’s a fantastic supporters group, fantastic fan base, unbelievable city, it’s going to be a top-notch club when it’s all done.
Favorite memory of RFK Stadium:
Probably sitting there at halftime, and the water drip down into the locker room, and seeing some of the rats running across the room.
Joanna Lohman- Defender, Washington Spirit
Lohman has made 39 appearances for the Spirit and previously played for D.C. United Women’s side in 2012 and the Washington Freedom in 2009. She was also born and raised in Silver Spring, MD.
Thoughts on RFK Stadium:
RFK Stadium is synonymous with Washington, D.C. It has been the host of many historic sporting events and has a stoicism that puts true meaning into ‘home-field advantage’. The fact that this is D.C. United’s final season at RFK, it is both bitter and sweet. It signifies the end of an era but the beginning of bright new future for the team.
My favorite memory of RFK stadium was watching the Washington Freedom play there in its inaugural season. It marked a significant movement in women’s soccer and women’s sports. It was the springboard for my own professional career and the first real time I got a glimpse into my future and the future of so many youth soccer players.
First, it has hosted one of Major League Soccer traditional franchises whose fans have a lot of energy. For footballers it was always awkward to be playing in a baseball stadium because it is shaped different. But the pitch was always good it was just that the setup and the lines were not set up for soccer. I am always happy to see stadiums and fields specific to soccer so that will make me feel better.
Jacori Hayes- Midfielder, FC Dallas
Hayes played for D.C. United’s under-23 side in 2015 and was born at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.
Favorite memory and thoughts on RFK Stadium:
I played there two summers ago as part of the D.C. United U-23 program against Southampton during their preseason warm-up tour. It was a special game, getting the chance to play against an English Premier League side. But my most fond memories are just getting the chance to go with games with Dad and siblings. To see the stands bouncing up and down it is unbelieveable. It is kind of unfortunate that the stadium has decayed a bit and gotten a little bit rusty. But it is going to be great for D.C. United to move into a new stadium.
This is where the Washington Redskins played, it is where the Washington Nationals first played when they came to the area, and it is where D.C. United has played since the beginning. It holds a special place in all of D.C. fan’s hearts. But I think it is time to move on and I think it is better for Major League Soccer that D.C. United moves on to a soccer-specific stadium.
Andrew Dykstra-Goalkeeper, Sporting Kansas City
Dykstra made 14 appearances for United from 2012-2016 and grew up in Woodbridge, Virginia.
Thoughts on RFK Stadium:
Funny enough, my parents first date was at RFK. My dad took my mom to watch a Detroit Lions versus Washington Redskins football game.
When I first arrived in D.C., I thought the idea of an old stadium with the history it had was something really cool to be a part of. The grounds crew always did their best to keep the field in good shape despite numerous concerts and events that were held there. But by the end of my time with United, you could really see the deterioration of the stadium and the need for something new. As time went on, my feeling for nostalgia dissipated and I think everyone at United was and is ready for something new. It’s very exciting for D.C. and the League.
Peter Vermes-Head Coach, Sporting Kansas City
Vermes won the 2000 MLS Cup with the Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting Kansas City) at RFK Stadium.
Thoughts on RFK Stadium:
When founding teams continue to progress, it’s fantastic for the League and the continuous growth of the game in this country.
Favorite memory of RFK Stadium:
Finishing off the double by winning MLS Cup in 2000 at RFK Stadium on a beautiful day. It was one of the best days of my career. I remember carrying the trophy around the field that day and it’s a feeling I will never forget.
Nick Rimando-Goalkeeper, Real Salt Lake
Rimando made 98 appearances for United from 2002-2006 and was a member of their 2004 MLS Cup winning side.
Thoughts on RFK Stadium:
I spent my first five years there and their current coach [Ben Olsen] was my roommate there and of course I won a championship there so I have a lot of good memories there. I have seen some gnarly stuff there but I have also had a lot of good memories there.
Mike Petke- Head Coach, Real Salt Lake
Petke made 58 appearances for United from 2003-2005 and was a member of their 2004 MLS Cup winning side. He also played and coached the New York Red Bulls (formerly New York/New Jersey MetroStars) which means he probably got some stick from United supporters through the years.
Thoughts on RFK Stadium(Note: This quote came after RSL’s match against D.C. in August):
I won a championship here. Greatest feeling that I had when I was here was watching Barra Brava and the rest of the supporters in the stands that had the hydraulics on it just jumping up and down and the whole stands were moving and how loud they were and the guys that I played with while I was here. [D.C. United] is one of if not the best organizations in the league’s history with all that they have won, along with L.A. [Galaxy]. I’m glad that they are moving into a new stadium but to me [RFK] will always be D.C. United.
Collin Martin- Midfielder, Minnesota United FC
Martin made 15 appearances for United from 2013-2016 and is originally from Chevy Chase, Md.
Thoughts on RFK Stadium:
I think it is sad. Obviously they are moving on and the people of D.C. have been ready for a new stadium and I think people are excited about that. Although I think people are sad that it is coming to an end I think people are excited for what is to come.
Favorite memory of RFK Stadium:
I remember when I was six, seven, or eight playing at halftime when I was a kid. And of course being on the first team and playing on that field as a pro was pretty special. Just special moments. But yeah we would practice there everyday and my locker was there so I spent a lot of time there. So I don’t have one particular favorite moment but I spent a lot of time there.
Josh Wolff- Assistant Coach, Columbus Crew SC
Wolff played for United from 2011-2012 and was an assistant coach for D.C. from 2012 to 2013. He also made 52 appearances for the USMNT.
Thoughts on RFK Stadium:
I think it is a little bittersweet but probably a little more sweet. It is a bit of a relic in the sense of how long the stadium has been around but at the same time it is also sentimental because it is one of the originals and I think D.C. United gave this league a face for a long time. They brought championships and quality and given that it is in the nation’s capital it has its place in history. Some fantastic teams and some fantastic events there not just for D.C. United but also the U.S. National Team and I think that is what you will miss the most is some of those memories. A great venue and a great host for many important games. So I am sad to see it go but the league is in a different place now and they are due a bit of a facelift and they are going to get a great stadium.
Favorite memory of RFK Stadium:
It is more memories than one single memory. When you play with the National Team and you have events there or are watching them on TV the fans, the team, and the city it just takes on a whole other role. When you represent the United States it was an impactful time playing in that stadium and they did a great job showing us their and making it feel special. That will be missed.
Pat Onstad-Assistant Coach, Columbus Crew SC
Onstad made three appearances for United in 2011 and was an assistant coach for D.C. from 2011 to 2013.
Thoughts on RFK Stadium:
It has obviously been a pretty historic monument, so to speak, for soccer in the U.S. and I have just kind of been here at the tail end of it. But my memories are from MLS and I actually had a game there where I was knocked out and still played the last fifteen minutes. I still do not know what happened so if anyone remembers I would like to see it.
Favorite memory of RFK Stadium:
I actually took my daughters to an El Salvador-Honduras game there. When a goal was scored you could actually see and feel the stadium shaking.
Gregg Berhalter-Sporting Director and Head Coach , Columbus Crew SC
Berhalter made 44 appearances for the United States Men’s National Team
Thoughts on RFK Stadium:
I have a lot of fond memories of competing in some intense games there. It has a great tradition of soccer and we are going to miss the stadium for sure. When you think of the number of high-level games there it is quite impressive.
Favorite memory of RFK Stadium:
That’s difficult to say. I played in a number of games there with the National Team, with L.A. One game that comes to mind was a qualifier against Panama [October 14, 2004] where they were in pretty good form and we beat them 6-0. It was one of those moments where everything was coming together, everything was working well, you have the crowd behind you and you are able to get a comprehensive victory.
Joe Willis- Goalkeeper, Houston Dynamo
Willis made 21 appearances for United from 2011 to 2014.
Thoughts on RFK Stadium:
To be honest, it is kind of an old stadium. It is kind of falling apart. I think the fans in D.C. and the club deserve a nice, new stadium and to be honest I am happy to see that it is finally coming together. But I think RFK is a monument.I have a lot of great memories there, for sure. But it is time to move on and time for something a little nicer. As I said I think that the fans and the city deserve something a little better venue and it is great to see that it is finally coming to fruition.
Favorite memory of RFK Stadium:
Making my professional debut, for sure. It was in 2011 and was a 4-0 victory against the Vancouver Whitecaps. I was my first game. It was definitely a great memory and something that I will never forget.
DaMarcus Beasley- Defender, Houston Dynamo and U.S. Men’s National Team
Beasley has made 126 appearances with the U.S. Men’s National Team and has three goals at RFK Stadium.
Thoughts on RFK Stadium:
I am sure for everybody it is bittersweet. For me, obviously with the National Team we have played a lot of games there, I have a lot of success there, and I have scored a couple of goals in that stadium. It is historic and obviously D.C. United there is some emotion tied to it and there are some people that are going to miss it.
Favorite memory of RFK Stadium:
For me, it was the match against Uruguay. It was probably one of the best matches that I had and I scored in that game. It was before the ’02 World Cup and that was probably my fondest memory of [RFK]. Obviously I have scored in other games at [RFK] but for me that stands out because we ended up winning 2-1 and that was one of my best games.
Alex Caulfield- Senior Director of Communications, Seattle Sounders FC
Caulfield was the Manager of Media Relations for D.C. United from December 2009 to February 2012.
What was your experience like working with D.C. United and at RFK Stadium:
So D.C. United was my first job in Major League Soccer. A couple of guys that will not be known to most but for those that work in and around MLS will ring a bell but Doug Hicks and Kyle Sheldon, now with the Sounders, brought me in from the Seattle Wolves, which was a PDL team here in Seattle and were playing here at Starfire at the time. I remember walking in to RFK, and I know that people may now think it is falling on hard times or whatever, but for me it might as well have been the Maracana or the Bernabeu or the Nou Camp. I mean it was awesome. For a guy who was getting his first crack at working in MLS it actually meant a lot.
So the first thing that struck me was the history. You walk around the building and you see immediately the accomplishments that D.C. United had achieved but not just that. The Washington Diplomats had played there, the concerts that had been put on there over the years. Big, big, names. Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, U2 you name it. The Rolling Stones. They had all passed by there at point or another. Multiple sports franchises whether it was the Nationals or the Senators.
It was actually for me kind of an amazing time because you are working for a team was playing in a building that was perhaps a little bit antiquated, but it did have that sense of history and they had a certain level of achievement. So because of that the club had a really good sense of itself and my first full season was Ben Olsen’s first half season in charge. Even though that first year was tough for the team, the wasn’t that great obviously and United is a proud club, it was memorable for a few reasons. Jaime Moreno was on the last legs of his career and the team had an amazing send-off for him and everything that he meant to that city and that team and to the league, in general. And then the next season Dwayne DeRosario winning the MVP in that building. And again Ben Olsen is a guy that had been with the club since 1998 as a player and as a head coach and is still there and is a guy that I personally really respect and have a lot of time for. There are a lot of guys like that. The list goes on down to Jaime and Marco Etcheverry and all of these legends that had been part of the club and guys that there are now that had put a lot of work into it. For me, as much as I think RFK maybe has a stigma for some people now and certainly the club has a brand new home they are going to and they are certainly excited about that as they should be, I think really fondly of [RFK]. it is where I got to launch my career in MLS . I met some good people there and made some real lasting friendships. Whatever happens whenever some mentions the words ‘RFK’ I will have a smile on my face.
DC United
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