Since Major League Soccer's inception more than 14 years ago, D.C. United fans have helped set the standard for passion and commitment among supporters of the league. But United, winner of four MLS cups, still dwells in an aging RFK stadium that approaches its 50th birthday.
On Saturday afternoon, the Black-and-Red faithful made another compelling statement on behalf of their beloved club's long-suffering quest for a new home, gathering in historic Lincoln Park before marching down East Capitol Street to RFK en masse. An estimated 1,000 fans chanted songs and waved banners like "12 Trophies, 1 Home." "I'm very happy and excited that a lot of people showed up," said Oscar Zambrana, founding member of the Barra Brava supporters' club and a leading organizer of the march. "We cannot wait. We've got to do what we have to do to support the team, because we don't want to let them go."
Club and league officials have acknowledged the possibility of United relocating from the Washington area due to the absence of progress on a new stadium. But both the organization and its fans are desperate to keep the club in the Washington region. "We certainly don't want to leave this area," team president Kevin Payne said. "We've become a tradition here — we're the winningest team that this region has ever known, in any sport. And we certainly don't want to abandon it. We have deep, deep roots here."