With the installation of the D.C. United franchise, it was the first time since the 1981 that a top division pro soccer club played in the region.

Attempting to allude to the American sporting culture, original suppositions included the area's name followed by a mascot for the club.

[2] The team got off to a slow start, losing its first three games in April, but improved during the season, including a four-match winning streak in August, and qualified for the playoffs.

To date, only four other MLS sides have ever achieved any sort of "double", being regular season, playoffs, or cup competition.

The match, looking destined for sudden death extra time was abruptly halted when a penalty was called against NY/NJ in the box.

The call resulted with United's Raúl Díaz Arce notching the eventual match winner in the 89th minute of play.

D.C. United took on the Supporters' Shield winners, Tampa Bay Mutiny on October 10 to open up the Eastern Conference Finals.