Finishing as runners-up in MLS Cup '98 and second-place in the regular season standings, United failed to defend both domestic honors.

It was only the third time in CONCACAF history that an American soccer club reached the Champions' Cup final (previously achieved by Los Angeles Galaxy the previous season and New York Pancyprian-Freedoms in 1984 though they were disqualified without playing in the finals).

D.C. United ended their sophomore campaign on a high note, claiming the "league double", earning both the Supporters' Shield (regular season), and the 1997 MLS Cup championship (postseason).

During the 1997 campaign, the club nearly earned a tuble, which is to win four or more top tier trophies during a single season, but ultimately fell short of that.

In the continental club tournament, the CONCACAF Champions' Cup, United finished in third place, after falling to Los Angeles Galaxy in the semifinals.