On March 8, D.C. United opened RFK Stadium for our 19 season with Shawn Kuykendall on our minds and in our hearts. We donned an all new jersey, complete with a new presenting partner. But Leidos was not the only name on the warm-ups that night. United players proudly wore, “#Kuykenstrong” across their backs during pre-game drills. The tribute was to honor the former player, and all-time member of our D.C. United family. The tribute was for Shawn Kuykendall. The warm-up tops were auctioned off during the remainder of the match, ultimately raising $2,090.00 to help support Shawn’s medical expenses. We are proud to announce that we will match the money raised, bringing the total amount of Black-and-Red support to $4,180 to help Shawn's family offset medical costs.
Kuykendall was a midfielder for DCU in 2005 and 2006. The Virginia native and American University alum was diagnosed with thymic cancer just 8 months ago. The diagnosis was terminal, but on March 12, 2014 when Shawn passed away, the Internet was flooded with stories of one last victory for the midfielder. As can be seen through the words of family members, friends, former teammates and those who knew him best, Shawn Kuykendall won, and we’re proud to have the opportunity to honor his name. D.C. United is KUYKENSTRONG.
