Donning the Black-and-Red jersey once is a privilege for any player, but making more than 100 appearances with the D.C. United badge on your chest is an honor that only 24 players have earned since 1996. Steven Birnbaum joined that elite list of United players on March 31 when he made his 100th career Major League Soccer appearance by starting in United's back four against Sporting Kansas City.
“I’m just thankful for the opportunity [with United],” Birnbaum said. “First of all for drafting me, and then for helping me grow and play that many games.”
The California native has established himself as a fearless and capable defender in the league since he was selected second overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. Birnbaum was a part of the United starting XI for the first time in his career on June 7, 2014, in the 0-0 shutout against Columbus Crew SC. His tireless defending quickly endeared him to fans, and his aerial ability has made him a vital defensive component on set pieces as well as an attacking threat on the opposite end of the field.
Birnbaum scored his first goal for the club on June 6, 2015, against Toronto FC at RFK Stadium. The defender showcased his finishing capabilities when he slotted home a first-time volley off a 6th-minute corner kick. The 2014 MLS Rookie of the Year finalist has also supplied fans with late goal drama since joining the Black-and-Red. Three of his five career goals have come after the 85th minute, with all three goals contributing to D.C. United overturning a deficit to rescue points against opponents.
His towering header against the Colorado Rapids on Sept. 12, 2015, leveled the game at 1-1 in the 87th minute at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, and he scored the equalizer four minutes into stoppage time against the Philadelphia Union on Aug. 6, 2016. Fans will also fondly remember his goal against the New York Red Bulls on Sept. 11, 2016, when his 89th minute score gave the team an added jolt of energy and helped lead to a 95th-minute equalizer from Lamar Neagle at Red Bull Arena.
Birnbaum’s strong performances in the Black-and-Red backline led to him receiving his first U.S. Men’s National Team call-up on Jan. 29, 2015. Since his debut, Birnbaum has gone on to make 11 appearances for the USMNT and continued his record for late goals when he pounced on a 90th minute header to tilt the score to 3-2 in his country’s favor in the Americans' Jan. 31, 2016, match against Iceland.
This season, Birnbaum has remained a consistent figure in the United backline with the defender being one of only four players to play all 450 minutes of gameplay so far in 2018. As the Black-and-Red push to put together a stronger 2018 campaign and open Audi Field on a high note, Birnbaum has served as a leader in the locker room and on the pitch, keeping focused on the career goals he's carried with him through his first 100 Major Leage Soccer appearances.
“Winning. You want to win as many [games] as possible, make the playoffs and make a push for the Cup. That’s my goal every time I step on the field.”
