This has been an amazing year for D.C. United, and Tuesday, December 2 was no exception.
Ben Olsen was deservingly named 2014 Major League Soccer Coach of the Year after guiding the Black-and-Red to the biggest single-season turnaround in MLS history, the Eastern Conference's top seed in the 2014 MLS Cup Playoffs and the top seed in next spring’s CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals. He is a leader and an inspiration for this club.
Two of Olsen’s defensive stalwarts, goalkeeper Bill Hamid and defender Bobby Boswell, were also named to the 2014 MLS Best XI. Hamid, the club’s first Homegrown product, has come into his own in front of the net. Boswell returned this season in glory to the club where his career began, was named team captain and started every game for one of the league’s best defenses.
Finally, D.C. United moved closer to approval of a permanent home in DC. The District of Columbia Soccer Stadium Development Act of 2014 was passed unanimously in a first reading and vote by the D.C. Council. With a second reading expected on December 16, we have arrived at the finish line.
"We have a deep appreciation for the D.C. Council’s continuing efforts which culminated in a unanimous 12-0 vote in favor of the stadium legislation," said D.C. United Managing General Partner Jason Levien. "This is significant step toward securing a permanent home for D.C. United. We look forward to working constructively with the Council, the majority of which has indicated a willingness to improve the legislation, and resolve any issues in advance of December 16, which promises to be a historic day for our fans and our city."
Please note that the D.C. Council vote has been changed to Wednesday, December 17 at 10 a.m.
