Each year another compelling chapter of the MLS Cup Playoffs is written in the history books. But as D.C. United prepare to meet the New England Revolution for the fourth time in the postseason, the two clubs’ encounter in 2004 remains arguably the greatest playoff game in league history. The other two clashes also have historical context – each time the teams have met, the winner has gone on to the MLS Cup. Take a look back at the three postseason meetings between two of the East's storied franchises.
1997 Eastern Conference Semifinals
The Black-and-Red were a cut above the rest of the competition in the league's second season. D.C. United (17-11, 55 points) rolled into the postseason with the Supporters’ Shield in tow (winning by 6 points over the Kansas City Wizards), while the Revolution (11-17, 37 points) claimed the eighth and final place in the playoffs in a 10-team league.
The gap was apparent as D.C. United rolled to a 4-1 victory at RFK Stadium in the opening match of the best-of-three series. Roy Wegerle scored the first two goals and Jaime Moreno added the second two while the Revolution managed only an 89th-minute consolation from Mike Burns to avoid a shutout.
Three days later, D.C. United prevailed in a shootout – as was the league custom at the time – following a 1-1 draw. The victory eliminated the need for a third match in the series and eliminated the Revolution as well while the Black-and-Red went on to capture a second consecutive MLS Cup.
2004 Eastern Conference Final
The atmosphere was electric with more than 20,000 black-clad fans at RFK Stadium, and the match did not disappoint. In the 11th minute, Alecko Eskandarian pounced on a loose ball near the center circle. Driving straight toward the goal, he unleashed a left-footed blast in stride that never gave goalkeeper Matt Reis a chance as it had eyes for the far right post.
While the Revs responded each time the home team took a lead, D.C. United in turn raised the quality of its goals. Jaime Moreno had the audacity and skill to bend a right-footed shot inside the near post in the 21st minute. Christian Gomez was falling away from goal as he nodded Earnie Stewart’s cross back across and past Reid in the 67th minute.
In the penalty shootout, D.C. United’s role players stepped up. Substitutes Santino Quaranta and Freddy Adu both converted their attempts along with Eskandarian before Brian Carroll fired into the left corner for a 4-3 lead. Goalkeeper Nick Rimando then took over, diving to his left to stuff Clint Dempsey, and the celebration in the District got underway.
2006 Eastern Conference Final
The Revolution returned to RFK Stadium and got their revenge two years later. Once again, D.C. United entered as the best team in MLS, having captured the club’s third Supporters’ Shield. The Revolution, however, were experienced too, coming off their second MLS Cup appearance the season before. When Taylor Twellman scored just four minutes into the game – New England’s only shot on goal all game - they had all the advantage they would need.
D.C. United outshot the Revs, 18-8, led by a team-high four shots by Ben Olsen, who had a point-blank equalizing bid cleared by Michael Parkhurst. But they were unable to breakthrough.
After nine years between postseason battles, the Black-and-Red have a chance to again seize control of their playoff history with the Revolution and extend their own 2015 season.
