As D.C. United enters its 17th season at RFK, the club is recognizing some of its most dedicated supporters. Throughout 2012, our Season Ticket Holder of the Month and Supporter Spotlight series will highlight amazing stories of commitment from every corner of the Black-and-Red's fanbase. April's STH of the Month is John Carlsson of Lorton, Virginia.
dcunited.com: Tell us your D.C. United story. How did you first come to be a fan of the Black-and-Red?
John Carlsson: We have been season ticket holders for six years. While I was stationed at Quantico with the Marine Corps my then girlfriend, now wife (shown right), brought me to my first game. We sat next to the Barra Brava and I was hooked. My family are now all members of the Barra Brava.
dcunited.com: From all the matches - both home and away - what are some of your top memories as a United fan?
JC: We have made quite a few road trips over the years, and my favorite was last season at Chivas USA. Charlie Davies scored a hat trick and presented me with his game worn jersey after the match.
Kurt Morsink is my favorite player. He has the biggest heart on the field when he is out there. He reminds me of Benny with his passion for the game and D.C. United.
The best moment: June 2007, Ben Olsen at RFK against NY Red Bulls, Benny's hat trick. What a moment!
My favorite moment ever though, has to be the D.C. United and Everton friendly last year. Thanks to the DCU Front Office, I received the red carpet treatment. My two favorite teams played each other and I was on the field as Everton warmed up and was able to meet David Moyes, Tim Howard and my all-time favorite player Mikel Arteta.
dcunited.com: We have a great picture of your daughter, Ava, wrapped in D.C. United gear at just eight days old from back in 2010. Has her fandom for the Black-and-Red grown at all as she gets older?
JC: We now have a second daughter (Piper) who is a born and bred D.C. United, Black-and-Red fan. Ava and Piper will be D.C. United fans for life...they have little choice.
