D.C. United host the Los Angeles Galaxy for the last time ever in the confines of RFK Stadium on Saturday, June 3. The two teams, who have had a competitive rivalry ever since playing in the first-ever MLS Cup Final in 1996, have had some fierce battles over the years in Washington. Here are some of their most notable matches played out on the pitch at RFK.
April 20, 1996
In the very first home game for D.C. United in Major League Soccer, the Black-and-Red squared off with the Los Angeles Galaxy in front of 35,000 plus fans at RFK Stadium on April 20 of the league’s debut season in 1996. Raúl DÃaz Arce scored the first goal in United team history on a superb volley from outside the box in the historic matchup.
July 18, 1996
The first-ever win at home over the Galaxy came on July 18 of that same inaugural season in 1996, when a 3rd-minute goal from John Harkes and a 56th-minute tally from defender Eddie Pope was enough to give United the big 2-1 win. United went on to defeat the Galaxy later that season 3-2 in the inaugural MLS Cup Final.
August 9, 2007
In front of 46,686 fans at RFK anxiously awaiting his Galaxy debut, David Beckham was subbed on in the second half of an August 9, 2007 game for his first MLS appearance. Luciano Emilio spoiled Beckham’s cameo with a fierce shot from outside the 18-yard box in the 27th minute that Galaxy goalkeeper Joe Cannon couldn’t keep out.
June 2, 2008
One of the biggest wins over LA at RFK came on June 2, 2008, when Beckham, Landon Donovan, and company were defeated handily 4-1. Jaime Moreno scored a penalty in the 5th minute that was canceled out by a Edson Buddle goal in the 26th minute, but a Marcelo Gallardo goal sandwiched in between an Emilio brace gave United the win.
