D.C. United have announced that the first team will play Club Deportivo Olimpia, commonly known as Olimpia, of the Honduran top-tier in an exhibition match on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018 at Audi Field. The game kicks off at 7:15 PM ET.
D.C. United have a rich and deep history with the Central American community in the DMV area.
The Honduran Ambassador, located in Washington, DC, will bring local Honduran officials, children and other connections from the area to experience the match at D.C. United’s new state-of-the-art and soccer-specific home at Audi Field.
The connection with Central America dates back to legendary player Raúl Díaz Arce from San Miguel, El Salvador who played in D.C. United's inaugural MLS season in 1996.
Díaz Arce scored 52 goals in 78 MLS appearances for the Black-and-Red and was a pivotal part of the teams that won the 1996 and 1997 MLS Cups.
Jason Levien, Managing General Partner and CEO, said: "We are incredibly excited about matching our club's talents against some of the best in Honduras. Olimpia is a historic team from a special country and we are honored to host them. We have a special relationship with the Central American community in the DMV and we are looking forward to strengthening those bonds at Audi Field."
Club legend of both D.C. United and Olimpia, prolific Brazilian forward Luciano 'Luci' 'Lucigol' Emilio, will be a Guest of Honor on the night of the game.
Emilio, who scored 41 times in 89 appearances for D.C. United and won three titles with Olimpia in Honduras, said: "There is so much emotion from me to both D.C. United and Olimpia. I love the fans of both clubs dearly and it is an honor for me to be involved in the launch and the game. My heart is always open to both D.C. United and Olimpia."
D.C. United are looking to provide unique opportunities for fan and families from the Central American communities. Those opportunities include:
- Mascot opportunities
- Flag bearers
- Anthem singers
- Media opportunities
- Coin toss opportunities
- Half-time entertainment - penalty shoot out etc
- Special recognition experiences for young people who have done exceptional work in their communities.
Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, September 5 at 10:00 AM ET via
ticketmaster.com
and the Ticketmaster Box Office at Audi Field. D.C. United Season Ticket Members will receive their season seats for this match as part of their membership. Those tickets will also be available on the Ticketmaster account manager beginning Wednesday, September 5.
