D.C. United will host Club Deportivo Olimpia, more commonly known as Olimpia, in an international friendly presented by Events DC on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at Audi Field. Among those in attendance, and at the core of the friendly, will be Guest of Honor Luciano Emilio—a legend for both Olimpia and the Black-and-Red.
“I’m so glad to be a part of this friendly game,” Emilio said at the match's announcement. “It will be very nice to see fans of both teams on that day here celebrating this match.”
Emilio played for Olimpia on three separate occasions, making 20 appearance and scoring 16 goals in 2004-2005, making 56 appearances and scoring 27 goals in 2005-2006, and making five appearances and scoring one goal in 2012. The striker won four titles with Olimpia—the 2004 Apertura scoring title, the 2005 Apertura Championship, the 2006 Clausura Championship, and the 2006 Clausura scoring title—and it was at Olimpia that Emilio was scouted and ultimately acquired by D.C. United.
After arriving to the District in January 2007, Emilio burst on to the Major League Soccer scene. He scored 41 goals and added eight assists for the Black-and-Red between 2007-2010, and was named a member of MLS' Best XI, the MLS Newcomer of the Year, the MLS Golden Boot winner, and the MLS MVP in 2007. Emilio's efforts helped lead United to the 2007 Supporters' Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular season record in the league.
Both clubs still hold a special place in the legend's heart, and it will be an evening to remember as Emilio sees the teams face off against one another at Audi Field on Wednesday night.
"There is so much emotion from me to both D.C. United and Olimpia,” Emilio said. “I love the fans of both clubs dearly and it is an honor for me to be involved in the game. My heart is always open to both D.C. United and Olimpia."
The match also presents an opportunity for United to connect more deeply with the Honduran community who have helped support the Black-and-Red over the years. The Honduran Ambassador will attend the match, along with other distinguished guests from the community.
“We understand this has a good opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the two communities,” Honduran Ambassador Marlon Tabora Munoz said at the game's announcement. “We will support the game, and we’ll continue supporting these kinds of activities between D.C. United and the Honduran community.”
The friendly kicks off at 8 PM ET on Wednesday night. Tickets can be purchased here. D.C. United Season Ticket Members will receive their season seats for this match as part of their membership.
