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WASHINGTON – DC United was still five games from the opening of Audi Field – and had not yet recruited superstar Wayne Rooney – during his first visit to the Banc of California Stadium Los Angeles Football Club.
After their only win outside the 2018 season at the San Jose Earthquakes, DC scored a valuable point in a 1-1 draw through the Equalizer of Darren Mattocks at the Memorial Day weekend. They also left Los Angeles with great respect for the final leg of the league.
"A long time ago," said coach Ben Olsen. "But I really remember that it was a great place and an incredible atmosphere, and that I thought how much this club is a great addition to the league."
As we approach LAFC's first visit to DC's Audi Field this Saturday (3:00 pm ET, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada) in a conference match between the conference leaders, United is eager to show that his digs can match all players in the league. difficult for opponents, even a caliber of LAFC.
"As difficult as we had to go and score one more point last year, this is our goal for them this year," said midfielder Paul Arriola. "Come and really taste that we are at home and in the atmosphere to show that they are not the only team in the league (with) a great atmosphere."
United is 14-2-2 in all competitions on Potomac Avenue since it opened on July 14, 2018, and has been unbeaten for 15 games in all competitions. In the club's only club playoff game in that stretch, they coached Columbus Crew SC 2-2 in the playoff round of the 2018 MLS Audi Cup Selections before firing on penalties.
If Arriola, himself a native of southern California, believes the two stadiums are sacred on the MLS circuit, they are not necessarily the same.
"They have a special place, we have a special place," said Arriola. "The fans are incredible for both clubs. But different in their own kind of [way]. We build our own history with Audi and LAFC, they build their whole story. And that's an interesting thing.
While the buzz surrounding Audi Field in last year's playoffs was undeniable, Arriola was almost more impressed by the crowd's performance in less than ideal conditions. D.C.'s 2-0 win over Atlanta United FC at the opening of the 2019 season took place in an extremely cold rain.
"I'm expecting it to be packed, especially the way we started the season," said Saturday's Arriola. "And the way they showed up for the home opener against Atlanta when his 30 degrees are present, their hands and no one can feel their lips."
Olsen said, "I think it's a good game early in the game. I expect this place to be overwhelming and give us the support we need to get something out of the game. "
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