WASHINGTON, D.C., (August 21, 2021) – D.C. United and Leidos have announced that they have teamed-up to raise funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (National MS Society) via a club-driven “It’s in the Net!” fundraiser supporting legendary D.C. United and DC-area sportscaster, Dave Johnson and the nearly one million people in the United States living with MS.
Beginning on Saturday, August 21 with D.C. United’s match against Atlanta United and lasting through October 30 when the Black-and-Red host Columbus Crew SC, United and Leidos will contribute $1,000 when Johnson celebrates a goal scored by the club on-air with his famous line, “It’s in the Net!” up to $20,000.
“Dave is more than just the voice of our club, his influence and commitment to building community for D.C. United supporters – new and old – is second to none,” said Danita Johnson, President of Business Operations for D.C. United. “We’re proud to be able to support him and a cause that is so near and dear to him.”
“My mother lost her battle with Multiple Sclerosis, but with the support of the likes of Leidos and D.C. United, I and millions of others are going to kick MS,” said Dave Johnson. “As United Head Coach Hernán Losada preaches, “Vamos Por Más,” we will continue to go for more until we win.”
Johnson, who has called D.C. United matches since Major League Soccer’s inception in 1996, shared his diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in October 2019. He has long been a leader and vocal ambassador for the National MS Society and is registered for the Bike MS: Nation’s Capital fundraising effort that is set to take place on August 29.
“Leidos is honored to partner with legendary sportscaster Dave Johnson and D.C United in the fight against MS,” said Melissa Dueñas, Leidos senior vice president. “With Dave leading the way we hope to further groundbreaking research to find a cure.”
To join D.C. United and Leidos in our support of Dave Johnson and the National MS Society you can visit his fundraising page here.
You can watch all D.C. United matches live in English on NBC Sports Washington and www.dcunited.com and in Spanish on TeleXitos.
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About D.C. United
One of the founding clubs of Major League Soccer in 1996, D.C. United are among the most decorated teams in the United States with 13 domestic and international trophies.
D.C. United have called the District home for the past 25 seasons and play their home games at Audi Field in the Buzzard Point neighborhood of Southwest, Washington, D.C, which opened in 2018. In addition to D.C. United games, the 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium hosts over 100 events year-round, including the District’s premier arts, culinary, and music festival, Unite the District Fest. Audi Field will soon be home to America’s number one sportsbook through a partnership with FanDuel Group.
The Black-and-Red have won the MLS Cup four times (1996, 1997, 1999 and 2004), the Supporters’ Shield four times (1997, 1999, 2006 and 2007) and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup three times (1996, 2008 and 2013).
About Leidos
Leidos is a Fortune 500® technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company’s 43,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $12.30 billion for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2021. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. There is currently no cure for MS. Symptoms vary from person to person and range from numbness and tingling, to mobility challenges, blindness and paralysis. An estimated one million people live with MS in the United States. Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 and it affects women three times more than men.
About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The National MS Society, founded in 1946, funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: nationalMSsociety.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or by phone at 1-800-344-4867.
