It was another wild, must-win game for the Black-and-Red on Saturday evening, when they hosted FC Dallas, the No. 1 team in the Western Conference, at Audi Field. The game was evenly matched for the better part of 90 minutes, with both sides attempting to grind out an important win. In the end, a header from Russell Canouse in the 86th minute was the difference-maker, giving D.C. United another three points at home and lifting them above the playoff line for the first time this season. But for the Black-and-Red, the D.C. fans were also crucial difference-makers, giving the players a burst of energy in the dying moments of the game.
“Credit to our fans, they kind of brought our stadium to life and gave us the push we needed going into the end of the game,” defender Steven Birnbaum said after the match. “Obviously, we then got that goal in the 86th and we were able to hang on.”
Dallas pushed United to the brink on Saturday, testing D.C.'s backline throughout the match and challenging the attack's creativity and efficiency with their league-leading defense. Head Coach Ben Olsen acknowledged the impact the fans had on creating moments of energy that can help lead to wins against such tough opponents, like they did Saturday night. The rowdy, steadfast support has been crucial since United moved into Audi Field and started their rise up the Eastern Conference, and Olsen and the team know the fans will have an even bigger role to play in the final week of the regular season at home.
“We’re looking forward to getting back out here again on Wednesday and then having another game Sunday in front of our home fans, which have been great," Olsen said. "They’ve been a huge part of this—the extra energy when we’re tired down the stretch, I thought they helped a lot.”
“I think the fans have been brilliant, especially at home,” Wayne Rooney added. “It’s been important to us as players and I think every week it’s getting better. We’ll need them in this push to make the playoffs, and obviously if we make the playoffs, they’ll be very important.”
D.C. United are currently above the playoff line with their win over Dallas, but the fight is far from over. On Wednesday night, the Black-and-Red will host defending MLS Cup champions Toronto FC, who, despite being eliminated from playoffs, still boast plenty of threats with the likes of Jozy Altidore, Sebastian Giovinco, and Jonathan Osorio. United would feel much more comfortable in the No. 6 slot should they pick up three points on Wednesday, which would widen their gap over the Impact. Then it's another quick turnaround ahead of Sunday's game against New York City FC for their last home game of the regular season.
With playoffs on the line, the Black-and-Red players and fans gear up to defend Audi Field two more times before the postseason hits. To purchase tickets for these matches and join United in their playoff push, click here.
