The following is an account of DCist's experience as part of the press corps covering DC United's 4-0 win over Celtic FC.

Ever wonder what it would be like in the press box during a big game? There'd be scores of reporters, banging away on their typewriters, cigarettes hanging from their mouths with a half inch of ash dangling precariously. A man sporting a fedora would run in and say, "Here's the scoop, ya hear?" And there would be a lot of banter. Clever banter. That's what I imagined as I approached the RFK stadium press entrance yesterday. Turns out things weren't quite like that.

We here at DCist had a special opportunity yesterday when we were able to secure a press pass and field pass to last night's game between DC United and Glasgow's Celtic FC. To score a pair of tickets to the game would be exciting enough; the matchup alone had our mouths watering. But to venture up into the hallowed domain of the sports reporter? To roam the sidelines, camera in hand, close enough to see the grass fly up from each slide tackle? There was no way we were passing this up.

All photos by leafblower. More after the cut.

It was only with mild trepidation that I approached the entrance marked "Press/VIP" at RFK stadium. There, I was met by DCist Kyle, moonlighting as our on-field photographer (see Kyle's game night photos here). We received our passes and were ushered into a private elevator. So far, so good. After taking in the media lounge and break room (decent food - the spinach dip was pretty tasty), I situated myself in the press box while Kyle took to the field.

Inside the Press Box, there were two tiers of counters, lined with placards stating name and affiliation. Passing WTOP, the Examiner, MLSnet.com, and the Express, I arrived at my seat. Many of the 14 members of Scottish media were situated to my right. Laptops and voice recorders littered the premises. The journalists kept to themselves, only occasionally sharing notes with their colleagues. Sadly, there was not a typewriter, cigarette, or fedora to be seen. Though sheilded from the driving rain, the box was oppressively humid. As I began taking my notes, warmups had already started, and it was clear that the inclement weather would effect the teams' play. Before I knew it, starting line-ups had been announced and the game was underway.

Each side had notable absences in its starting 11. DC United was playing without the services of recently selected All-Star goalie Troy Perkins and star forward Jaime Moreno, who was attending the ESPY awards. Three Celtic stars were resting from World Cup play. Aside from these ommissions, though, each team trotted out it's strongest possible players.

From the opening moments, it was apparent which side was more affected by the humidty. Celtic players had decreed their optimism for good playing conditions. Their body language on the field indicated their optimism was unfounded. As DC deftly executed one-touch passing and well-placed crosses, the Scottish side seemed sluggish, content to sit back and react to United's offensive pressure. A journalist beside me from the Scottish publication Sunday Post voiced his displeasure to no one in particular, "Call an ambulance! I'm going to collapse from the heat!" His sentiments seemed to be shared by the entire Celtic side, who looked overwhelmed by both the Washington weather, and the United attack.

It was inevitable that DC United would score. The catalyst was Christian Gomez, who terrorized the Celtic defense all game with his ability to find space and probe for weakness. His skillful possession and perfectly timed pass allowed Freddy Adu to streak into space and slot the ball past the charging Celtic keeper for United's first goal (44'). Adu proved to be a threatening force while on the field, showing tremendous pace and ball control in consistently out-classing his opposition. Throughout the game, his play drew smiles of admiration from the Scottish press.

In the first half of play, the few fouls that were committed resulted in a handshake and smile. After the break, things got a little more testy. DC continued to dominate possession and would score again on a low drive from outsife the box by substitute Jamil Walker. Celtic player began to become frustrated, often shouting at one another. Fouls occurred with more frequency, eventually escalating to a breaking point: as United brought the ball up the left wing, Celtic forward Kenny Miller slid into United's John Wilson from behind, executing a vicious scissors tackle. Miller, who had been Celtic's most dangerous attacking player thus far, was sent off with a direct red card. United made the ensuing free kick count, as Gomez curled the ball into the penalty box for a leaping Bobby Boswell to head home, and put the game away. As the game wound down, United reserve Andy Metcalf tacked on another. Celtic could not muster an attack, even against an entire side of United reserve players.

The closing whistle sounded without the addition of injury time, and the Scottish media dejectedly walked out the press box. Although they had much praise for United's effort and skill, peruse their reports and you might see a subtle dig at American soccer, an indication of their frustration. Such a barb is to be expected when a 40-time league champion gets soundly beat by a club whose league is celebrating only its tenth year. Still, it is not warranted. DC United showed its class Wednesday night, providing a shining example for American soccer to follow.

As the crowds shuffled out of the stadium, I met Kyle to discuss the game. We headed down into the catacombs of RFK, through the byzantine tunnels, past the players' luonge, and into the press room. Coach Peter Nowak gave a brief press conference, then we were on our way, passed the players lounge, passed Alecko Eskandarian signing autographs, and back outside the stadium. No, we did not serve up any hardballs for Nowak or Eskandarian. We decided our first trip into the press room was for reconnaissance only. We hope to be back, though. And yes, next time we'll have our hard-hitting questions prepared.

DCist would like to extend the our utmost gratitude to the DC United organization for faciliting our in-game experience.