Last night, DC United and Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid played their way to a 1-1 draw. Arguably the most successful soccer club in the world, Real Madrid boasts a roster filled to the brim with world-class stars. But for all the mystique surrounding Madrid and its galácticos, United did not seem star-struck. Playing a spirited, competative, and technically sound brand of soccer, they stood up to Madrid and took home a result.

Though the match was announced less than three weeks ago, a massive crowd of 66,830 packed into Seattle's Qwest Field (United tried to schedule the game in its home market, but RFK was booked for the Nationals). The teams did not take long to get the crowd on its feet, as both clubs scored first-half goals. Though DC displayed superior fitness and organization in the opening minutes, Real struck first when Raúl possessed the ball in the midfield and hit Antonio Cassano with a remarkable through ball. With defender Bryan Namoff a step off of the Italian's pace, Cassano cut to the inside and blasted the ball past GK Troy Perkins and into the back of the net.

The goal seemed to add to DC United's determination, as they redoubled their attack and equalized 3 minutes later. The attack was initialized by Freddy Adu, who performed fearlessly throughout the game. Receiving the ball in the midfield, Adu streaked down the right flank, combining with Alecko Eskandarian for a beautiful give-an-go. Adu then bursted by Madrid defender Sergio Ramos and floated a cross to a charging Josh Gros. Gros laid off a pass to Christian Gomez at the top corner of the box. After a touch, Gomez threaded a ball along the top of the box to Jaime Moreno. Moreno skillfully redirected the pass into the path of Eskandarian, who buried a shot into the lower right corner of the net.

After showing its class on the offensive end, DC proved the rigor of its defense, holding off a blistering Real attack that threatened for the remainder of the game. Time and time again, Bobby Boswell and Facundo Erpen stepped in to stop the advances of the los blancos. Troy Perkins also shined, blocking away an absolute rocket from Roberto Carlos on a set piece. Perkins also displayed good judgment in coming out of net to clean up balls without putting himself in danger in the process. Perkins was aided by a little lady luck in injury time; Cicinho beat Perkins from 20 yards, only to see his shot deflect wide off of the far post.

Unfortunately for DC United, Madrid's defense got more stingy as the game progressed. Coming in as a second half sub, World Cup MVP runner-up Fabio Cannavaro displayed his trademark anticipation in disrupting United's passing lanes. Brazilian defender Emerson proved that despite looking 53 years old, he is still one of the best ball-winners in the world.

When the closing whistle sounded, DC United walked away with confidence, knowing that they had just matched up against one of the world's best and for 90 minutes were their equals. Though it was only an exhibition game, Real fielded its best players (with the exception of the injured Ronaldo), many of them playing for a spot in the starting lineup. The tie was a result of a complete effort by United, one that is sure to bring them even closer together in the games to come.

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