An uneasy feeling settled upon RFK stadium Saturday night. After going ahead 1-0, D.C. United conceded a penalty kick goal to New York Red Bull and a collective groan emanated from the crowd of nearly 22,000. Knotted at 1 after 45 minutes, the distinct possibility of an unfavorable home draw loomed on the horizon. Was this really the same team that sent 7 players to the All-Star game? The same team that routed the formidable Celtic FC and tied galactic power Real Madrid? Their 1-3-5 record in their last 9 league games would seem to suggest that no, they are not the same team.

An inspiring halftime ceremony helped United recapture the swagger they displayed during their dazzling play in the first half of the season. In honor of Marco “El Diablo” Etcheverry’s induction to the Tradition of Excellence (a ceremony similar to the retiring of a player’s number), the fans in attendance were treated to a montage of the Bolivian playmaker’s career highlights, set to the Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil”. Etchverry was joined by another Bolivian, former teammate and current United star Jaime Moreno. Though the pomp and rhetoric accompanied with Etchverry’s induction rejuvenated United’s spirit in the second half, the real difference maker was Moreno, who led his team to a 4-3 victory.

Photo by Kyle Gustafson.