Photo courtesy of D.C. United

I suppose for D.C. United, it was a matter of time before they donned a kit predominantly consisting of black and red, after all, we are also known as the “Black and Red.” Earlier today, several United players capped off D.C. United Day at the Washington Auto Show with an unveiling of a third kit to be worn during the upcoming 2011 season. “We’re very excited about the new look that this alternate jersey will provide our team,” said D.C United Executive Vice President Stephen Zack in a press release, adding, “the fact that the Volkswagen logo is so prominent on the front of our shirt is not lost on us.” At night, Zack also fights crime as Captain Obvious.

As of 3 p.m. today, the jerseys were put up for pre-order in the D.C. United online store for $110, a portion of which will be donated to the Red Card Cancer organization.

For the most part, initial reactions to the new red-colored kit on the United’s website have been positive — albeit few see how the new kit will help the club turn around from last year’s losing record. While some see the red jersey as a vast improvement from the white away game jersey, I doubt any color can top the current black home jersey. Nothing can replace the menacing presence of the Screaming Eagles section, all wearing black and chanting in unison. For the complete-ist, the red kit will be a must purchase, but the black will see the most wear for now.