D.C. United, in conjunction with the Washington Freedom and the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission, announced Wednesday the club is set to play three double-headers with the Washington Freedom at RFK Stadium. The three Freedom games will take place on May 23, June 13 and July 18 ahead of D.C. United's matches set for those dates.
"We are very pleased to once again partner with the Washington Freedom," said United Executive Vice President Stephen Zack. "We are excited about the launch of WPS and feel these double headers offer a great opportunity for our fans to experience the woman's game."
The first game, on Saturday, May 23, will feature the Freedom against the New Jersey-based team Sky Blue FC at 5 p.m. ET, while United will play Real Salt Lake at 7:30 p.m. The second double-header will be on Saturday, June 13, with both teams facing their respective Chicago rivals. The women will play the Red Stars at 5 p.m., and the men's team will face the Fire at 7:30 p.m. The third date is Saturday, July 18, with the Freedom facing the St. Louis Athletica at 5:30 p.m., and United facing the Colorado Rapids at 8 p.m. </p>
"It's a tremendous opportunity for both organizations," Freedom head coach Jim Gabarra said. "We've done these in the past and they were hugely successful from both teams' points of view. I think it offers fans of D.C. United a chance to see our product and offers our fans a chance to see D.C. United's product. I just think it's a great mixture of two different markets and for us to be able to play at RFK again for three games, we're looking forward to it." </p>
The Washington Freedom returns to action in 2009 as a charter member of Women's Professional Soccer (WPS). The Freedom will be one of seven franchises in 2009, with Atlanta and Philadelphia scheduled to join WPS in 2010. The Washington Freedom begins play in the WPS having already established a tradition of excellence over the past eight years. Playing its first match in 2001 as a charter member of the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA), the Freedom advanced to the Founders Cup (the league's championship game) in 2002 and 2003, winning the title in 2003. </p>
For Washington Freedom ticket information, please call 202-547-KICK (5425). For more information on D.C. United ticket packages, please call 202-587-5000.
