D.C. United's new-look mascot just might be their lucky charm.
Prior to defeating the reigning MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy at home on Saturday, D.C. United unveiled a new appearance for their mascot, Talon. The eagle has been made to look more athletic, fit and appealing to kids, which is part of D.C. United's plan to have Talon more involved in grass-roots marketing.
“We were definitely looking for something that was much more athletic, much more kid-friendly,” marketing coordinator Eric Hansen, who led the redesign, told the Washington Post. “In the old suit he looked a little out-of-shape, a little baggy. We were looking for a tight-fitting jersey, something that looked almost like a player out there: athletic, able to move around, able to play soccer if he needed to, that kind of thing.”
Along with, ahem, hitting the gym in preparation for the summer, Talon now has a Twitter account @TalonDCU. D.C. United officials have said he is already making a positive impact.
“He looks very fit, very jacked and very kid friendly,” Hansen said. “So we’re excited to see where it goes from here.”
