WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United clinched an MLS Cup playoff berth Wednesday night courtesy of the Columbus Crew's 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire. With the result, the Black-and-Red snatched a postseason birth for the sixth time in the club's nine-year history. To celebrate the accomplishment, D.C. United are offering a special Blackout playoff package of four tickets and four Blackout 2004 MLS Cup Playoff t-shirts for as low as $88. Groups of 10 or more and D.C. United plan holders can also purchase tickets at a reduced rate by calling D.C. United at 202-587-5000.
Click here to buy the Blackout playoff package.
D.C. United's first round opponent and schedule have yet to be determined. In the league's playoff format, the first round consists of a home-and-home series, with one match being played at each team's home field. The team with more aggregate goals will advance to the Conference Final, a single match to be played at the higher-seeded contestant's home ground.
United will play matches on Oct. 23 or 24 and Oct. 30 or 31. Should D.C. United advance beyond the opening round, the Black-and-Red would play Nov. 6 in the Eastern Conference championship game. The winner of the Conference Final travels to Los Angeles to represent the Eastern Conference in MLS Cup at The Home Depot Center on Nov. 14.
Despite exiting the 2003 MLS Cup playoffs in the first round, D.C. United do have a storied playoff past. The club played in the MLS Cup Final four consecutive seasons dating from 1996-1999. United earned three championships in that span, taking home the trophy in 1996, 1997 and 1999.
