Through their continued long-term partnership with the leader in local sports television, Comcast SportsNet, D.C. United announced Tuesday their regional television schedule for the 2009 Major League Soccer season. As part of its current broadcast agreement with United, Comcast SportsNet is scheduled to air 15 games this season, providing United supporters unsurpassed coverage of the Black-and-Red.
"We're excited about the team that is taking shape on the field," said United President Kevin Payne. "We feel that this is a club that will once again challenge for trophies and there is no one better equipped to cover our games than our long-time partners at Comcast SportsNet. With them, we look forward to a great season ahead."</p>
Clashes with Eastern Conference rivals the Chicago Fire on June 13 and New England Revolution on May 30, and a home match against League newcomer Seattle Sounders FC on Sept. 12 highlight Comcast SportsNet's broadcast schedule. Home broadcasts are scheduled to air in high definition and all exclusive telecasts will feature SAP audio capability, allowing the audience to listen to the game in either English or Spanish.
"As this region's destination for the most comprehensive lineup of live sporting events and original programs, Comcast SportsNet truly values its longstanding relationship with one of the most storied franchises in the region, D.C. United," said Rebecca Schulte, senior vice president and general manager, Comcast SportsNet. "United has an incredibly loyal and far-reaching fan base, and Comcast SportsNet looks forward to reaching an even broader audience with the addition of the SAP capability. Second Audio Program gives soccer fans the option to listen to the games in English or Spanish."
With the team from the very beginning, Comcast SportsNet's Dave Johnson enters his 14th season as the television voice of D.C. United. One of the premier soccer announcers in the United States, Johnson has done play-by-play of both outdoor and indoor soccer for close to 20 years, appearing on Comcast SportsNet, Fox Soccer Channel, Prime Network, ESPN, and Pax Networks. On radio, Johnson has been behind the mike for the 2000 MLS Cup, the 2000 Gold Cup, the 2000 Olympic qualifying tournament, and several US Men's National Team friendlies and World Cup qualifiers. His work as sports director at WTOP Radio was honored with an Edward R. Murrow Award in 2008. In the summer of 2006, Johnson served as play-by-play announcer for XM radio's World Cup coverage and was behind the mike for 26 games including the final in Berlin.
Thomas Rongen will return to the broadcast booth in 2009 to partner with Johnson, continuing his second stint with Comcast SportsNet as a color analyst. The former United coach also spent 2002-2004 as the station's color analyst. Rongen's playing career began with Ajax Amsterdam from 1975-1979, before he made the move to America and the NASL in 1979. He played with the Los Angeles Aztecs, Washington Diplomats and Fort Lauderdale Strikers (later the Minnesota Strikers) during his tenure in America. Rongen began his coaching career with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers (1989-1994) and also served during the same time as head coach for Nova Southeastern University (1991-1995), before becoming one of the inaugural coaches in MLS. He started with the Tampa Bay Mutiny in 1996, winning the MLS Coach of the Year Award before moving to the New England Revolution (1997-1998). Following, he joined D.C. United and led the club to its third MLS Cup in 1999. He then served as the head coach of the Under-20 United States Men's National team (2001-2005), before being named as head coach of Chivas USA for the team's inaugural season in 2005. He currently serves as the U.S. U-20 Head Coach.
Comcast SportsNet's 2009 coverage of D.C. United will also include live postgame elements such as analysis, highlights and interviews in United Postgame Live or within SportsNite following each game. The network will also provide fans pregame elements and player features within Washington Post Live and SportsNite.
Click here for D.C. United's complete broadcasting schedule.
