All posts in soccer

For better or for worse, D.C. United called RFK Stadium home for the franchise’s first 23 seasons. While the stadium, which opened back in 1961, was the backdrop of many fond memories for D.C. sports fans over the years, its best days are clearly long gone. 

With the construction of Audi Field complete, D.C. United finally has a state-of-the-art venue where fans can enjoy the black and red brand … without having to encounter a rodent infestation or fear of the building literally crumbling beneath them. 

As if that’s not enough cause for celebration, the franchise took further steps to entice fans – both old and new – to take in a match by signing one of the biggest names in modern soccer history in Wayne Rooney. Earlier this summer, the former Manchester United standout signed a three-and-a-half year deal with D.C. United, making him the team’s highest paid player while giving the club a marquee name and a much-needed infusion of talent. 

Rooney and friends have wasted little time settling in at Audi Field, as evident by their 2-0 win over the New England Revolution. Goals by Luciano Acosta and Zoltan Stieber paved the way for the team’s third home victory in eight days. 

Real Madrid and Juventus are, without a doubt, two of the biggest clubs in world soccer. The names and faces involved might change over the years, but those two behemoths remain remarkably consistent – which is why more than 70,000 fans packed into FedEx Field for a preseason friendly. 

When these two storied clubs battled in the UEFA Champions League finals last year, Real Madrid defeated Juventus, 4-1.  

In the rematch, albeit with much lesser stakes, the 12-time European champion once again emerged victorious, this time by a score of 3-1, thanks to three unanswered goals. Juventus jumped out to an early lead thanks to a Real Madrid own goal in the 12th minute, but promising youngster Marco Asensio scored twice and Gareth Bale netted the other in the win. 

Christiano Ronaldo, who is moving on to Juventus after playing nine seasons with Real Madrid, was not in attendance for the exhibition match between his former and current team. He and his Portugal teammates were taking well-deserved time off after a strong showing during the World Cup.