D.C. United announced yesterday that it will open its 2005 MLS season April 2 on the road against the Los Angeles expansion team and then play its home opener April 9 vs. Chicago -- five days before the Washington Nationals make their baseball debut at RFK Stadium. The remainder of United's 32-game schedule will be released next month.
United and the Nationals will share RFK until a proposed baseball stadium opens in 2008.
| _____ From The Post _____
• About 500 D.C. United fans show up at RFK on Tuesday to honor the team's victory.
• United wins their fourth MLS championship with a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Wizards.
• Mike Wise: Jaime Moreno reaches out and touches someone.
• Four years might not be a long time between championships unless you're a United fan.
• Notebook: Earnie Stewart announces he will not be back with United next year.
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• Fans congratulate D.C. United at a rally Tuesday at RFK.
_____ Discussion _____
• Share your thoughts on United's fourth MLS Cup victory.
_____ Gallery _____
• Experience United's championship victory through photos.
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United President Kevin Payne said the dirt baseball infield at RFK would be covered with a layer of grass that would be unrolled prior to soccer games. Stadium officials had considered placing dozens of grass trays over the infield but they've received assurances that the rolls of grass would work sufficiently. The portable grass will have a clay base instead of common soil to create a stronger foundation and prevent the turf from sliding out of place during game action, Payne said. It will take two days to transform the playing surface from baseball to soccer and three days from soccer to baseball.
United would actually make its first appearance at RFK on April 6 as part of an international tournament, presuming the club wins a first-round series in March.
-- Steven Goff
