Emotional night at RFK as D.C. United hangs on

A big and emotional night at RFK Stadium had a big and emotional beginning as D.C. United coach Ben Olsen, a former player for the Black and Red, was inducted into D.C. United’s Hall of Tradition during a pre-game ceremony:

What Olsen told the Washington Post:

“It’s wonderful. You know what the fans mean to me. My family was here. My pop [Dana Olsen] is right there with that beautiful white hat of his. So today was a family day for me and for my kids to be on the field. I don’t think they really got what was going on, but I am sure there is a picture or two they will see in 20 years and they’ll remember this was a good day. I’m excited. I’ll probably be more excited 20 years down the line when I can look back and say I am on there. For now, all I am thinking about is going to bed.”

He was also excited, of course, about his team hanging on for dear, sweet life in the final, frantic minutes of a 2-1 victory over New England.

It’s a huge lift for United, winning its first match since the news that league MVP Dwayne De Rosario would miss the rest of the season.

What New England midfielder Benny Feilhaber must have done to a universe that conspired so forcefully against him at the end of this one, only he could say. That man simply could not finish near goal, some down to misfortune or inability to communicate with teammates. Some, however, was down to the exceptional reflexes of goalkeeper Bill Hamid, who was just outstanding in United’s goal over those final few minutes.

Just ask Feilhaber.

Or just watch the highlights:

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