What was the MLS Cup 1997?

The MLS Cup 1997 was the second championship match of Major League Soccer (MLS), determining the champion of the 1997 season. It was contested between D.C. United and the Colorado Rapids.

Which teams competed in the MLS Cup 1997?

The MLS Cup 1997 featured D.C. United, the defending champions, and the Colorado Rapids.

What was the final score of the MLS Cup 1997?

D.C. United defeated the Colorado Rapids with a final score of 2-1 in the MLS Cup 1997.

Where was the MLS Cup 1997 held?

The MLS Cup 1997 was held at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C.

What was the attendance for the MLS Cup 1997?

The MLS Cup 1997 had an announced attendance of 57,431 spectators, marking a sellout and setting a new attendance record for a single MLS playoff match at the time.

What were the weather conditions during the MLS Cup 1997?

The match was played during a rainstorm with temperatures around 46°F (8°C), conditions that were similar to the previous year's MLS Cup final.

Who scored the goals for D.C. United in the MLS Cup 1997?

Jaime Moreno scored the opening goal for D.C. United in the 37th minute, and Tony Sanneh extended their lead with a header in the 68th minute.

Who scored the lone goal for the Colorado Rapids in the MLS Cup 1997?

Adrián Paz scored a consolation goal for the Colorado Rapids in the 75th minute.

Who was named the MLS Cup MVP for the 1997 final?

Jaime Moreno of D.C. United was named the MLS Cup Most Valuable Player for his performance in the final.

What was the significance of RFK Memorial Stadium hosting the MLS Cup 1997?

RFK Memorial Stadium was the home venue for D.C. United, the defending champions. Its selection as the host venue meant the final was played on their home turf.

How did D.C. United perform in the 1997 regular season?

D.C. United had a strong regular season, finishing atop the Eastern Conference and the overall league standings with 55 points, despite participating in multiple competitions and dealing with player call-ups for World Cup qualifying.

What notable achievements did D.C. United receive in the 1997 season?

D.C. United's head coach Bruce Arena was named MLS Coach of the Year, Eddie Pope was named MLS Defender of the Year, and four United players were selected for the MLS Best XI.

How did the Colorado Rapids reach the MLS Cup 1997 final?

The Colorado Rapids qualified for the playoffs with a losing record, finishing fourth in the Western Conference. They achieved this through a "Cinderella run," winning two upset victories in the conference semifinals and finals.

What was the Colorado Rapids' performance like in the 1996 season compared to 1997?

The Colorado Rapids finished last overall in MLS during their inaugural 1996 season. For 1997, they overhauled their roster under new coach Glenn Myernick and general manager Dan Counce, implementing a possession-oriented style which led to their improved performance and playoff appearance.

Describe the playoff format used in MLS in 1997.

The 1997 MLS playoffs consisted of three rounds: conference semifinals, conference finals, and the MLS Cup final. The first two rounds were two-legged, best-of-three series, with the conference champions advancing to the single-match final held at a predetermined neutral venue.

How did D.C. United advance through the 1997 playoffs?

D.C. United defeated the New England Revolution 4-1 in the first leg and drew 1-1 (winning 4-3 on penalties) in the second leg of the conference semifinals. They then beat the Columbus Crew 3-2 at home and 1-0 away in the conference finals to reach the MLS Cup.

How did the Colorado Rapids navigate the 1997 playoffs?

The Colorado Rapids upset the top-seeded Kansas City Wizards in the conference semifinals with a 3-0 away win and a 3-2 home win. They then defeated the Dallas Burn 1-0 away and 2-1 at home in the conference finals to secure their spot in the MLS Cup.

What were some of the unique rules used in MLS during the 1997 season?

MLS used a modified version of soccer rules, including penalty shootouts from 35 yards to decide tied matches (with the winner earning one point) and a countdown clock that stopped during dead plays.

How was the MLS Cup 1997 broadcast?

The match was broadcast on ABC in the United States, reaching an estimated television audience of 2.2 million viewers. It was also televised internationally by ESPN International and aired in the United Kingdom on Eurosport.

What was the television viewership for the MLS Cup 1997 in the U.S.?

The broadcast on ABC was watched by approximately 2.2 million viewers in the United States, which set a record for MLS Cup viewership that stood until the 2016 final.

What happened at RFK Memorial Stadium after the MLS Cup 1997 final concluded?

Following D.C. United's victory celebrations, a railing in the upper stands of RFK Memorial Stadium collapsed, resulting in minor injuries to about 50 fans.

What was the significance of the MLS Cup 1997 for the Washington, D.C. area?

The MLS Cup 1997 marked the first time a major sports championship for the Washington, D.C. area was won at a stadium located within the city itself.

Did D.C. United achieve any other major honors in 1997 besides the MLS Cup?

Shortly after winning the MLS Cup, D.C. United competed in the U.S. Open Cup Final, aiming for a "treble." However, they lost that final to the Dallas Burn in a penalty shootout after a scoreless draw.

What happened to D.C. United and the Colorado Rapids in the 1998 CONCACAF Champions' Cup?

Both D.C. United and the Colorado Rapids qualified for the 1998 CONCACAF Champions' Cup. The Rapids were eliminated in the qualifying playoff round, while D.C. United went on to win the tournament, becoming the first American team to be crowned continental champions.

Who were the key players for D.C. United in the 1997 MLS Cup?

Key players for D.C. United included goalkeeper Scott Garlick, defenders Jeff Agoos, Carlos Llamosa, and Eddie Pope, midfielders Marco Etcheverry, John Harkes (captain), Tony Sanneh, and Richie Williams, and forwards Raúl Díaz Arce and Jaime Moreno.

Who were the key players for the Colorado Rapids in the 1997 MLS Cup?

Notable players for the Colorado Rapids included goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann, defenders Peter Vermes, Marcelo Balboa (captain), and Sean Henderson, midfielders Paul Bravo and Chris Henderson, and forwards David Patiño and Steve Rammel. Adrián Paz was a notable substitute.

What was the head coach for D.C. United in 1997?

Bruce Arena served as the head coach for D.C. United during the 1997 season.

Who was the head coach for the Colorado Rapids in 1997?

Glenn Myernick was the head coach for the Colorado Rapids in the 1997 season.

How did the regular season meetings between D.C. United and the Colorado Rapids in 1997 turn out?

In their three regular season meetings, D.C. United won 5-2 in April and 5-0 in June. Colorado Rapids won a shootout following a 2-2 draw in August.

What was the role of Jaime Moreno in D.C. United's victory in the MLS Cup 1997?

Jaime Moreno scored the opening goal of the match and was also named the MLS Cup Most Valuable Player. He was instrumental in D.C. United's attack throughout the game.

What was the significance of Tony Sanneh's goal in the MLS Cup 1997?

Tony Sanneh scored D.C. United's second goal in the 68th minute with a header from a cross by John Harkes, extending their lead to 2-0 and ultimately proving crucial in their 2-1 victory.

How did the Colorado Rapids' playoff run compare to their regular season performance?

The Colorado Rapids had a losing record in the regular season and finished fourth in their conference, but they achieved significant upsets in the playoffs, defeating higher-seeded teams to reach the MLS Cup final, showcasing a dramatic turnaround.

What was the context of D.C. United's participation in multiple competitions during the 1997 season?

D.C. United juggled their MLS schedule with participation in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup and the U.S. Open Cup. This demanding schedule required them to rotate their lineups extensively, demonstrating significant roster depth throughout the season.

What was the attendance record mentioned in relation to the MLS Cup 1997?

The attendance of 57,431 for the MLS Cup 1997 was the second-largest attendance for any sporting event ever held at RFK Memorial Stadium, coming close to the record set during the 1996 Summer Olympics.

What was the outcome of the MLS Cup 1996, and how did it relate to the 1997 final?

D.C. United were the defending champions from the 1996 MLS Cup. The 1997 final was played in rainy conditions, mirroring the weather of the previous year's final, which D.C. United also won.

Which MLS teams qualified for the 1998 CONCACAF Champions' Cup based on the 1997 season?

D.C. United and the Colorado Rapids earned berths to the 1998 CONCACAF Champions' Cup as the U.S. representatives based on their performance in the 1997 MLS season.

What was the "Cinderella run" mentioned in relation to the Colorado Rapids?

The "Cinderella run" refers to the Colorado Rapids' unexpected success in the 1997 playoffs. Despite a losing regular season record and finishing fourth in their conference, they defeated higher-seeded opponents to reach the MLS Cup final.

How did D.C. United's roster depth manifest during the 1997 season?

D.C. United utilized a different starting lineup for all 39 of their league and cup matches in 1997, showcasing the depth of their squad. This was partly due to player call-ups for national teams and participation in multiple tournaments.

What was the final match of the 1997 U.S. Open Cup, and what was D.C. United's involvement?

D.C. United played the Dallas Burn in the 1997 U.S. Open Cup Final three days after the MLS Cup. The match ended scoreless, and D.C. United lost 5-3 in the subsequent penalty shootout, narrowly missing out on a "treble."

Who were the broadcasters for the MLS Cup 1997 in the United States?

The match was broadcast in the United States on ABC, with Phil Schoen providing play-by-play commentary and Ty Keough serving as the color commentator.

What international broadcasting coverage did the MLS Cup 1997 receive?

The MLS Cup 1997 was televised in over 100 foreign markets by ESPN International and was broadcast in the United Kingdom on Eurosport, marking its first international broadcast in that country.

What was the significance of the 2.2 million U.S. television viewers for the MLS Cup 1997?

The 2.2 million viewers represented a record for MLS Cup viewership at the time, indicating a growing audience for the league. This record was not surpassed until the 2016 final.

What happened to D.C. United after winning the 1997 MLS Cup regarding international competitions?

Following their MLS Cup victory, D.C. United went on to win the 1998 CONCACAF Champions' Cup and the 1998 Copa Interamericana, becoming the first American team to win the continental championship and later defeating the South American champions.

What was the referee's name for the MLS Cup 1997?

Brian Hall officiated as the referee for the MLS Cup 1997 match.

How did D.C. United's performance in the 1997 regular season standings compare to other teams?

D.C. United finished first in the regular season standings overall, accumulating 55 points. They narrowly missed matching the Tampa Bay Mutiny's 1996 record of 58 points after losing their final regular season match.

What was the outcome of the conference semifinals for D.C. United against the New England Revolution?

D.C. United defeated the New England Revolution in the conference semifinals. They won the first leg 4-1 at home and advanced after a 1-1 draw in the second leg, winning the subsequent penalty shootout 4-3.

What was the result of the conference finals for D.C. United against the Columbus Crew?

D.C. United secured their place in the MLS Cup by defeating the Columbus Crew in the conference finals. They won the first leg 3-2 at home and the second leg 1-0 away, winning the series 2-0 on aggregate.

What was the result of the conference semifinals for the Colorado Rapids against the Kansas City Wizards?

The Colorado Rapids achieved a significant upset in the conference semifinals, defeating the Kansas City Wizards. They won the first leg 3-0 away and the second leg 3-2 at home, winning the series 2-0.

What was the result of the conference finals for the Colorado Rapids against the Dallas Burn?

The Colorado Rapids advanced to the MLS Cup by winning the conference finals against the Dallas Burn. They secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg away from home and won the second leg 2-1 at home, winning the series 2-0.

What was the significance of the two Henderson brothers playing in the MLS Cup 1997?

The Colorado Rapids became the first team to feature a pair of brothers, Chris and Sean Henderson, in the starting lineup for an MLS Cup final.

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The 1997 MLS Cup

A Defining Championship

The 1997 MLS Cup marked the second championship final in Major League Soccer history. Played on October 26, 1997, at the iconic Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C., it pitted the formidable defending champions, D.C. United, against the surprising Cinderella story of the season, the Colorado Rapids. Under a persistent rain, the match delivered a memorable conclusion to the league's second season, solidifying its place in American soccer lore.

Host Venue: RFK Stadium

Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, affectionately known as RFK Stadium, served as the stage for this pivotal match. Opened in 1961, the stadium had a rich history of hosting major sporting events, including previous soccer finals and matches during the 1994 FIFA World Cup. For the 1997 MLS Cup, it drew a passionate crowd of 57,431 spectators, braving the elements to witness the championship clash.

The Elements of the Game

The conditions on match day were challenging, with rain and a cool temperature of 46°F (8°C). This weather mirrored the conditions of the previous year's final, adding an extra layer of drama and intensity to the proceedings. The adverse weather tested the players' resilience and contributed to the unique atmosphere of the championship game.

Venue Details

RFK Memorial Stadium

The selection of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C., as the host venue for the 1997 MLS Cup was announced on December 17, 1996. This multi-purpose stadium, primarily known for American football and baseball, had previously hosted significant soccer events, including the 1980 Soccer Bowl and the 1996 U.S. Open Cup Final. Its capacity and history made it a fitting location for the league's championship match.

The stadium's readiness for the final was underscored by its ability to accommodate a large, enthusiastic crowd. Ticket sales surged following D.C. United's advancement, leading to a sell-out and the addition of temporary seating to accommodate the demand, highlighting the growing interest in MLS.

The Contenders

As the reigning champions and the top-ranked team in the league, D.C. United entered the final as strong favorites. Despite facing challenges with player call-ups for international duty and participation in multiple competitions, the team demonstrated remarkable depth and consistency throughout the season. Coached by Bruce Arena, they secured the Supporters' Shield and navigated the playoffs effectively, showcasing a blend of talent and strategic prowess.

D.C. United's journey to the final was marked by their consistent performance and ability to overcome adversity. They topped the Eastern Conference standings and the overall league table, demonstrating their dominance.

D.C. United	Round	Opponent
1st place in Eastern Conference (21 wins, 4 shootout wins, 11 losses; 55 points)	Conference Semifinals	New England Revolution (2–0)
		Results: 4–1 (H), 1–1 (4–3 SO) (A)
	Conference Finals	Columbus Crew (2–0)
		Results: 3–2 (H), 1–0 (A)

The Colorado Rapids emerged as the season's surprise package. After a last-place finish in the inaugural season, significant roster changes and a new coaching philosophy under Glenn Myernick transformed the team. Despite a losing record in the regular season and qualifying as the fourth seed in the Western Conference, they embarked on an impressive playoff run, upsetting higher-seeded opponents to reach their first MLS Cup final.

Colorado Rapids' path to the final was a testament to their resilience and tactical improvements. They qualified for the playoffs with a losing record but found form in the postseason.

Round	Opponent		Results
Conference Semifinals	Kansas City Wizards (2–0)		3–0 (A), 3–2 (H)
Conference Finals	Dallas Burn (2–0)		1–0 (A), 2–1 (H)

Colorado Rapids finished 4th in the Western Conference (12 wins, 2 shootout wins, 18 losses; 38 points).

The Final Showdown

In a match played under challenging rainy conditions, D.C. United secured their second consecutive MLS Cup title, defeating the Colorado Rapids 2-1. Jaime Moreno opened the scoring for the hosts in the 37th minute, converting a rebound after a skillful play. Tony Sanneh doubled the lead in the 68th minute with a header from a cross. Colorado pulled one back in the 75th minute through substitute Adrián Paz, but they were unable to find the equalizer despite late pressure.

Jaime Moreno was deservedly named the MLS Cup Most Valuable Player for his influential performance, which included the opening goal and crucial playmaking throughout the match.

The starting lineups and substitutes for both teams reflect the tactical approaches and player availability for the championship match.

D.C. United

Goalkeeper: Scott Garlick

Defenders: Jeff Agoos, Carlos Llamosa, Eddie Pope, David Vaudreuil

Midfielders: Marco Etcheverry, John Harkes (c), Tony Sanneh, Richie Williams

Forwards: Raúl Díaz Arce, Jaime Moreno

Head Coach: Bruce Arena

Substitutes: None used

Colorado Rapids

Goalkeeper: Marcus Hahnemann

Defenders: Matt Kmosko, Chris Martinez (sub 59'), Steve Trittschuh, Peter Vermes

Midfielders: Marcelo Balboa (c), Paul Bravo (sub 27'), Chris Henderson, Sean Henderson (sub 81')

Forwards: David Patiño, Steve Rammel

Head Coach: Glenn Myernick

Substitutes: Wolde Harris (on for Kmosko 27'), Adrián Paz (on for Bravo 59'), Ross Paule (on for S. Henderson 81')

Broadcasting Reach

The 1997 MLS Cup final garnered significant television viewership. In the United States, the match was broadcast on ABC, attracting an estimated audience of 2.2 million viewers, a record for an MLS Cup final that stood until 2016. The broadcast was helmed by Phil Schoen and Ty Keough. Furthermore, ESPN International ensured the match reached a global audience, being televised in over 100 foreign markets, including the United Kingdom via Eurosport, marking the first time the MLS Cup was broadcast in the UK.

After the Whistle

D.C. United's victory marked a significant moment for the city, being the first sports championship won by a major team at RFK Stadium. The celebration, however, was marred by a minor incident where a railing in the upper stands collapsed, causing minor injuries to approximately 50 fans amidst the jubilant crowd.

The team's success extended beyond the league. Three days after the MLS Cup, D.C. United competed in the U.S. Open Cup Final, aiming for a treble, but narrowly lost in a penalty shootout. Despite this, the team, with key players absent due to national team duties, was honored at the White House by President Bill Clinton, recognizing their national championship achievement.

Both D.C. United and the Colorado Rapids earned berths to the 1998 CONCACAF Champions' Cup based on their MLS Cup final appearance. While the Rapids were eliminated in the qualifying rounds, D.C. United went on to achieve continental glory. They advanced through the quarterfinals and semifinals, ultimately defeating Mexican champions Deportivo Toluca and Brazilian club Vasco da Gama to win the Champions' Cup, becoming the first American team to claim this prestigious regional title.

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RFK's Rain-Soaked Triumph

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The 1997 MLS Cup 🏆

⚽ A Defining Championship

🏟️ Host Venue: RFK Stadium

🌧️ The Elements of the Game

Venue Details 🏟️

📍 RFK Memorial Stadium

The Contenders ⚔️

🔵 D.C. United

🟢 Colorado Rapids

The Final Showdown ⏱️

⚽ Match Summary

📋 Team Lineups

D.C. United

Colorado Rapids

Broadcasting Reach 📣

📺 Television Coverage

After the Whistle 🎉

🌟 Championship Celebrations

🌍 Continental Aspirations

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The 1997 MLS Cup

A Defining Championship

Host Venue: RFK Stadium

The Elements of the Game

Venue Details

RFK Memorial Stadium

The Contenders

The Final Showdown

Broadcasting Reach

After the Whistle

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer