2000 D.C. United season
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| 2000 season | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General manager | Dave Kasper | |||
| Head coach | Thomas Rongen | |||
| Stadium | RFK Stadium | |||
| MLS | Division: 4th Overall: 11th | |||
| MLS Cup Playoffs | Did not qualify | |||
| U.S. Open Cup | Quarterfinals | |||
| CONCACAF Champions Cup | Semifinals | |||
| Top goalscorer | League: All: Jaime Moreno (12) | |||
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The 2000 D.C. United season was the club's sixth year of existence, as well as their fifth season in Major League Soccer.
Upon winning the 1999 MLS Cup final, United were unable to not only defend their league title, but the club failed to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs. This was the first time in MLS history the defending MLS Cup champion failed to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs the subsequent season, a feat that would not be accomplished again until the Portland Timbers did so in 2016.
In continental play, United played in the 2000 CONCACAF Champions' Cup, which was held months before the actual season began, a possible reason for United's poor league play, along with salary cap restrictions. United finished fourth in the tournament, at first beating Central American runners-up Alajuelense 2–1 in the quarterfinals. In the semis, the Los Angeles Galaxy got revenge on United in a penalty kick shootout following a 1–1 regulation time draw. Consequently, United played Toluca for third place and lost 2–1.
June
D.C. United beat Charleston Battery 4–0 to open the USOC.[1]
July
Returning to USOC play in the third round proper, United shut out the Rochester Raging Rhinos, 3–0.[2]
August
Entering the USOC semis, the Black and Red played their first MLS opponent in the tournament, the Miami Fusion. United lost 3–2 in extra time.[3]