Football is the game of the world. FIFA, the sport’s global governing body, estimates that almost half the people on Earth tuned in during the 2018 Men’s World Cup. The 2022 tournament this fall could attract even higher numbers. With the Women’s Euro 2022 final setting a new attendance record for soccer in general, the US Women’s National Team can also expect huge viewership as they aim to defend their two consecutive World Cup trophies this summer. 2023.
The game’s significant presence in DC is not surprising: DC’s a global city. While walking in all corners of the district, people proudly sport jerseys from national teams such as Colombia, Japan and Portugal, and clubs from around the world such as Arsenal, Barcelona and Cruz Azul. Social leagues fill neighborhood fields. Add our two professional teams and you could say football is also the game of the District.
Whether you call it football, soccer, soccer, football or soccer, here’s a primer on watching the “beautiful game” in the District.
An “Around” circle
While soccer’s popularity continues to grow in the US, the game is nothing new in the District. The Washington Senators, better known for baseball, fielded one of the nation’s first professional teams in 1894. Thirty years later, Dick, Kerr Ladies FC, an English women’s team loaded with superstars, named after to their founders, garnered national press with a dramatic 4-4 draw against a local men’s team.
RFK Stadium housed four short-lived men’s teams from the 1960s to the 1980s, including the Washington Darts, coached by Lincoln Phillips, the first black professional soccer coach in the USA Phillips, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, later led the Howard Bison to two undefeated seasons and two NCAA championships.
DC United was founded in the mid-1990s, the same year DC hosted four memorable World Cup matches. The Black and Red won three of their first four league championship games, the first dynasty in Major League Soccer (MLS). Now, with former Manchester United and DC United player Wayne Rooney as head coach, the winning ways could be back.
The reigning National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) champions, the Washington Spirit, started in 2012. Their roster is filled with many of the league’s most exciting players, including Ashley Hatch, Ashley Sanchez and Trinity Rodman, as well as veteran American defenders Emily Sonnett and Kelley O’Hara.
Games, games, games
With so many leagues and competitions, the hectic football calendar can be overwhelming. European domestic leagues compete from late summer to late spring, with most games on Saturdays and Sundays. In North America, MLS, NWSL and Mexico’s Liga MX are reversed, from spring to fall.
Club teams compete each week, accumulating points for wins and ties (draws). Whoever has the most points at the end of the one-month season wins. “Derbies”, when teams from the city or region face each other, are the highlights of the local leagues.
Clubs – as well as national teams – also play in tournaments for cups (trophies). These hotly contested games usually have to have a winner. Penalty shootouts and overtime (overtime) often occur. The annual European Champions League and the quadrennial World Cup are two of the biggest tournaments, having produced many of football’s most iconic moments.
Hitting the bar
Whether fist-pumping in victory or grimacing in despair, watching football with friends is one of the best ways to experience its dramatic allure. To celebrate or mingle with other fans, you can head to a football bar like Dupont Circle’s Across the Pond, owned and operated by Michael Waters.
“When people are here watching the games, the atmosphere is electric,” Waters says. “Big matches are very exciting. The door is always revolving. It’s standing room only. It’s phenomenal how much Americans have adopted European soccer.”
Equipped with 16 TVs, seven DIRECTV boxes, four Apple TVs, three Rokus, Dish and four soundbars, Across the Pond can stream just about any game you want to see. They specialize in the English Premier League, as DC consistently tops the average viewership ratings according to NBC, the US Premier League broadcaster.
Three Premier League fan clubs – DC Toffees, DC Hammers and Nottingham Forest Washington DC – call ‘Across the Pond’ home. Watching a game with a fan club is a great way to learn about a club’s players, history, songs and general culture — as well as talking about tactics and trash. Waters is especially excited about the upcoming World Cups given the diversity of DC and the proximity of Across the Pond to Embassy Row. His staff is already preparing for the early morning games.
Elephant & Castle on Pennsylvania Avenue, home of DC’s Penya Barcelonista group, is a good stop for Spain’s La Liga games.
German Bundesliga fans should check out Capitol Hill’s Biergarten Haus.
As for Italy’s Serie A, Lupo Verde on the 14th is a great place to watch.
Team goals
For Arielle Bodner, a soccer fan who works in youth programming, watching a game in the fan section at Audi Field is the best way to enjoy soccer in the District.
“The welcoming environment makes it much more enjoyable than watching at home. There are cheers, cheers and all-around excitement.”
She emphasizes supporting the Washington Spirit and highlights the impact the team can have on young fans.
“We have incredibly talented players who have won World Cups, Olympic medals and been called up to the National Team,” says Bodner. “They deserve the same support that is given to male athletes. When young fans see thousands of people cheering and supporting their favorite team and players, it leaves an impression on them.”
When, where and how you choose to watch football in the District, Waters and Bodner have the same advice. You don’t need to know the rules, teams or players; if you show up, you’re on the team.
Across the pond: 1732 Connecticut Ave NW, DC; crosstheponddc.com // @acrosstheponddc
home beer garden: 1355 H St. NE, DC; biergartenhaus.com // @biergartenhaus
The Elephant and the Castle: 1201 Pennsylvania Ave NW, DC; elephantcastle.com // @elephantcastle
Green Wolf: 1401 T St. NW, DC; lupoverdedc.com // @lupoverde.dc
United + Fan Clubs Spirit
Grass of courage
United’s rabid group of fans bringing South American and Latinx energy to DC soccer. @barraravadcu // @Barra_Brava on Twitter
Rose Room Collective
A new United and Spirit supporters group that seeks to include and amplify the voices and experiences of black fans. roseroomcollective.com // @roseroomcollective
Screaming Eagles
An OG United fan group that also represents MLS and local charitable causes like DC SCORES. screaming-eagles.com // @screamingeaglesdc
202 Unique
DC’s football fan club for members of the queer community and their friends, families and allies. @202Unique on Twitter
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