Latest news with #D.C.United
Washington Post
3 days ago
- General
- Washington Post
D.C. United ends goal drought with a dose of drama, earns draw with Revs
Weeks had passed since D.C. United last scored in league play, match after winless match as the toothless MLS club tumbled down the Eastern Conference standings. Wednesday's disheveled affair against the New England Revolution was clunking along on a similar empty path when, as the 90th minute gave way to stoppage time, Gabriel Pirani smashed a shot of power and purity.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nashville SC to host D.C. United in U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals on July 9
(This story was updated with new information.) Nashville SC now knows when it will host D.C. United in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup. The game will take place on July 9 (8 p.m., Paramount+) at Geodis Park. The quarterfinal draw took place on May 22. Advertisement Nashville was placed in the East half of the bracket, grouping it with the New York Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union in the other quarterfinal. If Nashville beats D.C., it will advance to its first-ever Open Cup semifinals, where it will face either the Red Bulls or Union on Sept. 16 or 17. Nashville would be at home against Philadelphia and on the road against New York. The Open Cup final is set for Oct. 1. One of the teams from the West half — Austin FC, the Chicago Fire, Minnesota United or the San Jose Earthquakes — will host that game. Nashville beat Orlando City 3-2 on May 21 at Inter&Co Stadium in the round of 16 to advance to the quarterfinals for the second time ever. Nashville fell to Orlando on penalties in their previous quarterfinal appearance in 2022. MORE: Nashville SC signs Tate Schmitt, former Real Salt Lake, Houston Dynamo defender Advertisement D.C. beat Charlotte FC in its round of 16 match on May 21. United came back from separate one-goal deficits in the 86th minute and in extra time to force a 3-3 tie and send the game to a penalty shootout, which it won 2-1. Nashville is 5-2-4 against D.C. all-time, with both losses coming last season. The teams played to a 0-0 tie at Geodis Park on May 17. Jacob Shames can be reached by email at jshames@ and on Twitter @Jacob_Shames. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: U.S. Open Cup: Nashville SC to host D.C. United in quarterfinals
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How an ailing, seldom-used rookie sent Nashville SC past Orlando, into US Open Cup quarterfinals
How unlikely was Nashville SC's biggest win of the B.J. Callaghan era? For starters, the winning goal came from 25 yards away, off the non-dominant right foot of an ailing rookie defender who had played in just four games for Nashville, which was playing its U.S. Open Cup round-of-16 game at Orlando City SC. Wyatt Meyer was under the weather and the Florida heat didn't help matters. When he scored in the 79th minute, he barely had enough energy to celebrate. Advertisement "I was suffering out there," Meyer said. " ... But all the boys on the team are so encouraging, like, 'Wyatt, you're gonna have to dig deep.' It's a little hot, but whatever. Just get through it and grind for these guys." Meyer's goal gave Nashville a 3-2 win at Inter&Co Stadium on May 21 in Orlando, Florida, and sent Nashville to the Open Cup quarterfinals. It ended a five-match losing streak to Orlando, extended NSC's unbeaten streak to seven and snapped the Lions' own undefeated run at 12. Nashville also avenged its loss to Orlando in the quarterfinals in 2022, the only other time it has reached that stage of the United States' oldest soccer competition. "We're really proud of the whole group, the way the group prepared, the way the group performed," Callaghan, Nashville's coach, said. "We call on everybody, and we know that we have a deep squad and a squad that we believe in." Advertisement Nashville will host D.C. United in the Open Cup quarterfinals, which are scheduled for July 8-9. Nashville goes deep into bench Callaghan said Nashville picked up some "knocks" in its 0-0 tie with D.C. United on May 17 and in training prior to facing Orlando, but didn't specify injuries to specific players. Teams are not required to release availability reports before Open Cup games, unlike in MLS play. Nashville is at Toronto FC on May 24 in its next MLS game. Just three regular starters — defenders Andy Najar and Jeisson Palacios and midfielder Patrick Yazbek — were in the initial lineup. Attackers Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge, midfielder Edvard Tagseth, defender Daniel Lovitz and goalkeeper Joe Willis weren't picked at all. Advertisement Brian Schwake started in goal, while teenagers Chris Applewhite and Matthew Corcoran played all 90 minutes at center back and central midfield. Midfielder Ethan O'Brien was called up from MLS Next Pro affiliate Huntsville City FC and made his Nashville debut in the second half. "When you get your number called, you're able to get on the field, you get to show what you're capable of doing," assistant coach Michael Nsien said. "Players represented themselves really well tonight. I feel like the team grew 1, 2, 3%." May 21, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City defender David Brekalo (4) and Nashville SC midfielder Ahmed Qasem (37) defend during the first half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images Back-and-forth scoring Orlando's counterattack was dangerous throughout. Marco Pasalic got things going with a 17th-minute goal from well outside the box on a quick transition. But Nashville evened the score in the 23rd minute on a Rodrigo Schlegel own goal. Ahmed Qasem found the net with a low left-sided shot to put NSC up 2-1 just before halftime. Advertisement Qasem was the best player on the field and had a hand in all three Nashville goals. The Swedish winger answered Ramiro Enrique's 58th-minute equalizer when he beat Ivan Angulo off the dribble and passed to Yazbek, who set up Meyer with a back-heel assist. MORE: Nashville SC signs Tate Schmitt, former Real Salt Lake, Houston Dynamo defender Nashville closes game out At one point, closing out games appeared to be a serious problem for Nashville. In 2024, it gave up six game-winning or game-tying goals after the 75th minute. This season, it has conceded stoppage-time goals in early losses to FC Cincinnati and Charlotte FC. Advertisement Since then, Nashville has had three come-from-behind victories and successfully protected one-goal leads four times. Meyer credited that success to Nashville's ability to control the ball late, in addition to having a "dog mentality" to win back possession when they lose it. "The experiences that we've taken from the beginning of the season, how we've been able to apply it is starting to reveal itself," Nsien said. "We're able to switch formations at the end of the game. Players' ability to be fluid and take instruction in an intense game is important for us." Jacob Shames can be reached by email at jshames@ and on Twitter @Jacob_Shames. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: US Open Cup: Nashville SC beats Orlando City, advances to quarterfinal
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Loudest MLS Home Pitch
Photo courtesy of blightylad-infocus/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of blightylad-infocus/iStock by Getty Images Audi Field, home of D.C. United Experience the relentless energy of Audi Field, home to D.C. United and the fervent La Barra Brava supporter group. This sleek, modern stadium in vibrant D.C. pulsates with the sounds of pounding drums, chants and songs. Every D.C. United goal and victory ignites spectacular fireworks, amplifying the already electric atmosphere. Audi Field is an essential destination for any soccer fan. Photo courtesy of wellesenterprises/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of wellesenterprises/iStock by Getty Images Bank of America Stadium, home of Charlotte FC Bank of America Stadium surges with energy from the first drumbeat to the final whistle. With 70,000 Charlotte FC fans filling the open bowl, noise ricochets through the stadium in thunderous waves. Led by the Mint City Collective, Charlotte's supporters chant, sing and jump with heart-pounding passion. It's one of MLS's toughest places to play—and one of the loudest to love. Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Football Club Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Football Club BMO Stadium, home of Los Angeles FC Discover one of MLS's most intense matchday atmospheres at BMO Stadium, home of Los Angeles FC. The 3252 supporters' section leads the charge with drums pounding, flags waving, and chants crashing like waves. The steep, open-air design captures sound, amplifying every cheer and roar. With fireworks, nonstop energy, and a crowd that lives for the game, this is LA passion at its finest. Photo courtesy of Sporting Kansas City Photo courtesy of Sporting Kansas City Children's Mercy Park, home of Sporting Kansas City Blue comes alive at Children's Mercy Park. Sporting Kansas City fans are fiercely loyal and relentlessly loud, transforming every match into a sea sound known as "Blue Hell." With a track record of sellout crowds and an atmosphere that rattles visiting teams, this stadium shows that size doesn't matter—passion does. It's pure Midwestern pride, dialed all the way up. Photo courtesy of Anton Vierietin/istock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of Anton Vierietin/istock by Getty Images Dignity Health Sports Park, home of LA Galaxy Dignity Health Sports Park provides a lively game-day experience with ample space for LA Galaxy supporters to party. As one of MLS's most iconic venues, it is recognized for its expansive layout, vibrant fan zones and high-energy entertainment before and during matches. Galaxy supporters bring the noise, creating a dynamic atmosphere that celebrates the city's passion for soccer. Photo courtesy of Perry Spring/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of Perry Spring/iStock by Getty Images Energizer Park, home of St. Louis CITY SC Energizer Park, home of St. Louis CITY SC, is a sound chamber of soccer passion. With a pitch 40 feet below street level, every chant, cheer and drumbeat echoes throughout the 22,000-seat stadium. Though new to MLS, the CITY SC fanbase is already among the league's loudest, creating an electric environment that puts visiting teams under relentless pressure from start to finish. Photo courtesy of Nashville SC Photo courtesy of Nashville SC Geodis Park, home of Nashville SC Geodis Park, home of Nashville SC, is a noise machine wrapped in Southern charm. Just 150 feet separate the last row from the touchline, making every cheer feel close and loud. The Backline Supporters Collective brings nonstop energy, from kickoff to final whistle. In just a few seasons, Nashville has transformed this sleek, open-air venue into one of the loudest in MLS. Photo courtesy of felixmizioznikov/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of felixmizioznikov/iStock by Getty Images Inter&Co Stadium, home of Orlando City SC Inter&Co Stadium is a fortress of sound for Orlando City SC supporters. Designed for noise, its close seating, canopy-covered stands and safe-standing section crank up the volume every match. The Wall, Orlando's raucous supporters group, leads the charge, turning game days into full-blown parties. With excellent sightlines and a buzzing atmosphere, this stadium of MLS's loudest. Photo courtesy of Columbus Crew Photo courtesy of Columbus Crew Field, home of Columbus Crew In Columbus, gold and black pride resonates through every corner of Field. With just over 20K seats, this sleek stadium delivers volumes that rivals venues twice its size. Fueled by the Crew's loyal supporters, the energy surges during high-stakes moments, creating a home-field advantage that few teams can breach. When the match intensifies, so does the roar from the stands. Photo courtesy of simonkr/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of simonkr/iStock by Getty Images Lumen Field, home of Seattle Sounders SCV Seattle's Lumen Field has earned its reputation as one of the loudest venues in MLS—and for good reason. Designed to amplify sound, with 70% of seats covered, the noise rolls through the stadium like thunder. Sounders fans bring relentless energy, creating the famed "12th man effect" that turns every match into a high-decibel, rain-or-shine soccer celebration in the heart of SODO. Photo courtesy of Atlanta United FC Photo courtesy of Atlanta United FC Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of Atlanta United FC Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of Atlanta United FC, takes loud to a whole new level. With massive crowds and a domed design that captures every cheer, chant and drumbeat, it's a nonstop roar from kickoff to final whistle. The energy intensifies with every play, and if the match goes to extra time, prepare to lose your voice. This is MLS matchday at its most epic. Photo courtesy of Portland Timbers Photo courtesy of Portland Timbers Providence Park, home of Portland Timbers Tradition meets intensity at Providence Park, a cathedral of soccer nestled in Portland's Goose Hollow neighborhood. With 25,000 Portland Timbers fans packed closely to the pitch, the atmosphere is intimate, electric and deafening. Timbers supporters are among the league's most knowledgeable and loudest, creating an intimidating environment every match. Photo courtesy of Austin FC Photo courtesy of Austin FC Q2 Stadium, home of Austin FC When Austin FC plays at Q2 Stadium, it's a nonstop party fueled by pure fan energy. La Murga de Austin—one of the league's largest supporter bands—keeps the beat going with drums, trumpets and trombones, while fans contribute megaphones, chants and smoke grenades to the mix. The result? A wildly festive matchday experience that makes Q2 one of MLS's most electric environments. Photo courtesy of JHVEPhoto/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of JHVEPhoto/iStock by Getty Images Shell Energy Stadium, home of Houston Dynamo FC Shell Energy Stadium lives up to its nickname—"Hell in a Shell." This 21,000-seat open-air fortress was the first soccer-specific stadium in MLS and remains a source of pride for Dynamo fans. Located in the city's Stadium District, it's known for its rowdy, relentless atmosphere. The noise never lets up, giving the Dynamo a true home-field advantage every time they take the pitch. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union Subaru Park, home of Philadelphia Union Subaru Park may be smaller in size, but it delivers big when it comes to noise and intensity. With a passionate Philadelphia Union fanbase driven by the club's recent success, every match feels like a playoff. The riverfront setting only adds to the energy as chants echo across the stands, making this one of MLS's most intimidating and spirited home pitches.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Beyond DEI Fatigue: How CARES Framework Builds Authentic Brand Trust
Image showing the Five CARES dimensions of consumer social well-being that drive brand trust. Navigating the complex landscape of today's market, many CMOs are grappling with "DEI fatigue" and a growing skepticism around corporate social initiatives. Yet, in this environment, building authentic brand trust has never been more critical. This article introduces a powerful new CMO strategy for achieving true consumer trust and lasting loyalty: The CARES Framework. We'll demonstrate how brands can move beyond performative gestures to genuinely resonate with their audience, as exemplified by the surprising, yet brilliant, move from menstrual care startup, Sequel. When Sequel recently signed a stadium sponsorship deal with Audi Field - home of D.C. United men's soccer - it wasn't merely a PR stunt. It was a strategic masterclass in embedding utility and visibility to earn deep brand trust where it's long been overlooked. This initiative builds on the core insights from our series, which first explored how corporate DEI efforts faltered under the weight of overpromising and underdelivering, implicating marketing strategy in exposing that gap. Subsequent articles examined consumer backlash, revealing how a lack of alignment can erode trust, and introduced the psychology of social threat and reward as a key lens for understanding consumer reactions. This brings us to the CARES Framework, the core of modern brand trust. It proposes that the next era of brand trust will be shaped not by ideology, but by how five core dimensions of consumer well-being are proactively addressed by brands: Connection, Agency, Recognition, Equity, and Security. The CARES Framework captures how consumers assess brand experiences not only for functional value, but for how they impact emotional and relational well-being. It's not just about what brands do - it's about how brands engage with the social threat already present in consumers' lives and actively deliver consumer reward. Marketers leveraging CARES are urged to: In today's landscape of hyper-visibility and heightened sensitivity, many brands hesitate to take bold action, fearing the kind of backlash that has sunk campaigns, derailed careers, and diluted missions. Yet, it's precisely these moments that call for a new CMO strategy and market-driven innovation. Sequel isn't just avoiding triggering social threat - it's meeting the moment with clarity, confidence, and cultural intelligence. By addressing an often-ignored population in a high-profile men's sports venue, the brand signals a new standard for strategic resonance and market relevance. This pivotal moment is also made possible by D.C. United and, more broadly, Major League Soccer (MLS) - a league that increasingly understands that expanding the fan experience means recognizing, not marginalizing, its full audience. In supporting Sequel's presence, MLS shares the spotlight and helps create a platform for consumer reward. This isn't just a one-off headline; it's a powerful blueprint for emotionally intelligent branding and a direct activation of consumer reward across all five CARES Framework domains. Here's how Sequel exemplifies each: 'We Actually Recognize That Men's Sports Have Female Fans' This quote from Sequel cofounder and CMO Amanda Calabrese captures a long-overdue shift in brand thinking. Female fans have always been in the stands, but rarely acknowledged as core customers. Sequel's presence in Audi Field doesn't just say you belong here; it says you always did, fostering immediate consumer connection and building brand trust. Unlike brands that isolate female fans through pinkwashed marketing or "separate but unequal" experiences, Sequel builds genuine connection through integration - making menstrual care a seamless part of the shared sports experience. This is a crucial lesson for market-responsive marketing. D.C. United's openness to the partnership reflects a broader shift within Major League Soccer (MLS) toward recognizing all fans, not as niche markets, but as core participants in the culture of the game. Sequel's innovation isn't superficial; it's about genuine product empowerment. Their spiral tampon was designed based on the needs of elite women athletes – optimized for comfort, performance, and movement. This isn't cause marketing; it's a commitment to user control and experience. Rather than rebranding existing products in pastel colors, Sequel focuses on giving users more control over their physical comfort and experience. This isn't just marketing to women - it's designing with them in mind, a crucial lesson for any CMO seeking to build consumer trust through tangible value. D.C. United's decision to give Sequel a platform within MLS reflects an organizational commitment to giving fans – and the brands that serve them – room to operate with dignity and relevance. When leagues remove outdated gatekeeping, they unlock agency for both athletes and audiences, deepening brand loyalty. Sequel's move isn't about claiming elite sponsorship real estate. It is about recognition – elevating an essential need that had long been overlooked. By embedding menstrual care visibly into the stadium experience, Sequel validated the presence and importance of female fans. This strategic visibility is a powerful way to cultivate brand trust. This contrasts sharply with traditional sponsorships that prioritize visibility for luxury goods or entertainment tie-ins. Sequel recognizes that providing for basic needs can be a powerful form of respect – one that turns silent necessities into visible norms. This approach provides a clear example for CMOs seeking to enhance brand recognition through genuine utility. D.C. United amplifies that recognition by treating Sequel's partnership as a mainstream, not marginal, part of the stadium experience, further cementing consumer trust. In Sequel's deal with Audi Field, menstrual products won't be offered only during women's games or in separate zones. They'll be available at every event, for every attendee who needs them. That signals equity - not accommodation. When brands and organizations assume the presence and needs of all consumers from the outset, they level the playing field. Fairness isn't positioned as an extra favor; it becomes basic design logic. This proactive approach to broad market appeal is essential for building foundational brand trust. MLS's role isn't passive. By enabling equal access across all games - not just women's matches - D.C. United and the league will institutionalize fairness as a feature of the venue, not an exception for special circumstances. This commitment to strategic relevance strengthens consumer loyalty. Events are high-stakes experiences. Whether you're at a game, concert, or public rally, no one wants to worry about whether basic needs will be met. By offering free, high-quality menstrual products in public restrooms, Sequel removes uncertainty and potential embarrassment. That's how brands create emotional safety: not through slogans, but through preparedness - a core element of authentic brand trust. The fact that a major men's sports venue, under MLS leadership, embraces Sequel's integration sends an even bigger signal: you are not an afterthought. Embedding care into infrastructure - not just messaging - helps reduce stigma and build real consumer trust. For CMOs, understanding this aspect of consumer reward means recognizing that when people don't have to think about whether their fundamental needs will be met, they can fully engage in the experience – and deepen their connection to the brand and environment, providing that essential security. The most effective brand strategies aren't built on risk aversion; they're built on insight, courage, and a profound commitment to delivering what consumers actually need to feel seen, secure, and respected. As demonstrated by Sequel's innovative marketing strategy, Connection, Agency, Recognition, Equity, and Security aren't just soft goals. They are hard drivers of consumer trust, loyalty, and sustainable growth. If your brand hasn't yet mapped how its actions affect each of these critical dimensions, now is the time for a crucial CMO strategy session. Ask yourself: Where might we be complicit in social threat? Where are we silent when we could be supportive? And where can we go beyond risk mitigation to deliver real, resonant consumer reward? The CARES Framework offers a practical tool for navigating these complex questions - not as a rigid checklist, but as an essential compass for modern marketing innovation. Let it guide your next product decision, your next campaign brief, and your next boardroom conversation. Because the future of brand relevance isn't neutral. It's built on authentic brand trust, emotional safety, human connection - and bold, insightful moves like Sequel's that show consumers they truly belong. To explore how the CARES Framework builds on foundational neuroscience while moving beyond outdated identity-based segmentation, read the full Forbes CMO series on consumer social well-being - and how social threat and reward now drive brand trust.
