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Honoring the Past, Competing in the Present
Sunday’s matchup between the San Jose Earthquakes and D.C. United is more than just another regular-season clash. It’s a celebration of the roots of Major League Soccer, marking exactly 30 years since these two clubs faced off in the league’s first-ever game.
On April 6, 1996, soccer history was made when San Jose’s Eric Wynalda scored the first goal in MLS history in the 88th minute, sealing a 1-0 win over D.C. United. Now, three decades later, the teams meet again—same date, same passion, and with familiar names returning to the field as honored guests.
Bruce Arena: Then and Now
At the heart of this reunion stands Bruce Arena, arguably the most legendary coach in MLS history. He was on the D.C. United sideline for that inaugural match and now leads the Earthquakes, bringing things full circle.
“It was an exciting time,” Arena said. “The goal was to elevate the sport in our country, and 30 years later, we’ve done that. There’s more work to do, but we’ve come a long way.”
Arena guided D.C. United to two MLS Cup titles in the league’s first two seasons and has since become synonymous with American soccer success. At 73, he remains fiercely competitive, yet deeply reflective about the sport’s evolution.
Rebuilding Glory: Both Clubs in Search of Form
D.C. United (1-2-3, 6 points) began the 2024 campaign with a promising unbeaten streak through its first four matches. But recent performances have dulled that momentum.
Their 2-1 loss to the Columbus Crew last weekend was frustrating. Despite a goal from Christian Benteke—his fourth of the season—D.C. managed just two shots on target.
Coach Troy Lesesne sees this anniversary game as more than a nostalgic affair:
“I remember watching that first match when I was 12 years old. There wasn’t a lot of soccer on TV then. It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come.”
D.C. hasn’t been to the MLS Playoffs since 2019, and with each dropped point, the pressure mounts.
Check D.C. United odds and fixtures
San Jose Earthquakes: Fighting for Stability
San Jose (2-3-1, 7 points) is also trying to reclaim consistent form. After starting the season hot—scoring 6 goals in their first two wins—the Earthquakes lost three straight before grabbing a point against Seattle last weekend in a gritty 1-1 draw.
Seattle outshot San Jose 26-8 and controlled the tempo, but Arena’s team hung in tough.
“To get a point against a team like Seattle? That shows we’re at least headed in the right direction,” Arena noted.
San Jose has only one playoff appearance in the last five seasons, but a win on this symbolic day could be the spark they need.
Explore San Jose Earthquakes’ match previews
Flashback to 1996: When MLS Was Born
The MLS debut on April 6, 1996, was more than just a soccer match—it was a national moment. There were doubts back then about whether professional soccer could thrive in the U.S., but that game began to erase them.
- Goal Scorer: Eric Wynalda
- Attendance: 31,683
- Final Score: San Jose 1, D.C. United 0
Wynalda’s late-game heroics were the spark MLS needed. This weekend, he’ll be honored at halftime alongside fellow Earthquakes legends John Doyle and Eddie Lewis.
D.C. United stars from that game—including John Harkes, Jeff Agoos, and Marco Etcheverry—will also be on hand.
“This game changed the trajectory of soccer in America,” said Doyle in a pre-match interview. “And to see where it is today—it’s incredible.”
Legacy vs. Progress: What This Match Means Now
While the pageantry of the past is powerful, the present-day implications of this game shouldn’t be overlooked.
- Three points could launch San Jose closer to a playoff position
- D.C. United needs a win to avoid falling further behind in the East
- Both clubs are still rebuilding identities around new leadership and young cores
For Arena and Lesesne, Sunday is a benchmark. It’s a moment to assess not only where their teams are—but where their clubs are headed.
Key Players to Watch
San Jose Earthquakes:
- Cristian Espinoza: Always dangerous in transition, San Jose’s midfield maestro can unlock defenses with his vision.
- Jeremy Ebobisse: Needs to rediscover his goal-scoring form if San Jose is to capitalize on early-season momentum.
D.C. United:
- Christian Benteke: With 4 goals already, he’s proving to be the focal point up front.
- Mateusz Klich: The Polish international controls tempo and will be crucial in dictating play against a physical Quakes midfield.
What To Expect on Sunday
The game is more than just symbolic—it’s a test of resilience, pride, and progress. With two evenly matched squads desperate for momentum and a packed PayPal Park buzzing with nostalgia, expect:
- A physical, high-energy opening 20 minutes
- A midfield battle between youth and experience
- Opportunities on the counter for both sides
- A halftime celebration that tugs at the heartstrings of MLS fans
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Final Thoughts: A Perfect Union of History and Hope
As the 30th season of MLS unfolds, this rematch reminds fans of just how far American soccer has come—from a single televised match in 1996 to a league that now features global stars, passionate supporters, and an ever-growing footprint.
But it also reminds us that the original clubs still matter. That legacy isn’t just about trophies—it’s about pushing forward, building the next generation of talent, and continuing the journey that started on a spring day in 1996.
