D.C. United(Washington) won an unprecedented fourth MLS Cup on Sunday, beating Kansas City 3-2. United spotted the Wizards an early goal, then scored three times in a seven-minute span of the first half to move in front for good. Former UVA star Elecko Eskadarian scored in the 19th minute to tie it 1-1, then added another goal four minutes later.
United built a two-goal lead on an own-goal when a pass by Earnie Stewart deflected off a Wizards defender and into the net in the 26th minute. Kansas City, the 2000 MLS Cup champion, pulled within 3-2 on a penalty kick in the 58th minute. The Wizards were awarded the kick when United's Dema Kovalenko, protecting the goal line, used his hand to knock a shot over the bar. Kovalenko was ejected, the first player sent off in the nine-year history of the Cup. Despite being down a man, United held off the Wizards the rest of the way.
It was United's fifth appearance in Major League Soccer's championship game, but the first since a 2-0 victory over Los Angeles in 1999. The only loss in those five trips was a 2-0 defeat by Chicago in 1998. Peter Nowak, United's rookie coach, assisted on both the Fire's goals and was the MVP of that title game six years ago. San Jose is the only team besides United to win multiple championships. The Earthquakes beat Chicago 4-2 last year and Los Angeles 1-0 in overtime in 2001.
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