D.C. United midfielder Pedro Santos battles a Celtic defender in an international friendly. Courtesy of Fredo Vasquez
By Fredo Vasquez
On July 20, Audi Field hosted an international friendly between D.C. United and Celtic FC from Scotland. The match featured an atypical D.C. United lineup, giving crucial playing time to recent signings and academy players. For Celtic FC, this match marked the beginning of their preseason campaign and the first game in a U.S. tour.
As has become customary for international friendlies, not all D.C. United supporter groups attended the match. Celtic FC fans, however, traveled from various parts of the East Coast and filled the away fan sections. Their chants and songs echoed throughout the stadium, giving everyone a taste of European soccer culture and a glimpse into the fervent football culture the Scottish club enjoys.
On the field, Celtic FC dominated the match from start to finish, securing a convincing 4-0 victory over D.C. United. Matt O’Riley was a standout performer for Celtic, scoring twice. Mikey Johnston and James Forrest also found the back of the net, showcasing the depth of the visiting squad. Despite D.C. United’s new and young talents showing glimpses of potential, they were no match for the well-organized and disciplined Celtic side.
The game also served to honor retiring D.C. United captain Steve Birnbaum. Signed in 2014, Birnbaum made 275 appearances for DC United, becoming a beloved figure and a stalwart on defense.