D.C. United to host AFC Ajax in international friendly

Washington, D.C. (March 14, 2011) - D.C. United announced today plans for the club will play an international friendly against legendary Dutch Eredivisie side AFC Ajax on Sunday, May 22 at RFK Stadium. Though Ajax played a 1-1 draw against the U.S. Men’s National Team at RFK Stadium on May 12, 1990, this will be the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. Kick-off is set for 5:00 p.m. ET.

“We’re excited to kick off our 2011 schedule of international games with one of the most honored teams in European soccer, Ajax of Amsterdam,” said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. “This match will be the first of several matches this season featuring top quality European opponents and we’re pleased that our season ticket holders will have the opportunity to attend each of these matches as a part of their package.”

Tickets for this match are available as part of Full Season Ticket plans and 10-Game Plan A Holders as Special Game A. Groups of 15 or more may now purchase discounted tickets at $25 for Spectator level, $30 for Premium, $40 for VIP and $50 for Mezzanine level. Individual game tickets will go on sale Monday, March 21 for $30 at the Spectator level, $40 at Premium level, $50 at VIP level and $60 at the Mezzanine level.

Founded in 1900 and named after the mythological Greek hero bearing the same name, Ajax is among the most successful clubs in the world. Ajax is one of only five teams to repeat as European champions, having accomplished the feat in 1971-1973. The club won a European treble, three major titles in a single season, in 1972 and claimed the last of four European titles (now known as Champions League) in 1995. Ajax has won the Eredivisie league title on 29 occasions. The club plays their home matches at the famed Amsterdam ArenA, which opened in 1996. Ajax currently stand in third place in the Dutch Eredivisie, a mere three points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven.

“We are truly honored to be coming to the US and playing the most storied franchise in MLS history,” said Manager Frank de Boer. “We are fully aware of the passionate D.C. United fans and we look forward to show casing our unique brand of Ajax football as we visit the States for the first time in many years.”

Ajax is, perhaps, best known for their development of world-class players from their youth ranks. Best known from this group of legendary players is Johan Cruijff, the iconic forward plied his trade at RFK Stadium from 1980-1981 as a member of the NASL’s Washington Diplomats, but also Marco van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp and Frank Rijkaard. Their current roster boasts the likes of Holland national team goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and defender Gregory van der Wiel, who both played in the last world cup final in South Africa. Alongside these two players the Ajax squad will feature Danish talent Christian Eriksen and Belgian national team players Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld.

Broadcasting and P.A. Request: When speaking of the organization, please refer to the team as either “D.C. United” or “United,” but not “the D.C. United” or “the United.” We appreciate your cooperation.

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