Here on the MLS Multiplex, we continue our look back at the past MLS Cups that have taken place with reflections of MLS Cup 1997. After the first season, which saw relatively strong attendance, MLS would see a drop in attendance in the second year of the league. A major reason behind the drop was the fact that the league’s 10 clubs were playing in NFL stadiums, and not soccer-specific stadiums.

In addition, the league continued its efforts to try and “Americanize” the game with shootouts to resolve overtime, to go with a countdown clock. But while its Americanizing efforts and attendance issues forced MLS to take a step back, the league continued to drum on and D.C. United, under the tutelage of Bruce Arena, continued its form as the original league dynasty.

D.C. United finished the Eastern Conference with a record of 17-11-4 (55 points) and would win take the East with series wins over the New England Revolution in the Conference Semifinals and the Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference Championship. The Colorado Rapids were managed by the late Glenn “Mooch” Myernick and finished fourth in the Western Conference with a record of 12-18-2 (38 points). The Rapids upset the Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting Kansas City) in the Eastern Conference Semifinals before taking down the Dallas Burn (now FC Dallas) in the Western Conference Championship.

MLS Cup ’97 took place at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 26, 1997. Brian Hall was the man in the middle for this contest. D,C. commanded most of the match in their 2-1 win over the Rapids. Legendary goalscorer Jaime Moreno opened the scoring in the 37th minute and Tony Sanneh scored what would be the game-winner in the 68th minute. Adrian Paz would score in the 75th minute a consolation goal for the Rapids, who came into the contest as underdogs.

With the win, D.C, United would be the first-ever team to win another possible double: the league double of the MLS Supporters Shield and the MLS Cup. In addition to Moreno and Sanneh, D.C. United featured two other notable players in Marco Etcheverry and Eddie Pope, the latter who would go on as arguably the most storied defender in the history of the league.