UnitedMania.com
A brief History of UnitedMania.com and The UnitedMania Podcast
Words and photos by Martin Fernandez
For nearly two decades, UnitedMania.com served as an independent voice covering D.C. United and Major League Soccer from a fan’s perspective. What began as a small personal project in the late 1990s evolved into a website and podcast that documented matches, players, and the culture surrounding the club during some of its most formative years.
UnitedMania.com began operations in 1998, shortly after the launch of Major League Soccer. Coverage of the league and D.C. United was limited at the time, and I felt there was room for thoughtful, independent reporting rooted in the supporter experience. Drawing on my background in web development, I began building what would become UnitedMania with the help of friends Mike Martin, Chris Webb, and photographer Rafael “Rafa” Crisostomo.
The site launched quietly as a subdomain of my personal site before officially becoming UnitedMania.com in July of 2000. Over time, we built a growing archive of pre- and post-match reports, opinion pieces, and photo galleries. Rafa’s photography—along with generous contributions from Tony Quinn and Andy Mead—gave the site a strong visual identity that complemented the written coverage.
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Rafael “Rafa” Crisostomo
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Tony Quinn
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Andy Mead
By 2003, UnitedMania had developed a consistent audience, and we were granted press credentials that allowed for expanded access to matches, players, and the field. That access, combined with photography and long-form coverage, helped elevate the site beyond a typical fan blog.
Around that same period, we partnered with local radio host John Dyson to produce The Soccer Show, initially airing on a small AM station in Falls Church, Virginia. In 2007, the show transitioned to the web and became a weekly podcast, later rebranded as The UnitedMania Podcast. The shift dramatically expanded our reach and allowed us to build a loyal listener base.
Over the years, the podcast featured contributions from journalists, players, coaches, and other voices within the soccer community. One of our most memorable regular guests was Ray Hudson, whose storytelling and personality made every appearance unpredictable and entertaining. The show thrived on spirited debate, humor, and an intentional avoidance of rehearsed talking points.
UnitedMania also briefly appeared on larger sports networks before returning to independent operation, continuing to publish articles and produce weekly podcast episodes through the mid-2010s.
DC United’s Josh Wolff (shirtless) celebrates a goal with United’s Faithful, La Barra Brava and the Screaming Eagles.
Photo: Martin Fernandez
The site and podcast came to an abrupt end early in the 2017 MLS season, when access that had been granted for years was withdrawn. Rather than continuing under those circumstances, we chose to close the chapter. It was a difficult and disappointing conclusion to a project that had consumed an enormous amount of time, energy, and care over nearly two decades.
In hindsight, that ending also created space for something new.
Around the same time, I was offered the opportunity to write Mountain Biking Virginia for Falcon Guides, allowing me to refocus my creative energy on cycling, travel, and photography. That shift led to new projects, new places, and new communities—many of which are documented here on BestRidesDC.
While I no longer follow D.C. United or MLS closely, my appreciation for the sport has evolved rather than disappeared. I now spend more time supporting local and regional clubs, including Washington Spirit, Loudoun United FC, and Richmond Kickers.
Robert “Big Rob” Gillespie, long time supporter of DC United and founding member of La Barra Brava was always at the center leading on the cheers. Sadly, Big Rob lost his battle with Cancer in June 2021 .
Photo: Martin Fernandez
What I miss most from the UnitedMania years is being on the sideline with a camera—anticipating the moment when a play unfolds and capturing it at exactly the right instant. Looking back at those images still brings back vivid memories of matches, road trips, friendships, and countless hours spent building something meaningful with people I cared about.
UnitedMania.com may have ended in 2017, but the experience shaped much of what came after—and for that, I remain grateful.
The podcast and website also opened the opportunity to not only shoot DC United matches, but also notable MLS encounters. I also shot several MLS Cups, including the 2010 matchup between the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas. Colorado would go on to win by a score of 2-1.
Photo: Martin Fernandez
