From the moment it broke ground on a new stadium at Buzzard Point last March, D.C. United knew the 16-month construction timetable would force the team to play a heavy load of away matches at the beginning of the 2018 season. Would it break the MLS record of 10 straight on the road? Or take up temporary residence at nearby venues for respite from its travels?
On Thursday, United learned the full severity of its lopsided calendar.
After moderate demands over almost two months, a period interrupted by two home games at alternative venues in the metro area, United will accumulate frequent-flier miles in bulk across seven unforgiving weeks.