There was no bidding war, nor was there even a measly transfer fee, for perhaps the greatest goal-scorer in Major League Soccer history. Instead, in the summer of 2013, interest in Bradley Wright-Phillips was as desolate as D.C. United’s new Audi Field at 8 p.m. on Wednesday night: the original kick-off time for the 75th Atlantic Cup.
A merciless downpour delayed the start of the match, between the New York Red Bulls and D.C. United, one hour and 27 minutes. In short order, a moat-like pool formed between the arena’s main gate and concourse, with biblical rain testing the limits of the newly-implemented drainage system.