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D.C. United unveil marble-inspired 2021 away jersey

With the marble-inspired kit, the Black-and-Red are going to add some blue to the mix

By Jason Anderson
Xavier Dussaq / Courtesy of D.C. United

D.C. United has unveiled their new away jersey for 2021. The shirt is inspired by the marble used to build monuments on the National Mall, which constitute some of the most well-known District landmarks. Notably, United has also gone away from its traditional away color scheme of white, black, and red, replacing black with blue.

Courtesy of D.C. United

The jersey replaces a white and gray number that garnered mostly negative reactions from fans in part because it looked so much like the other white kit options around MLS. This time around, United has given the shirt more life by sublimating a marble pattern, while the club says the addition of blue is both to link United to the fact that D.C. is the nation’s capital, and to connect back to the blue 1997 “Cat in the Hat” third jersey that has remained popular with supporters for over 20 years.

The club also included an Easter egg on its mobile shop, including the option to order a shirt with STATEHOOD and the number 51 in among the players on the squad:

The team also put together this video narrated by center back and Homegrown player Donovan Pines, Ben’s Chili Bowl co-founder Virginia Ali, D.C. resident Rahul Dubey (who provided impromptu shelter for dozens of Black Lives Matter protesters last summer), and another District resident, DC SCORES graduate Jessica Amaya:

United’s photo gallery includes photos of all four of them, plus a diverse group of locals including fans, players (including the club’s four teenaged Homegrown players), and Washington Spirit midfielder Andi Sullivan.

Xavier Dussaq / Courtesy of D.C. United

Eagle-eyed fans may notice that some of these players are photographed next to something that hints at a kit fans have been clamoring for in recent years: cherry blossoms. Let this be a quick reminder that per the norms of jersey design cycle, United’s home jersey is due for a swap next winter, and then the away kit will be replaced between the 2022 and 2023 season.

Let us know in the comments: What do you think about the new shirt?

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