When I learned that Everton Football Club would be paying D.C. United a visit earlier this year, I wasn’t sure how to feel. The diehard Liverpool fan in me boiled with angst, but from a club PR perspective I realized that this would be a unique opportunity for our fan base to see one of the most historic sides in English football. The Stanley Park divide is fierce, but after spending a few days with my Everton colleagues, I can safely say they are some the kindest people in the global game.
Everton’s Jermaine Beckford.
Everton’s PR staff was class, and the same is true of their players. Everyone from Everton’s side was nothing but gracious, and considering the 110-degree heat during their stay, that’s no small accomplishment in my book. I enjoyed watching some of the Toffees’ young and upcoming players, like England international Jack Rodwell and Irish fullback Seamus Coleman.
Then there were the tried an true Premier League stalwarts, like midfielder Tim Cahill and mammoth defender Sylvain Distin (at 6’4″, he made me feel small). Saturday’s friendly also gave me an opportunity to watch a former Leeds United legend in action, as Jermaine Beckford earned a late substitute appearance in Everton’s 3-1 victory. Press Officer Darren Griffiths was kind enough to leave me a blue training top – I didn’t have the heart to inform him of my LFC allegiance – but I certainly appreciated the kind gesture (I’m still figuring out what to do with it).
Below are some shots from Everton’s visit to Washington. Training shots are courtesy of D.C. United photog Ben Keller, while the game shots come from Paul Frederiksen.
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