Post-match
During the post-game awards ceremony the stage nearly collapsed beneath D.C. United. After saluting the fans D.C. United players celebrated the victory with cigars and champagne in the locker room with friends, families and fans.
After taking part in all four MLS Cups in the league's history, with their only loss coming in 1998 to the Chicago Fire, it was generally accepted that D.C. United had established a dynasty. After the game Cobi Jones stated that:
| “ | It's obviously a dynasty. It's disappointing for us, but it's great for them. They're showing they're a dominant force in the MLS. | ” |
Journalists questioned MLS Commissionar Don Garber as to whether D.C. United's domination was hurting the league. The issue was notable since the league was designed from its outset to create parity among teams through a system in which investors would pay a stake in the league as a whole. Garber responded by stating:
| “ | I think it's terrific to have a dominant team. There will be teams shooting after them all year. | ” |
D.C. United was honored for their third MLS championship on December 14 with a 10-block parade through downtown Washington, D.C. Following their third MLS Cup title in four years, the club went on a downturn, failing to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs for the next three seasons. United would not qualify for the playoffs again until 2003, and it would not be until 2004, that the team would win their next MLS Cup, which to this date is their most recent MLS Cup title.
As runners-up, Los Angeles Galaxy would earn a berth into the 2000 CONCACAF Champions' Cup, where they would finish as the eventual champions. To date, it was the last time an American soccer club won a CONCACAF club competition, and the first time until 2011 an American soccer club reached the finals of an American soccer club competition. In the Cup, the Galaxy would oust United in the semifinals.
In MLS Cup play, Galaxy would reach the finals again in 2001, where they would, once again lose in the final, falling to their California Clasico rivals, San Jose Earthquakes. It was not until the following season that the Galaxy would win their first ever MLS Cup championship, defeating New England Revolution, the club would also win their second championship three years later, again, against New England.
Read more about this topic: MLS Cup '99