Editor's note: Welcome to MLS Fan Watch, in which ESPN Playbook takes a closer look at the supporting group for each of the eight MLS conference semifinalists. The second in the series focuses on fans of DC United.

A sporting battle between a New York team and a DC team makes sense at venerable RFK Stadium, the oldest facility in MLS. After all, RFK has hosted epic games between the cities' NFL teams throughout the years.

Tonight is all about soccer. DC United fans will be extra amped, given that their team is making its first trip to the postseason since 2007 and is playing its blood rival, the New York Red Bulls.

This is nothing new. DC United has won 12 trophies, including non-MLS titles, since the league’s formation in 1995 while gaining an ardent following that introduced the league to tifos, matchlong chanting and singing, and other very European behavior.

As RFK welcomes postseason MLS football for the first time in five years, here is a snapshot of the DC United faithful.

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Olympic swimming champion Ryan Lochte hasn't slowed down since winning five medals at the London Summer Games.

Celebrity events. Magazine covers. Cameos on TV shows "90210" and "30 Rock." Even working on a clothing line.

And on Friday, Lochte was in South Boston visiting the Boys & Girls Club as part of Gillette's "Get Started" campaign to inspire young people to achieve their dreams and goals.

"I always love giving back and I consider myself a big kid," said the 28-year-old Lochte, who was born in New York and lived most of his life in Florida. "I hung out with the kids and teached them about working through their struggles and trying hard to reach for anything."

Lochte, who now has won 11 Olympic medals and now has paparazzi following him, is still getting used to his new-found celebrity.

"You must embrace every opportunity and have fun with it," he said. "There is no point in living your life miserably. I try to enjoy everything coming my way."

You don't need us to tell you: There's just something about that James Harden beard.

It has a well-followed Twitter account. It adorned an Oklahoma City building. And as we highlighted during the Thunder's deep 2012 playoff run, it inspired a number of fan-made T-shirts.

But if there was any wonder whether the frenzy around Harden would continue after his trade away from the relentlessly creative OKC supporters, that wonder is gone. Yes, NBA apparel buffs, Harden -- and in some cases, his beard -- is wearable in H-Town.

Consider these examples, just a few Harden- and Houston-themed shirts available on a Web filled with entertaining fan-created NBA tees:

From longtime Harden beard T-shirt generators (and newly named) BeardCard.com:

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Getting snubbed by MLB coaches and managers for the Gold Glove award probably garnered Mike Trout more headlines than if he’d won the award. Despite the attention and his historic season, it’s his team’s failure to make the postseason — not his lack of a Gold Glove — that hurts Trout's marketability.

“As important as fielding may be, it’s just not as sexy as hitting, pitching and winning,” said Bob Dorfman, executive vice president and executive creative director at Baker Street Advertising.

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After 10 years in the game, T.I. will release his eighth LP on Dec. 18. T.I. says “Trouble Man” is his best body of work so far.

“It’s epic. And I’m not saying that because I made it,” he says. “I think it’s a perfect hybrid of old and new. I feel like, for everybody’s favorite T.I. song, I have something [on this record] that will definitely match it.”

An avid Atlanta sports fan, T.I. talked to ESPN Playbook about his friendship with Michael Vick, how the Hawks are a sleeper pick this season and what athlete he'd like to play in a movie.

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Bicycles are a little common and elliptical machines can get mundane. So how about combining the two activities? Meet the ElliptiGO.

The ElliptiGO is a hybrid between a bike and elliptical trainer that comes in several models. Its creators, two Ironman triathletes, claim that the ElliptiGO burns 33 percent more calories than a bike.

The equipment, which looks kind of like a bicycle that’s missing a seat, has up to 11 speeds, can reach 15-25 miles per hour and can even convert to a stationary bike.

The ElliptiGO was built with current, past and injured runners in mind, says co-founder Bryan Pate.

“Our primary targets are healthy runners who want to cross-train, injured and former runners who want to enjoy running again and fitness enthusiasts who want a fun, low-impact, high-intensity outdoor exercise experience,” says Pate.

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