On September 11, 2001, the Pentagon Soccer Club lost a dear friend and longtime player, Commander William H. Donovan, United States Navy.  Bill was killed while standing watch in the Navy Operations Center when American Airlines Flight 77 was flown into the Pentagon.  He brought fun and laughter to the lunchtime game, and was dedicated to his wife and three children.  Bill grew up in Nunda, New York, graduated from the United States Naval Academy class of 1986, flew in Desert Storm, and served as a tactical officer on the U.S.S. George Washington.  He was 37 years old.

As a tribute to Bill, his friendship, and his love of the beautiful game, the Pentagon Soccer Club plays a memorial match twice a year with visiting members of the British Armed Forces.  The match trophy, named the Donovan Cup, is kept by the winning squad until the next visit.  Each game is dedicated to memory of Bill and others like him who died in the service of their country, and the ongoing brotherhood in arms shared by the service members of the United States and Britain throughout the world.

The trophy had much wear and tear over the years.  As a gesture of support for the clubs, the Donovan Cup fixture, and the military services they represent, DC United presented a new prize at the Donovan Cup match on June 5, 2014.  The new cup stayed home after a win by the U.S. squad, and the original trophy was retired under the care of the Donovan family.