Wayne Rooney Reportedly Doesn't Want European Loan Return Following Playoff Loss
Nov 2, 2018
D.C. United forward Wayne Rooney (9) dribbles the ball against Orlando City midfielder Oriol Rosell (20) and defender Shane O'Neill, left, during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
DC United forward Wayne Rooney reportedly doesn't want to return to European football on a short-term loan following his team's elimination from the Major League Soccer playoffs on Thursday night.
Rooney missed a penalty in DC's shootout loss to Columbus Crew, bringing the curtain down on his debut season in the United States.
In the past, some high-profile players have made switches to European teams at the end of the MLS campaign, including David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane. However, according to Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail, that's not something Rooney is looking at.
"[When] he signed for the American club in the summer, Rooney said he was not interested in playing for anyone else while under contract there, a stance he has reiterated," saidKeegan." Sources close to the player have told Sportsmail that remains the case and that Rooney, who signed amulti-year deal, will use the time off to rest and embrace life on the other side of the Atlantic."
The 33-year-old posted the following message on social media after his team's chances ofMLSCup glory were dashed:
Disappointing result last night but there’s a lot of positives to build on for next year. Just want to thank all the fans and everybody at @dcunited for your support and making me and my family feel so welcome. Looking forward to next season already👍🏼👏🏼⚫️🔴 #DCUpic.twitter.com/EfJ8p9z8b6
After ending a 13-year spell at Manchester United and returning toEvertonin 2017, Rooney spent a year back with his boyhood club.
While he finished as the team's top scorer in the 2017-18 season, he was allowed to move on ahead of the current campaign by new Toffees boss Marco Silva. DC United were bottom of the table when the forward arrived, but his 12 goals and six assists saw them make a late run for the playoffs.
PodcasterNipunChopra believes Rooney surpassed expectations in his debut term in the capital:
On that evidence, and his performances at times forEvertonlast season, some would say Rooney still has what it takes to make an impact back in one of Europe's top five leagues.
His experience would certainly be invaluable for a lot of squads. Rooney is England's and Manchester United's all-time top goalscorer, as well as a five-time Premier League champion andUEFAChampions League winner.
Rooney may not have the same energy in his legs as he did in his younger days, but he's still capable of moments like this:
Wayne Rooney nominated for @MLS MVP. 12 goals and six assists in 19 games. But he probably got the nod for this alone 🔥🔥: pic.twitter.com/j2wdJAvf6Q
At this stage of his career, some recuperation for Rooney is vital, especially given he has had to adapt to a new league and different challenges posed by playing inMLS.
The former United man has quickly become an inspirational figure for his new team, and after their brilliant end to the campaign, he will hope to be part of a much more competitive outfit on a consistent basis next season.
Wayne Rooney Dismisses January Loan Return to Europe from DC United
Oct 27, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 29: Wayne Rooney #9 of D.C. United reacts in the first half during a game against the Philadelphia Union at Audi Field on August 29, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
D.C. United forward Wayne Rooney has said he doesn't plan to follow in the footsteps of other football veterans by moving back to Europe on loan in January and that he plans to remain in Major League Soccer.
The Manchester United legend told ESPN FC's Sebastian Salazar he wants "to give everything" to his employers and plans to stay in the United States to be with his family:
“I’m committed to D.C., and I don’t think it’d be right for me to start flying back and forth to play on loan for another team.”
Rooney, who turned 33 on Wednesday, made 676 combined appearances for the Red Devils and boyhood club Everton, whom he rejoined for the 2017-18 campaign. He left for Washington in June and signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with D.C.
His injection of match-winning quality has helped lift United back into the MLS play-offs after they missed out last year, and he scored 12 goals and recorded six assists in 19 league appearances for his new outfit.
Rooney also spoke to Salazar of his refusal to be wooed with preferential treatment upon arriving at the club and how he instead wanted parity with his team-mates:
D.C. United accumulated 14 points in 14 games this season prior to Rooney's arrival. In the 20 league games since his July introduction, the club has racked up 36 points for a much-improved 1.8 points-per-game average.
In fact, the team has improved in all areas since the former England captain made his bow.
The Black and Red scored 35 times in 20 games following Rooney's debut for a small increase in their goals-per-game ratio, but the club has also more than halved its goals-against rate since he was added to the squad.
D.C. have leaked 20 goals in MLS since July 15 (one per game) and kept four clean sheets in that time. They only managed one clean sheet in the 14 league outings pre-Rooney and conceded 29 times, an average of 2.07 goals conceded per game.
Fox Sports pundit Alexi Lalas rallied against those who suggest venturing to Major League Soccer is little more than a pension scheme for aged greats of the sport:
Oldies but goodies! Zlatan and Rooney have done anything but hurt MLS by finishing their careers here.
It's hard to argue against that logic. Rooney has said he will spend Christmas with his family in England but appears to have found a new lease of life in Washington.
The malleable maestro is content to stick around where he could help D.C. to their first MLS Cup crown since 2004, the year he moved to Manchester.
Nothing less is to be expected of England's record goalscorer, who spent 13 years at Old Trafford before returning to Merseyside, having now set up new roots in the United States.
Wayne Rooney Saves DC United from Open-Net Goal Then Assists Game-Winner
Aug 12, 2018
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 28: Wayne Rooney of DC United during the MLS match between DC United and Colorado Rapids at Audi Field on July 28, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
In the span of about 10 seconds, Wayne Rooney turned a potential loss into a win for DC United on Sunday against Orlando City SC.
The English star prevented an open-net goal in the 96th minute of the match before sending a perfect cross to Luciano Acosta for the game-winning score:
Acosta finished with a hat trick in the 3-2 victory, but Rooney transformed the match with his play on both ends of the field.
The 32-year-old transferred to DC United in July after a legendary career in the English Premier League. While this was just his sixth match with his new team, he has already showed what kind of impact he can make in the MLS.
DC United have only five wins in 20 matches all season, but three have come since Rooney joined the club.
Wayne Rooney Agrees to DC United Transfer from Everton on 3.5-Year Contract
Jun 28, 2018
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Wayne Rooney of Everton shows appreciation to the fans during the lap of honour after the Premier League match between Everton and Southampton at Goodison Park on May 5, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
DC United confirmed on Thursday they have agreed a deal with Everton to sign Wayne Rooney.
The transfer was made official via United's Twitter account:
Per football writer Kristan Heneage, United confirmed the deal was for three-and-a-half years. Rooney is scheduled to make his debut on July 14 against Vancouver Whitecaps, the first at the brand new Audi Field venue.
According to Rick Maese and Steven Goff of the Washington Post, Rooney will earn a salary of $13 million (£10 million) with his new club.
Per MLS' official website, Rooney expressed his delight at joining his new club:
"It is fantastic to be joining D.C. United at such an exciting time in the club's history with the new stadium opening in just a few weeks. Moving to America and MLS fulfills another career ambition for me. I have the hunger to be a success here and will give D.C. 100 percent—as I have always done for every team I have ever played for.
"When I visited earlier this summer, I was really impressed with everyone I met connected with the club, and of course the new Audi Field. Now I can't wait to get on the pitch in a United shirt and join my new team-mates to bring success to this club."
The club's managing general partner and CEO Jason Levien also weighed in on the move:
"This is a seminal moment for our fans and organization. Wayne is a global soccer icon and his presence at D.C. United will elevate our product on the pitch and soccer as a whole in our city and in this country. Wayne has thrived when competing at the most elite levels of soccer and we're thrilled to have his leadership as we enter this new era at Audi Field."
The transfer brings an end to Rooney's second spell with his boyhood club. The 32-year-old joined Everton in the summer of 2017 from Manchester United.
In the 2017-18 campaign, Rooney, who is the Red Devils' and England's all-time record goalscorer, finished as the Toffees' top scorer in the Premier League with 10 goals and had some moments to remember. He scored on his second debut against Stoke City, while also netting against Manchester City and Liverpool.
Tony Scott of the Liverpool Echo summed up the impact the former Manchester United man had on the team last term:
EFC stats 17/18 Wayne Rooney EFC Team ranking-
1st - Goals scored (10 goals from 27 starts) 2nd - Chances created (Sigurdsson 1st) 1st - Shots 1st - Shots on target 2nd - Key passes per game (Sigurdsson 1st) 1st - Goals involved in.
However, most of the good work done by Rooney came in the first half of the campaign, and following the midseason appointment of Sam Allardyce, he was dropped into a deeper role.
While there were times when Rooney performed well in a midfield position, in the main he appeared laboured and was wasteful in possession. He didn't create or score another goal for Everton from December and was given the runaround by energetic opposition at times.
Statistician Paul Carr broke down the good and bad aspects of Rooney's game during his one year back at Goodison Park:
Rooney good: 1 of 15 players with 10+ goals and 35+ chances created this PL season
Rooney not-so-good: 0.16 xG per 90 this PL season (excluding penalties), 19th among the 20 players with 10+ PL goals
With Everton seeking to go in a different direction under new manager Marco Silva, an exit appears to suit both parties. The high-intensity, expansive style of football the Portuguese likes his teams to play isn't tailored to the strengths of Rooney.
The United and England legend will no doubt be looking forward to a fresh challenge in Washington, though as Paul Hirst of TheTimes noted, it's unlikely to be a glamorous venture to the United States to begin with:
DC United are bottom of the Eastern Conference, they recently played to a crowd of just 3,118 people, and they haven't won the MLS Cup in 14 years, so why is Wayne Rooney joining them? Find out here (with thanks to @SoccerInsider and @ScreamingEagles) https://t.co/LsTxTu34AF
DC United have only won two of their 12 games in the 2018 Major League Soccer campaign. They've also played at least three fewer matches than the rest of the sides in the Eastern Conference, as work continues on their new stadium, Audi Field.
Donald Trump's Son Barron Playing for D.C. United U-12 Team
Sep 22, 2017
US President Donald Trump returns to the White House with his son Barron in Washington, DC, on August 20, 2017 after a 17-day 'working vacation.' / AFP PHOTO / NICHOLAS KAMM (Photo credit should read NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump's son, Barron Trump, is scheduled to play for the D.C. United U-12 soccer team on Saturday.
Pablo Maurer of MLSSoccer.com tweeted the following screenshot of the D.C. United U-12 roster with Trump included:
The 11-year-old Barron is the president's only child with First Lady Melania Trump.
Trump is listed as a midfielder wearing No. 81, and he has already appeared in four games for the team, per theU.S. Soccer Development Academy.
The team will face PA Classic U-12 in a pair of meetings at 10:30 a.m. ET and 12 p.m. ET, with the game scheduled to be played at RFK Field in Washington.
D.C. United Emerging as Dark-Horse MLS Cup Contender as Regular Season Ends
Oct 21, 2016
Oct 16, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United midfielder Lloyd Sam (8) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the first half against the New York City FC at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
When you start compiling a shortlist of MLS Cup contenders, the teams that easily come to mind are FC Dallas and the New York Red Bulls, who lead the Western and Eastern Conferences, respectively.
Maybe you're drawn to the Colorado Rapids' worst-to-first story and the club's grind-it-out defensive mindset. Some will talk about star-studded Toronto FC and a second-year New York City FC club led by David Villa, Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard.
You can't count out Bruce Arena and the LA Galaxy either anytime the postseason rolls around, especially with the star power they can trot out on to the pitch any given week combined with the former United States head coach's managerial genius.
But there's one other team you should add to the mix among the perennial favorites and top teams from the 2016 regular season.
They definitely aren't the sexy pick to be crowned champions on December 10, but D.C. United are a team to look at as a serious MLS Cup contender.
Under the guidance of manager Ben Olsen, D.C. have put together a six-game unbeaten run and have lost just once since July 31.
Oct 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; D.C. United midfielder Collin Martin (27) celebrates the win with D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid (28) at the end of a game against Toronto FC at BMO Field. D.C. United won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TO
The Black and Red were left for dead along with the Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire, who both still sit at the basement of the Eastern Conference, as the calendar flipped from July to August. But a few changes have been made to boost them to the cusp of a hosting a match in the knockout round of the postseason.
United enter the final day of the regular season—Decision Day as it's being called by the league—in fourth place in the Eastern Conference. All it takes to lock up at least a home match at RFK Stadium is a win over Orlando City on Sunday at Camping World Stadium.
All of this has been made possible by a pair of shrewd acquisitions near the end of the summer transfer window—one of which was a deal with D.C.'s biggest rival—a stout defense and a manager who has made the required tweaks to his side.
Let's start with the trades for Patrick Mullins and Lloyd Sam because both of the attack-minded midfielders have brought a new dimension to the final third, and they've actually made D.C. an attractive team to watch, which is a big step considering what they've looked like in past years.
The addition of Mullins, a 24-year-old striker in his third Major League Soccer season, has meant the world to D.C. The University of Maryland product didn't receive a chance to blossom into the striker he should be under Patrick Vieira at New York City FC this season.
Sep 28, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United forward Patrick Mullins (16) and Columbus Crew midfielder Will Trapp (20) battle for the ball in the first half at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
With playing time diminishing and D.C. in desperate need of a consistent scorer, Olsen pulled the trigger on one of the best moves of the season. Since joining D.C. on July 20, the No. 11 pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft has scored eight goals in 12 matches.
Mullins is second on the team in scoring behind Lamar Neagle, who was brought in during the offseason from Seattle. The lively presence of Mullins in front of net has been a welcome sight to the eyes of D.C. fans after Alvaro Saborio and Fabian Espindola failed to provide a consistent spark up top during the first half of the campaign.
Saborio remains a solid option off the bench for the Black and Red, especially in the postseason with his wealth of experience. Espindola was jettisoned to Vancouver to make room for Mullins on the roster. Kennedy Igboananike, who was brought in from Chicago at midseason, is also available off the bench.
The rest of the goals have come from a wide variety of players, but Mullins has ushered himself in as the top scorer for years to come in the nation's capital, and given his newfound confidence in the box, D.C. have a chance to pounce at any second.
Acquiring winger Lloyd Sam from the New York Red Bulls has also been beneficial to the attacking style of United. The 32-year-old, who featured in plenty of big matches with the Red Bulls, put in one of his best performances of the season a week ago as he contributed to two goals in D.C.'s playoff-clinching win over NYCFC.
Sep 28, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United midfielder Lloyd Sam (8) celebrates after scoring a goal against Columbus Crew SC in the second half at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. United won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mullins and Sam have taken some of the attention away from Argentine playmaker Luciano Acosta, who was the club's top attacking target for the first five months of the season.
Since opposing defenses can't key in on one player now, Acosta will have more space moving forward, especially when the back-and-forth postseason affairs begin.
And then there's Neagle, who emerged as a super-sub in August and September with two goals and two assists. The former Seattle man also added three goals as a starter, including a brace against Toronto on October 2.
The D.C. defense has complemented the offensive firepower and even added to it at points during the recent spell of good form.
The defensive line led by center-back pairing Bobby Boswell and Steve Birnbaum has conceded three goals in the last four matches, all of which have been victories. That number is much better than the 15 strikes let in from July 31 to September 16 when the team was hitting its stride.
Aug 13, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United defender Steve Birnbaum (15) battles Portland Timbers forward Lucas Melano (26) for the ball during the first half at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Goalkeeper Bill Hamid has kept the club in quite a few games during the course of the regular season, but he can't do it all if the Black and Red want to make it to the MLS Cup, although the United States international might be able to achieve the task if he tried.
D.C.'s path to the MLS Cup could end up being an easy one if they continue to play like they have over the last month. Most of the playoff teams in the Eastern Conference have shown signs of weakness that can be exploited by the right game plan, which is where Olsen's managerial experience comes into play.
The former United States international led the Black and Red to the Eastern Conference semifinal in 2012 and 2015 and helped the club rebound from an atrocious 2013 to earn a playoff berth the next year.
Olsen has also done a great job working with his squad this season given the long-term injury issues the Black and Red have faced.
Midfielder Chris Rolfe, who was the club's top player a year ago, has been out with a concussion, while defenders Chris Korb and Kofi Opare are both out with injuries. The D.C. coach has also had to deal with the absence of central midfielder Marcelo Sarvas and full-back Sean Franklin in recent weeks.
Oct 16, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United fans cheers during the second half against the New York City FC at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial. D.C. United defeated New York City FC 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
In any other season, Olsen would've been in the running for MLS Coach of the Year, but Pablo Mastroeni in Colorado, FC Dallas' Oscar Pareja and Vieira are the favorites to receive that honor.
Regardless of who D.C. ends up playing in the knockout-round match, they should have an upper hand on either Montreal or Philadelphia.
The Impact have had a good amount of ups and downs this season, and the Didier Drogba drama from the last week doesn't exactly help a team's focus on the postseason. Montreal's attack has plenty of weapons—with or without the former Chelsea man—but their defense is a bit concerning as they've recorded just three clean sheets since the start of July.
The easier matchup for D.C. would be the struggling Union, who backed their way into a playoff berth on the penultimate Sunday of the regular season. No matter how awful D.C. play in that match, they should win due to the lack of preparedness and effort in the Philadelphia squad.
When it comes to the semifinal and final rounds, United face a solid chance of advancing against either Toronto or NYCFC, who both still have questions in defense despite the stellar attackers in each lineup.
Sep 28, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid (28) celebrates with D.C. United midfielder Nick DeLeon (14) after their game against Columbus Crew SC at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. United won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burk
The biggest matchup problem for the Black and Red, or any team in the East if we're being honest, is the Red Bulls and their trademark pressing system. The good news for United is they've earned five points from three matches against their top rival in 2016, including a pair of come-from-behind 2-2 draws.
D.C. may not have a chance to challenge the Red Bulls for a 180-minute series if they settle in and defend against Bradley Wright-Phillips, Sacha Kljestan and Co., but they do have the capability to strike early and find vulnerabilities in the press.
Anything is possible when it comes to the MLS Cup, which will most likely be played at a Western Conference venue if D.C. come out of the East. The road environment shouldn't hurt United's blueprint for success by that point in the season.
The MLS Cup final may still be a month and a half away, but if you're looking for a dark-horse contender to get behind, hopping on the D.C. bandwagon right now is for you.
Joe Tansey covers MLS for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter, @JTansey90.
DC United Players Robbed During CONCACAF Champions League Match vs. Queretaro
Feb 29, 2016
Antonio Naelson (C) of Queretaro vies for the ball with Patrick Nyarko (R) and Sean Franklin (L) of DC United, during their CONCACAF Quarterfinal Champions League football match at the Corregidora stadium on February 23, 2016, in Queretaro, Mexico. AFP PHOTO/ADID JIMENEZ / AFP / ADID JIMENEZ (Photo credit should read ADID JIMENEZ/AFP/Getty Images)
The Washington Post's Steven Goff reported Monday that some members of D.C. United had their cellphones and cash stolen last week in Queretaro, Mexico, during the squad's CONCACAF Champions League match against Queretaro F.C.
"S--t happens down there," manager Ben Olsen said, per Goff. "It's upsetting that stuff like that still goes down in CONCACAF."
However, Queretaro F.C released a statement in Spanish, via Twitter, denying any phones were stolen from the stadium. ESPN FC's Tom Marshall provided a short summary:
.@Club_Queretaro have released a statement denying phones belonging to @dcunited players were stolen from the locker room in La Corregidora.
Olsen commended both CONCACAF and Queretaro F.C. for what he called a "very professional" response to the incident, per Goff.
Goal.com's Thomas Floyd added that no evidence points to either the club or match organizers having direct involvement in the robbery. Floyd countered, however, saying team members don't completely absolve Queretaro or CONCACAF of blame:
@Vamos_DCU I think that's the consensus. DCU upset that Queretaro and CONCACAF let this happen but satisfied by the response.
Recovering the phones will prove difficult. Floyd reported a D.C. United player used an iPhone app to locate his phone, which was roughly 130 miles away in Mexico City.
D.C. United lost the first leg 2-0 and will look to overcome the deficit at home Tuesday night. Should it move on to the semifinals, United will play either Real Salt Lake or Tigres UANL, who hold a two-goal advantage in their quarterfinal tie.
D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen will face increased pressure in 2014, but what additional storylines will complete your season preview? In part one of our 19-part series, we will ...
Can D.C. United Go from Worst to First in 2014 MLS Season?
Feb 4, 2014
D.C. United's Branko Boskovic (8) pats the head of Nick DeLeon after losing to the Houston Dynamo in an MLS Eastern Conference Championship soccer game, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012, in Houston. The Dynamo defeated D.C. United 3-1. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
By almost any measure, D.C. United’s 2013 Major League Soccer season was a bust. Yes, they did win the U.S. Open Cup, but they also finished dead last in league points (16), scored the least amount of league goals (22), gave up the second most number of goals (59) and, of course, missed the playoffs.
In fact, their 2013 campaign was so bad, they finished with 10 less points than Chivas USA—who suffered through one of the most embarrassing seasons in MLS history—and 13 points behind Toronto FC—who were downright awful.
Considering how bad the Black and Red were in 2013, it might seem like a fantasy to think they could win the league in 2014. But considering their coach, their talent level and their off-season moves, that’s exactly what could be in the cards.
Ben Olsen
The 2013 MLS season was a season for young coaches. Mike Petke took the New York Red Bulls to the Supporters’ Shield and Caleb Porter engineered a remarkable turnaround in Portland that turned the Timbers into one of the most feared teams in the league.
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 20: Head coach Ben Olsen of DC United celebrates after the game against the Columbus Crew at RFK Stadium on October 20, 2012 in Washington, DC. DC United won 3-2. (Photo by Ned Dishman/Getty Images)
But in 2012, the hot, young coach in MLS was Ben Olsen. Although Olsen had some rough patches as the interim coach for the second half of the 2010 season and only guided the team to a 9-13-12 record in 2011 in his first full season in charge, 2012 was a banner year for Olsen and United. The team finished second in the Eastern Conference and third, overall, in the league.
D.C. United entered the 2012 playoffs on a seven-game unbeaten streak and bested the Red Bulls and their big-name lineup of Thierry Henry, Rafa Marquez and Tim Cahill, in the conference semifinals.
While there’s no doubt that 2013 was a nightmare, Olsen proved in 2012 that he can get it done with the right pieces in place. He will have the chance to prove it again in 2014.
Talent
D.C. United has made a number of big moves this off-season, but before those moves even began, they had a number of important pieces in-house.
KANSAS CITY, KS - AUGUST 11: Nick DeLeon #18 of the D.C. United celebrates his goal with Chris Pontius #13 during a game against the Sporting Kansas City in the first half at Livestrong Sporting Park on August 11, 2012 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Ed
In the back, they have talented young goalkeeper Bill Hamid and center-back/holding midfielder Perry Kitchen. Hamid is still prone to the occasional mistake, but his shot-stopping ability is undeniable. Kitchen fell off the radar a bit in 2013, but he is a former U.S. youth international and, at only 21 years of age, already has three full seasons of MLS play under his belt.
In the midfield, D.C. has Chris Pontius, Nick DeLeon and Luis Silva, three very talented attack-minded players. Pontius was so good in 2012 that many were calling for him to receive a United States men’s national team call-up and DeLeon finished 2012 with six goals and four assists as a rookie. Silva picked up three goals and two assists in 2013 for United, despite only playing 13 games for the team.
Last summer, the team also picked up former U.S. youth internationals Jared Jeffrey and Conor Doyle midseason.
With those pieces already in place, D.C. United’s off-season moves may put the team over the top in 2014.
New Blood
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 08: Eddie Johnson #7 of the Seattle Sounders FC reacts after scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 defeat of Chivas USA at CenturyLink Field on September 8, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
This off-season, D.C. United has been one of the most active teams in MLS. They picked up American international Eddie Johnson, who has 26 goals in his last two MLS seasons. They nabbed Bobby Boswell, an experienced center-back with 10 years of MLS experience, who helped lead the Houston Dynamo to back-to-back MLS Cup finals. They signed right-back Sean Franklin, who helped the LA Galaxy to back-to-back MLS Cups. They traded for Jeff Parke, who was twice named the Seattle Sounders’ Defender of the Year, and Davy Arnaud, an experienced MLS veteran.
Finally, they picked up forward Fabian Espindola, who has scored 28 goals in his last three MLS seasons.
When you add all these new signings to a coach eager to prove himself and a solid foundation of talent already in place, D.C. United have to be considered one of the favorites for 2014.
D.C. United Loading Up on Talent to Erase Memories of 2013 Season
Dec 18, 2013
After finishing dead last in the Eastern Conference with a lowly 16 points and just three wins in 34 games, D.C. United needed plenty of change.
Luckily for soccer fans inside the Beltway, the club has done just that in the young offseason by bringing in a few experienced veterans and a future designated player.
It all started on Dec. 10 when United acquired Davy Arnaud from Montreal in exchange for an international roster spot.
Two days later, Ben Olsen's side snatched two veterans in the first stage of the Re-Entry Draft. The 2013 U.S. Open Cup winners strengthened their defense by adding Sean Franklin and Bobby Boswell during the re-entry process.
D.C. continued to make waves this week as they brought in a disgruntled Eddie Johnson from Seattle in a trade that sent allocation money back to the Pacific Northwest.
Then came the second stage of the Re-Entry Draft where the Black and Red added Fabian Espindola and Nana Attakora with their two selections.
With six new players now in the squad, Olsen and his staff have plenty to work with during the final few months of the offseason.
Franklin and Boswell will anchor a defense setup that was ravaged by 59 goals in 2013, a total that was second-worst in the league behind Chivas USA's 67.
The duo will likely be paired with Chris Korb and Dejan Jakovic to form a back four that on paper already looks better than the 2013 version of the back line in front of goalkeeper Bill Hamid.
Attakora will also challenge for a spot in the back four on a consistent basis, which gives Olsen some experienced depth to work with heading into 2014.
Arnaud and Espindola add a bit of flair to the midfield, which already contains some strong talent in Chris Pontius and Perry Kitchen.
While all of the new acquisitions mentioned above will gain some traction with fans, the biggest name is Johnson, who needs to be in prime goalscoring form ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Unlike in Seattle, Johnson will be the go-to guy in D.C., and all of the pressure will be on his shoulders to score for the prestigious Eastern Conference club.
Johnson can have an attitude at times, but what forward doesn't carry an edge with him in today's game?
The 29-year-old United States international revived his career in Seattle after a disappointing time in England with Fulham, and he has made himself a constant fixture on the international level again.
Whether you agree with it or not, Johnson's status as a designated player is warranted, and in due time, he will receive that designation as a part of his move to the nation's capital.
On top of all the offseason moves they have already made, D.C. also contains the No. 1 pick in the MLS SuperDraft in January.
