The district MLS team, D.C. United has kicked off the season having played 10 games over the course of four months. The season began in February with a dramatic win over Lorenzo Insigne and Toronto F.C. Since then, the club has struggled as of late but had a comfortable victory against Orlando City last weekend. As of May 3, the club has a record of 4-2-4 and looks to improve their record on Saturday against F.C. Cincinnati.
This season, D.C. United added some new players to the squad after finishing second to last in the previous season. Polish midfielder Mateusz Klich signed a contract with D.C. United in January on a two-year deal. Klich, who played for the Premier League club Leeds United, provides much-needed playmaking ability to this lackluster squad. His link-up play with Belgian striker Christian Benteke makes manager Wayne Rooney’s job much more manageable. Benteke, another former Premier League player, has excellent heading ability, which is critical in set-piece situations Benteke has started playing great soccer recently and scored one of the best goals you’ll ever see last weekend against Charlotte F.C. His ability to win headers and set up attacking play is unmatched on the squad. As a former Premier League player, the offense revolves around him.
The club was missing one of its best players in Greek striker, Taxiarchis Fountas. Fountas debuted when subbed on in a 2-1 defeat to the New England Revolution. He has been excellent lately with his ability to dribble past defenders and create opportunities. He has scored multiple times this season and had a goal from the spot last weekend. The finishing has been inconsistent, but the chances he has been getting and the positions he has put himself into have been fantastic. The last key player D.C. United has added is Brazilian right-back Ruan. The club traded the number two overall pick in the draft to Orlando City SC for him. His playmaking ability on the wing has provided a nice boost in the last few games for the club. He started the season as a true right-back but has moved to more of an attacking role. He has been one of D.C United’s best attackers this season with two assists in five games started.
Finally, the manager, Wayne Rooney, will be in charge for his first full season. The Manchester United legend will have his chance to run the team with brand-new players. Recently, the team has been in top form having won their last three league games. Currently, D.C. United occupy the final slot for the playoffs. It should be a fun and entertaining season for D.C. United who have nowhere to go but upwards.
Carol Corgan • May 3, 2023 at 12:44 pm
Nice work, Brian!
Mrs. Corgan