WASHINGTON, DC–DC United Coach Wayne Rooney continued to adapt his team’s style of play at Audi Field to address that of Inter Miami. The result was a hard fought 2-2 tie against an opponent which resides at the bottom of the Eastern conference. This follows a recent 3-0 beating of the Cincinnati team the leads the conference.
The obvious takeaway is that consistency is rare in the MLS. Aware of the scouting and game preparation by other teams, Rooney made a major adjustment in his three-man midfield for that reason and to accommodate the absence of designated player Mateusz Klich for accumulated cautions.
Normally either Russell Canouse or Chris Durkin play centrally with Klich and Lewis O’Brien attacking down the wings. This night Rooney chose to have the three midfielders rotate positions to confuse opposing defenders. Yamil Asad explained, “It’s a new thing for us. We have to keep the mobility in the middle. It’s tough to keep marking when you are moving around. For the other team it’s gonna be tough.” He also indicated that the style required a good level of fitness.
Even as Klich returns, we might look forward to a similar style if O’Brien returns to Nottingham Forest when his loan expires on 16 July. While discussions of a one-year extension are ongoing, expect continuing flexibility from Rooney as opponents and available players vary.
The coach was disappointed in the result but is pleased that, “The players showed great character, a great mentality to come back.” He was, “Disappointed because I thought we were the better team, created the better chances.”
Questioned about playing the attack-minded Cristian Dajome as a wide defender, Rooney pointed out, “We thought that Miami were very high in the back line and with Dajome’s pace and ability to carry the ball that was a good option for us.” With Pedro Santos out injured he, “wanted to go a bit more attacking with Dajome tonight.”
Explaining his view of the caution to Taxi Fountas when it appeared that he had been successful at nicking the ball away often, Rooney said, that he had, “two or three fouls before”, creating persistent infringement. He went on to say, “Taxi was very good tonight. He had two or three chances tonight and from that could score two or three goals.”
All four goals were well crafted to overcome a swarming defense by both teams. While play was often stifled in midfield, both made exceptional saves as breakthroughs occurred as cited by Rooney. Final execution was difficult with limited time due to aggressive coverage.
Christian Benteke summed up the situation, “It’s the kind of game where if you don’t score then they’re gonna get confidence and then take their chances.” He was disappointed for the sell-out crowd on getting only one point, “It feels like we lost tonight – – – in this league, you never know, you have to be focused.”
If United is to reach five hundred and continue in the hunt for a playoff spot, they will need to win at New England this Saturday. Given the quality coaching that Bruce Arena will bring to the event, DC will have to maintain the focus that Benteke seeks.
