When DC United chose Wayne Rooney as their new coach to revive one of the charter programs in Major League Soccer (MLS), hopes were real, but muted. The Eagles have been languishing in the lower half of mediocrity for much of the last decade. Rooney’s first full year has some promise of improvement.
First and most importantly, he will begin with a fairly stable squad which should bring the vital foundational element of familiarity essential to the uptempo play he sees as necessary for success. In his last press conference of 2022 he emphasized in his final message to his players, that they report for preseason fully fit.
Preseason is when a coaching staff takes those physically fit players and makes them game fit. With practices and scrimmages with opponents, players internalize the tendencies and preferences of their teammates. With only a few strong additions, this year’s players are already comfortable with one another.
Still, Rooney must take a roster deep in journeymen to a higher level. As he added strength in 2022 the trickling in of stronger players did not allow the team to reach proper game fitness. Even with an uncertain defense, United has sufficient talent to compete for the playoffs and perhaps win at least one playoff game.
Let’s examine the roster in four areas. The forward line features two effective designated players, Christian Benteke and Taxiarchis Fountas. They are backed up by serviceable attacker, Nigel Robertha. Developing well are Kristian Fletcher and Ted Ku-Dipietro. The offense has a strong head of the spear. Given the improving level of talent in MLS I rate this line as average with potential upside provided by youth.
Providing the shaft to drive the spear is a midfield with two high-level center mids, Mateusz Klich and Victor Palsson, two dynamic wide mids, Ravel Morrison and Martin Rodriguez, and the very promising homegrown Jackson Hopkins. Another promising youngster is Sofiane Djeffal. Depth is solid with Chris Durkin and Russell Canouse. The midfield is well equipped to weather injuries and thus is slightly above average for MLS.
The defense is anchored by the captain, Steven Birnbaum who has a few familiar faces to work with, Donovan Pines, Brendan Hines-Ike, Andy Najar, and promising homegrown Matai Akinmboni. New to the squad is the latest designated player, Mohanad Jeahze. Ruan Teixeira (from Orlando City) and Derrick Williams (from LA Galaxy) appear to be solid additions where they played regularly. If Jeahze provides an upgrade and the very young Akinmboni continues his rapid development, the defense may attain or slightly exceed average status.
The final piece of the puzzle is the goal which is defended by former Toronto keeper Alex Bono who signed in December as a free agent. Also seeing time in preseason is well-traveled Tyler Miller. Finally, United has newcomer Luis Zamudio. Bono’s record should place him in the starter role. He is still young and played significant minutes for Toronto the past two years.
The first several games this year will reveal just how good a foundation Rooney has built. There is little to learn from DC’s preseason record since that time is devoted to testing player combinations and refining roles and expectations.
The season opener against Toronto FC is at Audi Field at 7:30 PM on 25 February. Weather should be cold and possibly wet.
DC United
Eastern Conference
