NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
In the early days of the MLS DC United was the crown jewel of the league, a club everyone wanted to be on and be like. Well, those days are long gone and the 2023 team looks to bring back the glory to the black and red with an offseason of personal and front-office moves. Wayne Rooney is back and eager to return to the top in the east. But with a host of questions heading into 2023, no one is sure what to expect from this club are they going to be like LAFC and spend big to grab talent? Or, do they develop players and have them sign elsewhere for big money in return? How long will Rooney be on the sidelines since we all know he wants to return to England and high-level soccer. Rooney will play a 4-3-3 formation and look to make the playoffs for the first time in the last 3 seasons.
Strengths: The attack should be much better this year with Taxi Fountes leading the charge and looking to build off last season’s 12 goals. Add in Mateusz and Christian Benteke that is the start of a solid look. Losing Ola Kamara was talked about as a big loss but the new guys will make that a non-issue sooner rather than later. Mateusz Klich comes over from Leeds where he was a key piece and will be a big part of DCU plans this season. Feeding both Benteke and Fountas.
Weakness: Where is the depth of the club? Is the midfield too old? And are the fullbacks above average or below? Grabbing Ruan from Orlando City gives them a lot of speed on the right side but what about the left side? Expect teams to attack the central defense and test new goalkeeper Tyler Miller who has over 100 starts under his belt steps in between the sticks what does he got?
Overall a spot in the MLS Playoffs would be a huge boost for the fans and franchise. Can they get enough goals to compete with the elite of the east? That is the main question we need an answer for and the defense has shown it will give up a few have the offseason moves improved the unit? With a full offseason to review game film and his roster, what will Wayne Rooney get out of this club and improve over recent seasons of subpar results. Let the journey begin with a battle against Toronto FC. #VamosUnited
