NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
It is good to be back Black and Red fans! D.C. United currently sits at 5 wins and 12 points and, is in last place in the eastern conference. A change in management will soon see Wayne Rooney return to the sidelines but this time as manager. We know that after watching the first few games, Rooney will change things and add his twist, but will those moves equal wins and better play? The MLS All-Star game is August 9th and Taxi Fountas will be the lone member of the squad representing DCU and he has more than earned it. A look at the first half of the season:
The Bad:
This teams defense has been AWFUL and that’s being nice. Which has led to another issue they have had which is that they currently don’t have the players on the roster that can help them be deadly on the counterattack. Midfield play has below average at best and I have no doubt these are things Rooney and management know they have to address some of the score lines and goals allowed have been hard to watch. Giving up 7 goals to the Philadelphia Union, and the early game blunder we saw last weekend are all things that United fans have become used to. The only club to give up as many goals is San Jose who isn’t having a season to remember as well. With one win since the middle of May, things can’t get much worse.
The Good:
Taxi Fountas has been everything you can ask for from a Designated Player 11 goals in 13 games that sort of elite goal scoring doesn’t grow on trees. When he has been given good service and had a shot at putting the ball in the back of the net he has. Another thing to be excited about is the possible moves this team could make, is a run to the playoffs coming? Rosters moves could lead to a better brand of futbol. Having 2 designated player’s spots left can we strike gold again as we have with Fountas? Change always brings a buzz once Rooney gets settled and we see this team go back to the 4-3-2-1 formation. How many up-and-coming payers who grew up watching him play for England and Manchester United will want to play under him? Be ready for a bunch of roster moves that will see a lot of new faces on the field and also some money being freed up to use for players as well. This is a chance for this franchise to get back on track and give the fans what we have been wanting since our days of glory.
What’s Next?
With Wayne Rooney leading the charge a different type of D.C. United team should take the pitch after the all-star break, one that will be exciting and introduce us to new names to cheer for. What will guys like Ravel Morrison, Miguel Berry, and Martin Rodriguez bring to the table? Also, keep an eye on 18-year-old Jackson Hopkins. The trade window closes on August 4th so let the games begin. Until next time #LetsFly United fans and get ready for the next match with team gear here.
