ClapWhile it didn’t seem likely just a few short months ago, we’ve now got a series of teams that are threatening to do some pretty interesting things as we look ahead to the upcoming MLS Cup Playoffs. While they’re still a little bit of a way down the road, we’re at that point now where we can start to get legitimately excited about what lays ahead.
Of course, that’s from the position of media members and fans. When you’re actually involved in the chaos of trying to navigate your way to the top of Major League Soccer, it can be the kind of journey that leads you in a million and one different directions. One club who serves as a prime example of that is DC United, who have already been on a rollercoaster ride this season.
Stay positive
Not so long ago it seemed like they could legitimately be one of the leading contenders for the Eastern Conference crown, which would’ve given them a huge boost heading into the post-season. Alas, they weren’t quite able to maintain their consistency, and have progressively slipped further and further down the ranks in recent weeks.
As reported by MLS Soccer, though, they were able to bounce back as only they can with a thrilling victory over LA Galaxy. As reported by Derby Telegraph they were without star man Wayne Rooney who, ironically enough, is one of the reasons why the fans have been so stressed lately. The Englishman revealed that he would be returning to his homeland in January, as he’ll be taking on a player-coach role within Derby County’s first team.
DC were able to take the lead early on in this game, but just after the half time interval, the Galaxy leveled things up and really put the pressure on the Eastern Conference side. Thankfully for them, though, Lucas Rodriguez was on hand in the last 15 minutes or so of the game to put them back into the lead – a lead they held onto until the full time whistle.
Day by day
By no means is this enough of an indication to suggest they’re going to be just fine in the race for the MLS Cup, but as dark horse underdogs that very few people will be tipping to win it all, they could really be onto something. We don’t know what that ‘something’ is, but grit and determination can take you a long way, which isn’t exactly a groundbreaking statement for us to make.
The journey has been a long one for DC and it isn’t going to be easy rounding off this season knowing that star man Rooney is leaving the franchise once it’s all said and done. However, with that being said, they could send him off with a smile on his face in the best way possible with an unlikely triumph at the end of the campaign.
DC fans shouldn’t rely on it for the season to be viewed as a success, but they shouldn’t be afraid of it either.
