Official DC United Reporter
By Sarah Kallassy // @SarahKallassy
After a tumultuous season, D.C. United have managed to clinch a 2019 playoff spot! Throughout 2019, the Black-and-Red have faced countless challenges. Injury, roster shakeups (Wayne Rooney’s early departure anyone?), and winless streaks have forced many to question how soon the season would end.
After a 1-0 win over the Portland Timbers at Providence Park and a little help from the LA Galaxy in shoving the anemic Montreal Impact further down the Eastern Conference table, D.C. United are currently sitting in a comfortable 5th place. A win tonight against the Seattle Sounders at Audi Field could indeed move D.C. up into 4th place and earn the opportunity to host a playoff match at home.
D.C. United will play two more regular-season matches after tonight, the first on the road against the New York Red Bulls, and the second at home against FC Cincinnati. It stands to reason that the Black-and-Red could win at least one of these matches, especially a home match in front of an energized supporter base.
D.C. United’s roster has experienced quite a few shakeups in the past few months. Captain Wayne Rooney announced his departure at the end of this season to play for Derby County, cutting short his contract with the Black-and-Red. Although the striker will be missed, D.C. has made valuable additions that should mitigate the impact of his exit. Ola Kamara, Emmanuel Boateng, Felipe Martins, and now, Yamil Asad, are a few of the players who will bolster the Black-and-Red in the 2020 season.
D.C.’s new players (except for Asad who will join the roster in 2020) have already more than proven their capability to be difference makers on the pitch, especially Kamara with his innate ability to find the back of the net. As D.C. looks to make a solid playoff run, the Black-and-Red’s newfound roster depth will be a tremendous asset.
Vamos United!
Featured image: MLS
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