Has Wayne Rooney Made DC United MLS Cup Contenders?
- Playoff races are heating up in Major League Soccer
- How has Wayne Rooney’s summer addition affected D.C. United’s chances?
- Do DC offer value on making the playoffs and taking a run at MLS Cup?
DC United started the season with limited expectations, no home field, and little shot at reaching MLS Cup.
After 14 games in the MLS season they had recorded only two wins. In June their average MLS Cup odds had fallen to +24300.
But since Wayne Rooney’s arrival to the club this summer, United have been rejuvenated and now find themselves in a playoff position and average odds to win the MLS Cup of +2500. (See the top 6 tab in the graph below.)
Average Odds to Win the 2018 MLS Cup
Rooney, the ex-Premier League star, who last played with Everton, signed with DC on June 28.
He made his first appearance as a sub off the bench against Vancouver on July 14 and contributed an assist and four shots.
2018 MLS Cup Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Atlanta United | +300 |
| New York Red Bulls | +300 |
| New York City FC | +900 |
| FC Dallas | +900 |
| Sporting Kansas City | +900 |
| D.C. United | +2500 |
Rooney Has Lifted DC to Contention
Rooney’s impact, coupled with the opening of the new Audi Field, has sparked life into a United squad with little hope earlier this season.
With Rooney in DC, the team has won ten of 17 games, while only falling in defeat four times. They are currently unbeaten in seven and on a three-game winning streak.
Anyone who may have questioned his motivation coming to MLS after playing at the game’s highest levels throughout his career have been proven wrong. Rooney now has nine goals, six assists, and three multi-goal games.
Wayne Rooney's impact at DC United ?? pic.twitter.com/HtLbC01UWk
— Transfer News (@TrustyTransfers) October 15, 2018
Rooney’s addition hasn’t just been seen in the stat sheets, but also in creating a new feeling around the club.
Keeper Bill Hamid, who leads all current United players in club appearances, recently returned on loan and already noticed the difference.
It’s a different atmosphere, it’s a different feel, different locker room, different mentality. ~ Keeper Bill Hamid
“But now it just feels like a completely different club, I can’t lie. It’s a different atmosphere, it’s a different feel, different locker room, different mentality. I think that we’re playing a different style of football. So a lot has changed, and that’s pretty refreshing to see and to feel,” said Hamid.
? Wayne Rooney since joining DC United…
– Games: 17
– Goals: 9
– Assists: 6
Has brought DC from last place to play offs position
Form is temporary, class is permanent! pic.twitter.com/zoEyGarMCS
— Now Football (@Now_FootbaIl) October 14, 2018
Can United Stay Above The Line?
DC’s odds have been shortening for months, and after Saturday’s last minute 1-0 win over Dallas, they now find themselves in playoff position.
Technically, United could still draw even on points with third place New York City FC with three games remaining in their regular season.
*hits refresh* pic.twitter.com/Zpo3HKh0WL
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 13, 2018
But right now the focus will be on holding off the Montreal Impact, who sit only one point behind DC for the East’s final playoff spot with only two games remaining.
With an advantage in points and games in hand, DC have to be considered favorites to claim a playoff berth.
With an advantage in points and games in hand, DC have to be considered favorites to claim a playoff berth.
Their next two matches are home to Toronto, who have been eliminated from contention, then home to New York City FC, before a road match in Chicago on Decision Day. DC recently beat Chicago 2-1 on October 7.
Montreal is Also Hot
Their biggest threat, the Impact, will have ground to make up, but have been on a hot streak of their own.
Montreal also started the season poor, but have only lost four times since June 13 and are currently on a 3-1-1 run. They finish their season at home to arch-rivals Toronto, before a road finale to the New England Revolution, who are all but mathematically eliminated themselves.
Who is the Best Bet to Win the MLS Cup?
The MLS is a funny league in that if you get hot at the right time and go into the playoffs strong, anything can happen.
The Red Bulls are a complete team but often struggle in the playoffs; and Atlanta United could be missing their most important player in Miguel Almirón due to injury.
With that in mind United would certainly offer the best value bet at +2500 to lift the MLS Cup.
Ryan is SBD's resident soccer pro, though his repertoire is by no means limited to a single sport. His articles have been published by the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and the Kitchener Rangers, and outlets like SportsXpress and Shredthespread.com
