Here are three things we learned from D.C. United’s 2-2 draw with the LA Galaxy.
Darren Mattocks will not be overlooked
When D.C. United signed Wayne Rooney, it immediately put pressure on United’s current forwards. Although Rooney most recently played midfield for the England side Everton FC, coach Ben Olsen made it clear the club could use him as a forward.
While the Rooney rumors swirled, Mattocks went on the best run of his career. He scored in five of the last six matches, including the tie with the Galaxy. Mattocks leads United with eight goals this season.
With Mattocks on a hot streak, Olsen faces a tough formation and lineup decision considering Mattocks run and Rooney’s resume.
United needs to plug the backline leaks
While United have gone on a scoring streak in the last eight games, they have also conceded 19 goals. United’s last four opponents scored multiple goals against the club.
Playing at home will help United’s form, but with a long list of injuries, specifically at the outside back position, United needs to find a solution to the holes and find it fast. The club will use the transfer window that opens on July 10 to replace a depleted backline.
United will have to work quickly and win the majority of its 15 home games in the final 20 games of the season for a legitimate run at the playoffs.
The midfield is strong
In the twists and turns of injury and transfers, United ended up with a deep and talented midfield. While defensive midfielder Russell Canouse sat out injured, homegrown Chris Durkin and Junior Moreno stepped up to the challenge. Paul Arriola proved he can play winger and center midfield, while Acosta and Asad hold steady in their natural positions in the middle and out wide respectively. Zoltan Stieber has also been a reliable constant for Untied’s midfield.
With players returning to full strength and adding Rooney to the mix, United is due for a shake up from their regular 4-1-4-1 formation.
The biggest takeaway: The long road trip is over and Audi Field is just around the corner for Untied, who hosts the Vancouver Whitecaps on July 14 at the new stadium.