DC United are in rough times at the moment, but Wayne Rooney's side is seemingly headed in the right direction. The club has not made the playoffs since 2019 and has not advanced past the quarter-finals since 2012. Last season was the worst season of their existence, so it can only go up from here. They won just seven games, while losing 21. DC won the first two matches of their 2022 campaign, then failed to win consecutive games ever again for the rest of the year. Taxi Fountas led the team with 12 goals, while Ola Kamara scored nine. Outside of those two, it's difficult to pick out a bright spot. Rooney was put in charge of cleaning up the mess. The process has already begun, throughout the end of last season and into this off-season.
Near the end of the 2022 season, DC United added Christian Benteke and Ravel Morrison. Morrison scored twice in 14 matches, while Benteke scored one goal in his seven appearances. These two will look to lead DC's comeback in 2023, among others. The largest signing of the off-season was Mateusz Klich, a midfielder arriving from Leeds United as a Designated Player. He will look to stabilize the midfield, a spot where DC United desperately needed help. They also added plenty of defensive depth. Iraqi left-back Mohanad Jeahze transferred from Hammarby and could slot straight into the starting lineup. Central defender Derrick Williams came from LA Galaxy, while speedy former Orlando City fullback Ruan also arrived in DC. Veteran wing-back Pedro Santos joined from Columbus Crew. The entire goalkeeper room was also revamped, as they added Tyler Miller and Alex Bono after selling Rafael Romo. Tony Alfaro left for New York City FC, David Ochoa departed for Liga MX, and Sofiane Djeffal joined Austin FC. Norweigan striker Ola Kamara is still currently a free agent.
DC United were perhaps the busiest team in Major League Soccer this off-season. Their team is drastically different from a couple of months ago, meaning that there is plenty of room for optimism. Each move provided either good depth or a serviceable starter. DC United can definitely be a competitive team in 2023. Taxi Fountas will need to continue his goal scoring form, alongside long-time Crystal Palace forward Christian Benteke. The back-line and goalkeeping situation has taken a complete turn for the better, so one would have to think that DC will see considerable improvement. The team has become more solid from front to back, as well as more dynamic. DC United are a darkhorse team to watch in MLS this season.
Projected XI:
GK: Miller
DEF: Jeahze, Williams, Birnbaum, Ruan
MID: Klich, Palsson, Rodriguez, Fountas, Morrison
FWD: Benteke
Off-Season Grade: A-
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