D.C. United’s Unprecedented Playoff Hopes
There are two words to describe D.C. United’s season this year: Cinderella Story. In 2017, D.C. United was the worst team in the entire league. They were able to only salvage 32 points total, and tied with the LA Galaxy as the worst team in 2017. Starting this season, the majority of the team was inexperienced, with the average age for the team being 23. With this team, United only won twice, on April 14th against Columbus Crew SC, and on May 19th against the San Jose Earthquakes. This team was only able to have 10 points, and was the worst team in the entire league. But on June 30th, a magical thing happened: D.C. United acquired Wayne Rooney.
Since July 14th, which is the date D.C. United opened Audi Field, they have 9 wins, and have only lost twice and drawn once at home. They also have drawn in Montreal and against New York City FC.
With today’s win against FC Dallas, D.C. United’s Cinderella run from 10th place in the Eastern Conference has raised them to sixth place with 44 points. They are now one point above the Montreal Impact. These two teams will battle it out for the final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff push.
The next two games are on Wednesday night at home against Toronto FC and on Sunday at home against New York City FC. In order to clinch the playoff spot, they must win both games. D.C. also needs to have Toronto FC beat the Montreal Impact on Sunday at the Stade Saputo.
Will this be one of the greatest Cinderella Stories in sports history? Or will Montreal have an impact on D.C. United’s season? On Wednesday, we will find out if we will be welcomed into the gates of impossible.
