Atlanta United Vs D.C. United: 5 key players to watch – Stopping Wayne Rooney

1. Michael Parkhurst

D.C. United is in the middle of a good run right now. Wayne Rooney has reinvigorated the team and is making players around him better. This is why Michael Parkhurst is going to be a player to watch. His organization of the backline against an energetic D.C. attack is going to be a defining factor in this game.

Rooney made his first career start for D.C. in the last game against Atlanta and, although he had a relatively poor showing, Atlanta’s defense was a big part of that. They frustrated D.C.’s attack and held them to just one goal. Rooney only managed two shots in 66 minutes and neither of them were on goal.

If Parkhurst can keep things organized, as he usually does, then D.C. should be frustrated again. Of course, this D.C. team is very different from the one Atlanta played against a few weeks ago. However, Atlanta’s game plan will most likely remain the same. Parkhurst and the rest of Atlanta’s defense will factor into whether or not Atlanta wins.

Plus, Atlanta can clinch a playoff spot on Sunday with a win, so the stakes will be even higher. Look for Parkhurst to lead the defense into whatever result Atlanta gets.