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MLS: Making a case for all five MVP finalists

By Cameron Albert

15 January 2015: Landon Donovan (right) poses with MLS Commissioner Don Garber in front of a mock-up of the new award. The Major League Soccer honored Landon Donovan by renaming their league Most Valuable Player Award after him in a tribute held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Andy Mead/YCJ/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images)
15 January 2015: Landon Donovan (right) poses with MLS Commissioner Don Garber in front of a mock-up of the new award. The Major League Soccer honored Landon Donovan by renaming their league Most Valuable Player Award after him in a tribute held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Andy Mead/YCJ/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 29: Wayne Rooney #9 of D.C. United prepares to take a corner kick against the Philadelphia Union in the first half at Audi Field on August 29, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 29: Wayne Rooney #9 of D.C. United prepares to take a corner kick against the Philadelphia Union in the first half at Audi Field on August 29, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

Wayne Rooney

The arrival of Wayne Rooney and his instant impact on D.C. United is one of the biggest talking points of the 2018 MLS season.

Sitting in last place, the signing of Rooney and the opening of Audi Field in July couldn’t have come at a better time for D.C. ‘I’m here to compete. I’m here to win,’ is how Rooney welcomed himself into the league. He certainly delivered on his promise.

Immediately, Rooney helped his new side find improved results, earning the captain’s armband along the way. Just like any team does, D.C. certainly dropped points they shouldn’t have throughout the season. But when United hosted Orlando City in August, it became evident that they should be taken seriously.

In a back and forth game where Rooney and Luciano Acosta were linking with ease, the determination of the English forward is what helped the hosts earn a crucial victory.

Following a corner which featured goalkeeper David Ousted in the box looking for a winner, a clearance at the goal line left Orlando City with an open net and an empty field to run across. As Will Johnson sprinted with the ball, he was met by a heroic slide tackle from Rooney who saved the day for his team

The 33-year-old didn’t stop there. Rooney picked up the ball and continued to run down the right side of the field until eventually sending it into the eighteen. The ball couldn’t have been any better, dragging Orlando keeper Joe Bendik off of his line and reaching the head of Acosta who headed home his third goal of the game.

The pairing of Rooney and teammate Acosta developed into one of the most productive duos in the league, helping the team finish the season with ten straight games without a loss.

In order to push for a spot in the 2018 playoffs, D.C. would have to pull off results against teams who had been on top of the league table the entire season. A combination of their new fortress and developed style of play made wins over Atlanta United and New York City FC possible.

Even with Jodef Martínez and Miguel Almirón on the pitch, it would be Rooney and Acosta who would be the most effective duo in Atlanta’s meeting with D.C. in September. All three of D.C.’s goals would be accredited to the pair in their convincing 3-1 victory.

The hosts’ opening goal spawned from the head of Rooney after a goal-kick in the 58th minute. The Englishman redirected the ball right into the run of Acosta, who would go on to beat two Atlanta defenders and begin the game’s scoring.

Rooney would then contribute in a pair of ways for D.C.’s second goal. The forward sent an impressive ball to Paul Arriola who would go on to be taken down in the box. Rooney opted to take the spot-kick and finished with ease.

Acosta and Rooney linked up once again for D.C. United’s third and final goal, displaying their undeniable connection. With the ball heading towards him, Rooney sent Acosta through on goal with his first touch and helping him find the back of the net.

Rooney’s arrival in MLS took D.C. United from the bottom of the table to a fourth-seed finish in the Eastern Conference. The value Rooney brings to D.C. is unmeasurable and is a top candidate for this year’s MVP award.

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