2018 DC United – Wayne Rooney #9 Small

The 2018 MLS season was a historic year for D.C. United, highlighted by the arrival of Wayne Rooney in midseason and the opening of their new stadium, Audi Field.

• MLS Regular Season:

  • The club had a poor start, spending much of the first half of the season at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

  • Rooney’s arrival in July transformed the team’s fortunes, sparking a surge up the table.

  • D.C. United ultimately finished 4th in the Eastern Conference with 51 points (14 wins, 9 losses, 11 draws).

• MLS Cup Playoffs:

  • Faced Columbus Crew in the Knockout Round. The game ended 2–2 after extra time (Rooney scored a penalty in the shootout), but D.C. lost 3–2 on penalties, ending their season.

• Key Storylines:

  • Opening of Audi Field on July 14, 2018, with Rooney making his debut the same day.

  • The team’s revival under head coach Ben Olsen, largely credited to Rooney’s leadership and quality.

• Kit: The 2018 home jersey, designed by Adidas, was a sleek black shirt with subtle horizontal striping, white sponsor logo (Leidos), and red details on the sleeves. It symbolized the new era at Audi Field and Rooney’s American debut.

2. Player’s Impact – Wayne Rooney (2018)

Wayne Rooney, one of the greatest English players of all time, became an instant icon at D.C. United in 2018.

• Appearances: 20 MLS matches (18 starts).

• Stats: Scored 12 goals and provided 7 assists in just half a season.

• Key Moments:

  • Scored a dramatic free kick vs. Toronto FC on October 17 to secure a playoff berth.

  • Produced one of MLS’s most iconic plays vs. Orlando City: sprinting back to make a last-minute tackle, then delivering a 40-yard assist to Luciano Acosta for the match-winner.

• Role: Played as captain and deep-lying forward, providing leadership, vision, and goals. His presence elevated teammates like Acosta, Arriola, and Asad.

• Legacy: Rooney’s 2018 half-season rejuvenated D.C. United, reenergized its fanbase, and left a lasting mark on MLS.

3. Full Squad List – D.C. United 2018

Manager: Ben Olsen

Goalkeepers:

• David Ousted

• Steve Clark

• Travis Worra

Defenders:

• Steve Birnbaum

• Frédéric Brillant

• Oniel Fisher

• Joseph Mora

• Taylor Kemp

• Chris Odoi-Atsem

• Kofi Opare

• Jalen Robinson

Midfielders:

• Russell Canouse

• Luciano Acosta

• Ulises Segura

• Yamil Asad

• Ian Harkes

• Zoltán Stieber

• Junior Moreno

• Jared Jeffrey

Forwards:

• Wayne Rooney (Captain)

• Darren Mattocks

• Patrick Mullins (departed midseason)

• Bruno Miranda