A few months ago, the idea of DC United making the MLS playoffs seemed absurd. They were sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference and had not even moved into their new stadium yet. But now they are sitting in seventh position with a game in hand. The playoffs are within their grasp!

Wayne Rooney Factor

It is impossible to talk about DC United without mentioning Wayne Rooney. When the former Manchester United star joined, many were skeptical. Those who watched Everton and Manchester United live streaming events knew that he was on the decline. And some felt the money could have gone to a younger player.

But Rooney has proved everyone wrong. He showed up, worked hard, found his place in the team and has shone. Four goals and six assists in 11 games are proof. Everyone has improved and DC United are on a run of impressive results. Now they may even make the playoffs.

Game in Hand

Having a game in hand over the competition is so crucial around this time of the season. There are only a few weeks left before the playoff picture is solidified. DC United are two points off the last playoff spot and they have a game in hand. If they win that game, they would go 6th over Montreal Impact and take that last spot!

Seven Games to Go

Time is running out for the regular MLS season. If DC United are to make the playoffs, they must be in top form in all their remaining games. They cannot afford any slipups, given other teams are also competing for the same playoff spots. Finishing above 6th seems unlikely given the league table. So it will be touch and go to see whether they can clinch that last playoff spot!

September 29th is Crucial

Every game is vital when there are only seven left and a team wants to make the playoffs. But the 29th of September sees DC United entertain the Montreal Impact. Along with New England Revolution, these are the two teams that are most likely to take that last playoff spot.

If DC United were to win this game, it would give them a gap over the Impact that would be a lot more comforting. Consequently, a loss would mean they would have to be perfect in all their remaining games and hope the Impact slip up somewhere else.

Can They Go All The Way?

The beauty of the MLS Cup format is that even if a team is in the last playoff spot, they have as much chance as anyone to win it all. It is certainly true for DC United and the other teams vying for a playoff spot.

DC United have something that Montreal, New England and other playoff teams do not. They have Wayne Rooney. He is a star at MLS level, even at his older age, and Rooney is the type of player who could produce the moments of magic DC United need to go all the way and win the MLS Cup. It seems far-fetched, but if they are in the playoffs, a bet on them to win it all is warranted!