Three matches into the 2019 MLS season, it was hard to imagine D.C. United’s campaign sticking much closer to the script. The numbers spoke for themselves: two wins, one draw and zero lineup changes necessary.
Then left back Joseph Mora suffered a broken jaw in a 2-1 win over Orlando City on March 31, forcing defender Chris McCann into the lineup for the foreseeable future. This past Saturday, a stark reality check arrived in the form of a 4-0 loss to league-leading Los Angeles FC at Audi Field. A reckless challenge got Wayne Rooney sent off in that game as well, earning D.