FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — D.C. United entered its final MLS match in more than a month with its sights set on a positive result and a morale boost ahead of Wednesday’s All-Star Game at Audi Field.
Saturday night’s miserable 4-0 defeat to the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium instead offered a reminder of the work ahead during the inaugural Leagues Cup and the midsummer break from league obligations. Former United midfielder Ian Harkes scored twice as the Revolution (12-4-7) highlighted the gulf between United (8-10-6) and the top teams in the league.
On a day when Argentine superstar Lionel Messi finally completed his long-awaited move to Inter Miami to strengthen one of the teams behind United in the playoff chase, United Coach Wayne Rooney faced the prospect of replacing midfielder Lewis O’Brien upon the expiration of his loan from English Premier League club Nottingham Forest after the match — and could only wonder what other moves might need to follow to strengthen his team for the stretch run.