It’s been a season of mixed fortunes so far for D.C. United, with the team sitting just inside the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs spots 24 matches into the campaign. From the high of beating Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati 3-0 to the low of a 4-0 defeat New England Revolution, the Wayne Rooney-managed outfit will be looking to find consistency during this year’s Leagues Cup.
D.C. United have been drawn into the East 2 group, one of three pools which include teams from all three North American countries. The MLS will be kicking off against CF Montreal on July 26 at the Quebec side’s home ground, before hosting Pumas back home in Washington.
The team’s hopes of Leagues Cup success will largely depend on whether star striker Christian Benteke is able to continue his impressive scoring form. The Belgian has 8 goals so far this season, including a stunning bicycle kick against Charlotte FC back in April.
But Wayne Rooney doesn’t just have established internationals at his disposal, with some of the squad’s homegrown talents playing a major role this season - one of these is defensive midfielder Chris Durkin. Here’s a look at how Benteke and Durkin have emerged as essential to the D.C. United set-up.
Christian Benteke - the team’s Belgian bagsman
With ten years of Premier League experience behind him, the Belgian international was a statement signing for the Black and Red when he made the move to MLS last summer.
After coming through the ranks at Genk in his home country, Benteke racked up just short of a century of goals in stints at Aston Villa, Liverpool and Crystal Palace. He was won over by coach Rooney’s style of play last summer, and his move across the pond has paid off so far.
His skillset covers more than just goalscoring - his imposing frame and technical ability draws in defenders and frees up space for his teammates to run into. However, the striker will still have a point to prove at Leagues Cup, after going 7 MLS matches without finding the net.
Chris Durkin - a prospect with a wealth of experience
At just 23 years of age, the defensive midfielder already has eight seasons of professional soccer behind him. He joined D.C. United at just 16 years of age, emerging as a first-team regular at 18 before spending three years at Sint-Truiden in Belgium. He returned to the capital club in 2022, and has been a fixture of the team since.
Durkin’s impressive passing range and defensive nous have seen him start the majority of games this MLS season. From deep in midfield (or sometimes, on the right flank), he will be looking to orchestrate a strong showing for his team at Leagues Cup, and continue his impressive progression.
