The suddenly resurgent DC United may look upon June 27th, 2011 as the day things changed in Washington. It was the day that DC dealt the pedestrian Dax McCarthy to the NY Red Bulls for former MVP Dwayne DeRosario and changed the fortunes of 2 franchises.
Since the trade, DC has gone 3-1-3 and vaulted back into the playoff mix while the Red Bulls have collapsed, winning just one of eight since the trade. What is even more amazing is the play of DeRosario, (9 Goals, 8 Assists) who is threatening to lead the league in both goals and assists in a single season and leading candidate to win the MVP this season.
McCarthy, in the meanwhile, has disappointed Red Bull fans with lackluster play and poor defense, a staple of his play. The bench is next up for McCarthy.
Already a snake bit franchise, Red Bulls fans may one day look upon this trade as “The Curse of DeRosario”.
Only time will tell.