Wayne has been named in the MLS Team of the Year. A remarkable feat considering he only joined D.C United and played 20 games. Wayne finished the season with 12 goals and 7 assists.
Wayne adapted to life in quickly in the MLS, and helped transform D.C. United’s fortunes in just a short space of time. Prior to his debut, D.C. sat bottom of the Eastern Conference, having taken all three points in just two of their 14 MLS fixtures – a win rate of 14.3%. They had scored an average of 1.64 goals per game and conceded 2.07 goals per game.
After the former England captain made his first appearance, the win rate has more than trebled to 54.5%, while scoring an average on 1.81 goals per game, conceding just 1.27. D.C United finished in an incredible fourth place and qualified for the play-offs.
There were some iconic moments along the way that will go down in MLS history. Most notably his 96th minute assist for Luciano Acosta in the 3-2 victory over Orlando City. With the scores tied at 2-2 deep into injury time, United goalkeeper David Ousted ventured up-field to attack a late corner, only for Orlando’s Will Johnson to break clear and appear set to score with the goal unguarded.
Wayne, already with an assist to his name, chased down Johnson and made a remarkable goal-saving tackle, before providing a stunning long-range pass for Luciano Acosta to bag the winner for D.C. United.
Being named in the MLS Team of the Year topped off a successful debut season for Wayne, he said: “It’s been a great start to life in America. Most importantly my family have settled in really well and I’d like to thank everybody for making that happen by making us feel so welcome. The football’s been great and I’m proud of we’ve achieved this season, to make the play-offs was a great team-effort. Being named in the MLS team of the Year is always nice but my main aim is to win something next season with D.C United.”
