The MLS playoff hopes for D.C. United and World Cup qualifying hopes for Canada both took a major hit on Thursday amid word that playmaker Dwayne DeRosario will miss 10-12 weeks with a sprained MCL.
D.C. United announced the severity of the injury, which DeRosario suffered during Canada's World Cup qualifying loss to Panama last Tuesday. Just last week, DeRosario scored the game-winning goal for Canada against Panama in Toronto on Friday.
Now D.C. United must try and climb back into the playoff picture without their best player, while Canada is faced with two crucial qualifiers in October without the national team's all-time leading scorer. Canada is currently tied for second place in CONCACAF qualifying Group C with Honduras, two points behind group leader Panama. Canada faces Cuba on Oct. 12th before taking on the 'Catrachos' in Honduras in a decisive group finale on Oct. 16th.
D.C. United is currently one point behind the surging Columbus Crew for the fifth and final playoff spot in the East, with seven games remaining this season. Ben Olsen's squad will have to rely on players such as Branko Boskovic, Chris Pontius and Andy Najar to try and pick up the slack for DeRosario's absence from the attack.
What do you think of this development? See D.C. United making the playoffs without DeRosario? Think Canada can still reach the Hex without him?
Share your thoughts below.