D.C. United faced Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the LA Galaxy with two of their top players missing from their starting lineup, as Wayne Rooney was ruled out for the Sunday clash at Audi Field due to illness and Luciano Acosta was demoted to the bench by D.C. coach Ben Olsen, who returned to a 4-2-3-1 formation after his extended use of a three-man back line in recent months.
The visitors, meanwhile, plugged much-ballyhooed new acquisition Cristian Pavon straight into their XI, with the Boca Juniors loanee slotting in on the left side of their attacking band of three in Guillermo Barros Schelotto's 4-2-3-1 shape.
Dubbed "LuchoRoo," Rooney and Acosta struck up an exciting and productive attacking partnership when the English superstar arrived at United last summer, helping propel both of them into the 2018 MLS Best XI.
They've gone quiet in recent weeks, however, with Rooney electing to return home to join Derby County come winter and Acosta liable to be sold this month or to leave the club when his contract expires at season's end.
