In DC, Steven Goff cites sources as saying that DC United will "not receive a transfer fee" from EFL Championship club Derby County, which is acquiring Wayne Rooney to be a player-coach after this season. However, DC United "will clear his hefty contract from its books starting next year." Rooney will "remain with United for the final nine regular season matches and the playoffs," should they advance. Rooney said, "I started the season with DC, and I made it clear I wanted to end the season with DC" (WASHINGTON POST, 8/7).
STATE OF PLAY: In Columbus, Jacob Myers noted FC Cincinnati's first year in MLS has had a "major impact on the Crew’s ability to attract more fans from one of the state’s largest cities." There is "certainly a contingent that owns tickets to both teams, others who are hard-core FC Cincinnati fans and others who defend their Crew-only fandom because of precedent" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 8/6).
MONEYBALL: In Denver, Mark Kiszla wrote there is "no doubt" the Rockies TV deal, which expires in '20, has "put the team at a competitive disadvantage" against teams like the Dodgers, who currently lead the NL West. Kiszla: "But I don’t want folks to cry poor ... unless they also take a close look at the lack of impact talent in the farm system of this organization" (DENVER POST, 8/6).
