Back towards the end of the 2016 season, as D.C. United pushed their way into the playoffs thanks to a months long scoring outburst, Rob Vincent became an important part of the team. Initially cast as a wide midfielder after leading the USL in goalscoring with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Vincent had trouble earning much playing time. But then, a move to a more natural central midfield role saw Vincent start 9 of the last 10 games in the 2016 season.
To start the 2017 season, Vincent was back to a reserve role, coming off the bench for United’s first two games.