1. Worst start ever

A decent preseason showing, with a seven-week-old team no less, made the Loons' 5-1 loss at Portland in its league debut all the more shocking. Coupled with a 6-1 loss at home against Atlanta, United made MLS history.

2. Oh, captain

The club signed Norwegian defender Vadim Demidov as one of its targeted allocation money acquisitions, paid him a team-high $550,000 and gave him the captain's armband. He lasted three games (United's biggest losses).

3. U.S. Open Cup drop

United crashed out of the U.S. Open Cup in it first match, a 4-0 drubbing at eventual champion Kansas City in June. While coach Adrian Heath chose to field a reserve lineup and keep his focus on league performances, the result was a letdown after the importance on the tournament in the North American Soccer League.

4. Inconsistency

Despite generally improving toward the end of the season, it took the Loons until Sept. 23 to register their first back-to-back victories. Stringing together any kind of significant points streak evaded the team throughout 2017.

5. Roster reality check

Of the team's three target allocation money signings, only center back Francisco Calvo proved himself worthy. And only he and midfielder Kevin Molino retained starting spots throughout the season.