DC United’s Rooney finalist for MLS MVP

Wayne Rooney’s impact on D.C. United has been so profound, his midseason arrival didn’t dissuade MLS voters from making him an MVP finalist.

The English striker didn’t join the team until the 15th match of the season, but with 12 goals and seven assists in 20 appearances, he was pivotal in United’s rise from last place into the playoffs.

Rooney is joined on the list by Los Angeles Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Atlanta United midfielder Miguel Almiron, Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela and Atlanta forward Josef Martinez.

Martinez, of Venezuela, smashed the league scoring record with 31 goals. Almiron, of Paraguay, was the influential force in Atlanta’s high-powered attack.

Swedish striker Ibrahimovic recorded 22 goals and 10 assists after debuting three weeks into the season.

Vela, of Mexico, had 14 goals and 13 assists for an expansion side that finished third in the West.

Rooney was also nominated for newcomer of the year, joining Ibrahimovic and Vela.

■ In the other award categories: Bob Bradley, who guided LAFC’s inaugural success, is the leading candidate for coach of the year. The other finalists are Sporting Kansas City’s Peter Vermes and Atlanta’s Gerardo Martino.

■ Rookie of the year candidates are Real Salt Lake forward Corey Baird, Orlando City forward Chris Mueller and Philadelphia Union defender Mark McKenzie.

■ Top defender: Seattle’s Chad Marshall, New York Red Bull Aaron Long and Atlanta’s Michael Parkhurst.

■ Top goalkeeper: Columbus’ Zack Steffen, the Red Bulls’ Luis Robles and Seattle’s Stefan Frei.

■ Comeback of the year: Ibrahimovic, Seattle’s Osvaldo Alonso and Columbus’ Gyasi Zardes. Winners will be announced over the next five weeks.