The critics were wrong. Wayne Rooney signing with D.C. United has blossomed into so much more than the publicity stunt, naysayers harped about initially. The notion was never more evident than Wednesday night when the 32-year old striker delivered a wicked blast on a free kick in the 18th minute that lifted D.C. United to a 1-0 win over Toronto FC.
Pure class. @WayneRooney midweek magic. ✨#DCU | #DCvTOR 1-0 pic.twitter.com/zhYwM0JZTG
— D.C. United (@dcunited) October 18, 2018
It was yet another magical moment for Rooney and the match lone goal has United three points from clinching a berth in the MLS playoffs.
“Wayne’s unreal goal to lift us to a win was the deciding factor,” United defender Steve Birnbaum said per 106.7 the Fan. “I was in the box waiting for him to cross it because it was so far away. I had no clue he was gonna shoot it.”
“It’s gotta be up for goal of the year I think, and it was an unbelievable goal. I’m just happy to be on the field for it.”
Since joining the club from the English club Everton, Rooney has injected a new life into D.C. United from his debut on July 14 and eventual placement into the starting XI on July 28. United has has 11 wins three draws and four losses in the 18 matches with Rooney, collecting 36 points in the MLS table. Wednesday’s win extended their unbeaten streak to eight (6-2-0).
On the season, Rooney has 10 goals and seven assists. A win Sunday against New York City FC at home at Audi Field would clinch a berth into the knockout round of the MLS playoffs for United, who have a four-point lead over seventh-place Montreal Impact. United with some luck could climb as high as fourth in the Eastern Conference to host a knockout round match.
