Wayne Rooney is back amongst the goals
Wayne Rooney has scored his first goal since completing a move to Major League Soccer’s D.C. United earlier in the summer.
The former England captain opened the scoring in United’s game at home to Colorado Rapids on Saturday night, helping his new team to a 2-1 victory.
The ball played to him on the edge of the area, he evaded a defender’s challenge to open up just enough space for a shot from an acute angle, which he slipped through the legs of former Manchester United teammate, Tim Howard.
Wayne Rooney opens his MLS account! #DCvCOL https://t.co/XuKvh1sVea
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 29, 2018
And for those who prefer American commentary…
"It's in the net!" @WayneRooney bags his first goal for @dcunited. #DCvCOL pic.twitter.com/p0ZGg9vIdY
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 29, 2018
Rooney’s goal gave United a half-time lead at Audi Field, but an equaliser from Kellyn Acosta with eight minutes of normal time remaining looked to have rescued a draw for the Rapids. However, a stoppage time own goal from Niki Jackson settled the contest in favour of the home team.
FT: @dcunited take all three points with a 90' own goal from #Rapids96. https://t.co/J1Yuno3j7z #DCvCOL https://t.co/y6qjObEBjY
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 29, 2018
Rooney’s move to MLS came a year after he returned to boyhood club Everton, the club he left for Old Trafford in 2004.
He made his bow for his new team as a substitute in their 3-1 win against Vancouver Whitecaps two weeks ago, introduced to his new set of supporters by a truly bizarre set of programme notes. Perhaps understandably, given his lack of a preseason, Rooney looked far from sharp in his first start for his new club last week.