It was the Wayne Rooney show yet again for D.C. United as the Black and Red defeated Orlando City SC 2-1, behind a goal and assist from their captain.
D.C. got on the board after just six minutes, as Rooney whipped a free kick that found Steven Birnbaum's head. Later, on the other side of the field again behind a free kick, Rooney produced a moment of magic.
Mere yards away from the corner flag, Rooney curled a tremendous free kick into the top corner past Brian Rowe. The play didn't come without controversy, as the foul leading to the free kick was contentious. Dom Dwyer lunged at Rooney, though it was unclear if he made contact. FOX Sports broadcaster Alexi Lalas vehemently agreed with the referee's decision regardless if there was contact made or not.
Orlando City made D.C. sweat for the points, as a close-range header from Dwyer in the 63rd minute cut the deficit in half but they could not complete the second half comeback despite pressure mounting late. Chris Mueller hit the post with a header in the dying minutes of the match.
It was D.C.'s first road win since May 19, 2018 when they beat the San Jose Earthquakes 3-1, which was their only road win of 2018.
Goals
- 6’ — DC — Steven Birnbaum | WATCH
- 30’ — DC — Wayne Rooney | WATCH
- 63’ — ORL — Dom Dwyer | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: D.C. United continue to look like a favorite in the Eastern Conference with another strong performance. For all the analysis of D.C.'s flowing attack, Dwyer's goal was the first the club have conceded in 2019.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Wayne Rooney, take a bow.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Rooney's goal contributions are too important to ignore, even if both were from set pieces.
Next Up
- ORL: Saturday, April 6 vs. Colorado Rapids (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, DAZN in Canada)
- DC: Saturday, April 6 vs. LAFC (3 pm ET | FOX, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
