Wayne Rooney scored his first MLS goal to lead D.C. United to a much-needed win over the Colorado Rapids in their third match at Audi Field, though the home side made hard work of the victory over the Western Conference basement dwellers.
Rooney raced onto a classy ball from Luciano Acosta and nutmegged goalkeeper Tim Howard to put D.C. ahead in the first half, and for long stretches it appeared that it would be enough to bank all three points, only for some late drama to provide a tumultuous conclusion on the banks of the Anacostia River.
Kellyn Acosta made his Rapids debut in the wake of Monday's surprising trade from FC Dallas and was heavily involved in his new team's proceedings, though not always for the best. The U.S. international muffed a chance to push Colorado ahead early, clanging a first-half penalty kick off the post, though he drew the Rapids level with a lovely lofted finish in the 82nd minute after United failed to convert on a bevy of opportunities to salt away the win.
A home draw would've been disastrous for D.C. and their hopes of a late-season playoff push. But they were rescued by a fluky own goal as Ulises Segura's cross deflected off Niki Jackson and spun past Howard from a sharp angle, the latest bit of hard luck in a season full of it for Colorado.
Goals
- 33' – DC – Wayne Rooney | WATCH
- 82' – COL – Kellyn Acosta | WATCH
- 90' – DC – Niki Jackson (OG) | WATCH
Three Things
MAN OF THE MATCH
: Rooney will hog the headlines;
Russell Canouse
hawked the ball in midfield to set the tone for United, misplacing just six passes in a metronomic performance at the base of midfield, and in his first start of the season to boot.
Next Up
- DC: Saturday, August 4 at Montreal Impact (7:30 pm ET | TVAS - Full TV & Streaming Info)
- COL: Saturday, August 4 vs. LA Galaxy (9 pm ET | Full TV & Streaming Info)
