Duane Holmes has now scored in back-to-back games for Championship side Derby County, and his latest included a helping hand from Wayne Rooney, a former Designated Player for D.C. United.
The American-born midfielder rifled home in the 64th minute Saturday to drew Derby level with Swansea, only for teammate Tom Lawrence then to secure the 3-2 win with an 80th-minute goal.
Holmes’ strike, which comes four days after he tallied during a midweek FA Cup victory over Northampton Town, started with some quick set-piece thinking from Rooney. Spotting the Swansea City defense in retreat, Rooney picked out Craig Forsyth on the left, only for the left back to whip in a deep cross. An attempted clearance fell straight to Holmes, who volleyed home for two goals and three assists in 26 league appearances this season.
Holmes, 25, has earned a pair of US men’s national team appearances. Both arrived last June in pre-Concacaf Gold Cup friendlies, as he twice entered as a second-half substitute. He’s yet to make a USMNT return, though continued strong form could alter the plans head coach Gregg Berhalter has in mind.
Holmes was born in Georgia to an American father and an English mother. As for Rooney, he departed D.C. United following the 2019 season after helping the club sweep in their Audi Field era.
