On Sunday, Wayne Rooney and Lucho Acosta led D.C. United to a win at Audi Field — does any of that sound familiar?
New York City FC was the victim this weekend, as Rooney scored twice while Acosta scored and added a fantastic assist en route to a 3-1 win. Even Rooney was awed by Acosta's solo run prior to feeding the Englishman for his first goal,. The Argentine beat a handful of players from the touchline, down to the endline before passing to Rooney for a tap-in.
"It was incredible — that's what he can do, he's a fantastic player," Rooney said after the match. "There's not many players who can do that."
Much has been made of the immediate connection the pair have enjoyed since Rooney made his debut on July 14, as Rooney has 12g/7a in 19 games while Acosta has 9g/10a in 19 games in that timeframe.
"I think we just enjoy playing with each other, we both play to each other's strengths," Rooney said. "He's the one that's going to get the ball and run at defenders, so for me it's quite simple: give him the ball and then get in the box."
The feeling, it goes without saying, is mutual.
"I don't have to say anything about it, it shows itself on the field how well we connect," Acosta said through a translator. "I've said it many times before, he's a great player, a very easy player to play with. He makes everything easier and makes us better a team."
From last place in the Eastern Conference, D.C. United have clinched a spot in the Audi 2018 MLS Cup playoffs with a week to spare. Heading into Decision Day presented by AT&T, when they will play the Chicago Fire on the road (4:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info) a win could see them host a playoff game in their new stadium, where they are 12-2-1.
Rooney isn't hanging on earning a home game for the Knockout Round, though.
"It can be important with our form, but, if we host a game or we don't, we have to be confident whoever we play, wherever we play," Rooney said.
