Well, you just can’t keep a good man down. That’s the saying, and it’s entirely applicable to DC United hero Wayne Rooney. Just a week after scoring THAT wonder goal from inside his own half, the ex-England striker helped his side stay on the tail of Philadelphia Union at the top of the table with a coolly-slotted-away, last-minute penalty kick to earn a valuable point in a 1-1 draw at home to Toronto FC.
It means that the Washington DC-based outfit stay in second spot a point behind the Eastern Conference leaders who have amassed 32 points — both having played 19 games. In third, Montreal Impact are a point behind DC United having played a game more. Rooney’s goal meant DC United could gain ground on Philadelphia Union, who went down 4-2 at NYC FC.
It was NYC maestro Maxi Moralez who bagged a brace of penalties and hugely influential midfielder Valentin Castellanos — brought down for both spot-kicks — grabbed another pair to take the spoils, with the home side scoring through Kacper Przybylko and Fafa Picault.
In fourth place, reigning MLS champions Atlanta United can’t be overlooked — having played only 17 games, they are just a point behind Montreal Impact. And they have just boosted their ranks with the recruitment of AFC Bournemouth and USA midfielder Emerson Hyndman on loan.
Vice-president Carlos Bocanegra told his club’s website that the club have an option to buy the ace — who is aged 23 and who made seven first-team appearances for the Premier League side after joining from Fulham in 2016 — when the loan spell ends on December 31. He added:
“We’re excited to bring a talented young player like Emerson in to bolster our midfield. In addition to his technical, on-the-ball abilities, he performed well in two physically-demanding leagues in the Scottish Premiership and English Championship.”
As for Rooney, his vintage just seems to be getting better — and it is little wonder that he has attracted offers of work when he hangs up his boots. Yep, we’re talking management opportunities for the former Manchester United attacker — both in the US as well as England. In an interview with Sky Sports, he said:
“There’s already offers which have been made, but at the minute I’m still a player. I want to enjoy playing, then I’ll see which offers are right when I do finish.
“There’s an opportunity for me to go into management straight away, and when I do hang my boots up, that decision will be made on what the ambition of the club is, what my ambitions are and what’s right for both myself and that team. It’s great for myself, who wants to go into management, to see these lads getting opportunities and it gives you hope that it will happen to you.”
