Wayne Rooney definitely likes to play against Orlando. Each time he faces Lions’ defenders, something incredible happens. And it is usually bad for the team from Florida.
DC United’s striker and one of the biggest names in MLS, showcased why many people claim that he still has enough quality to play in any major European club.
Against Orlando, Rooney scored a winning goal from 68 yards. That is something rarely seen in the fields across the USA. Most of the fans are already saying that we have the highlight of the season in the MLS.
Orlando’s goalkeeper Brian Rowe was far away from his usual place in the goalkeeper area, and for the former Manchester United striker that is enough to strike. The fans at Audi Field couldn’t believe what they just saw.
Following clearance from United’s box, Rooney got the ball and immediately launched it towards Rowe’s goal. The 31-year old goalkeeper didn’t stand a chance against such a precise strike.
But this was no coincidence. Rooney explained that he already saw Rowe leaving the box on several occasions.
“I spotted the ‘keeper maybe a couple minutes before we scored and I’d seen that he was quite high,” Rooney said
In the moments when he got the ball, there was no dilemma for the Englishman. He knew that he needs to react quickly and without hesitation.
“He was probably a bit further out than normally because they were in possession of the ball, and it was through them losing it that it fell straight into my path. I knew immediately I was going to shoot it and, thankfully, I got it right.”
This is not the first time that Rooney makes spectacular moves against Orlando. In the latest two clashes, he has been involved in two beautiful goals. During the previous season, the former English national team member set an amazing goal which presented his will, dedication, and unselfishness all in one.
After coming back, chasing down his rival, and making a perfect tackle, he took the ball and went all the way towards the goal before making an assist for his teammate.
Three months ago he scored after a beautiful free-kick, almost form a dead angle. In both games, DC won, same as today. And each time it was a one-goal margin win.
Just another goal from inside my own half… whatever. Wayne Rooney tells me after the game that he practices it in training despite being told he’ll never score another one! Watch the latest wonder-goal @SkySportsNews plus post-match interview #MUFC #SSN pic.twitter.com/cE06mBY79L
— Ben Ransom (@BenRansomSky) June 27, 2019
When reporters asked him to comment on the fact that he always makes some sort of a miracle against this particular opponent, Rooney stated that there aren’t any special motives for him when facing the Lions. Everything just happens on its own.
“I think just coincidence; nothing against Orlando at all,” the players said, adding that he hopes this wouldn’t be the last of his spectacular moves against Orlando.
“I’ve enjoyed the games against them, and in the three games against them, there’s been three big moments. Hopefully the next time we play them there’ll be a fourth.”
His DC United sure hopes that Rooney continues to shine like this, as they have solid chances of reaching the top spot in the Eastern Conference. They are currently 3rd in the East with the same number of points as Montreal Impact who is holding the second spot. But DC’s advantage is that they have a game in hand. Philadelphia Union is holding the top spot with two points more, and the same number of matches, but that is easily reachable.
Meanwhile, Rooney is No.4 in the scoring list with 9 goals, and is also among top 10 with assists, posting 5 of them.
If he stays in the same mode until the end of the season, this could be a very good campaign for the franchise from Washington.
Nikola Velickovic is a sports journalist who loves to write and read on all sports. Nikola contributes both news updates and functions as a sports breaking news writer at WagerBop.
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Email: nikola@wagerbop.com
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