Although MLS trails the level of play seen in other parts of the world, it does offer moments of glory. DC United’s Wayne Rooney provided just that.
Before the 2019 MLS season began, I ear-marked the March 31st Orlando City versus D.C. United match as one I couldn’t miss because of Waybe Rooney
While I remain a loyal Lions supporter, despite never making a playoff appearance in their four seasons of MLS play, there was one reason, and one reason alone, why I needed to be in attendance for the 6:30 PM kickoff — and he wears No. 9 for D.C. United.
Wayne Rooney is a legend. As the all-time leading goal-scoring for Manchester United (153) and the English national team (53), Rooney led United to five English Premier League titles, a host of league cups, one Europa League trophy, and winner of the illustrious Champions League in 2007-2008.
Though Rooney received criticism during his career for failing to bring glory back to England in either the Euro’s or the World Cup (not that he’s alone — England haven’t won on the international stage since 1966) his 116 appearances make him the nation’s most capped midfield player ever.
Unique experience for an American audience
Growing up, I watched Rooney fight it out at the club level with the likes of Thierry Henry, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard (all former MLS’ers) — and it was special. However, it was always through a television set.
Perhaps this is why I have a completely different take as compared to some of my contemporaries — that wish to see MLS stay away from aging greats, and instead usher in a younger crowd of energetic, pacy players — many of which hail from South America.
I, on the other hand, take advantage of every opportunity I get to watch players that filled my youth with joyful hours of entertainment still hoof it up field.
Sure, some are/were worth their weight in gold (Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Villa, Robbie Keane, David Beckham and Didier Drogba) while others were merely on a retirement tour.
But decreased ability on the pitch does nothing to erase the memories of Kaka and Andrea Pirlo at AC Milan (my favorite club), Bastian Schweinsteiger at Bayern Munich or Ashley Cole at Chelsea.
Despite the fact that Rooney is now 33, (which is old by soccer standards) he came to the MLS last July and immediately made an impact for a different United. In only 21 matches, Rooney scored 12 goals, leading his new club to the playoffs, while being named D.C.’s MVP and golden boot winner.
Therefore it’s expected that an even better 2019 season is in store for the one-time England captain.
I witnessed with my own eyes…
Sitting in Section 3 of OC Stadium, it wasn’t difficult to spot the iconic red kits of Manchester United. Not that all of them had Rooney’s iconic No. 10 on the back; rather, you knew whether that person was wearing a throwback Ronaldo, Van Persie or even a Lukaku jersey, that they had come to cheer on Rooney.
I, myself, might have been donned in a purple Kaka kit, but I fully expected a show from the former Everton-youth product. And boy did the crowd of nearly 25,000 get one.
Coming off a hat-trick and an assist in his previous game against Real Salt Lake, Rooney looked primed even before kickoff.
In the sixth minute of the match, Rooney whipped an exquisite free-kick into the six-yard box that no player in purple seemed to react to. The quicksand situation allowed Steve Birnbaum of D.C. United to comfortably head the cross into the back of the net for an early 1-0 lead.
Fast-forward to the 30th minute and a bit of controversy. Rooney held the ball at his feet near the left end line. Orlando City forward Dom Dwyer did what he could to make himself big. Unfortunately, Dwyer went to the ground with his studs showing.
Even though Dwyer avoided contact with Rooney, causing the 2004 Golden Boy Winner to lose possession of the ball, which rolled out of bounds, the referee still called a spot foul on Dwyer.
According to the letter of the law, a player doesn’t need to make contact with the opposition for the ref to blow his whistle.
Wayne Rooney has still got it
Agree or disagree, Rooney was awarded the free-kick just steps from the corner flag — proceeding to strike a wicked bender that curled around the box and up into the far corner of the net — all the while avoiding the woodwork and City goalkeeper Brian Rowe.
Silence mostly gripped the stadium, as Lions supporters couldn’t comprehend what had just transpired. Was it a cross that Rooney intended to put on net, similar to his first assist?
Did defender Frederic Brillant purposely make contact with Brian Rowe, causing him to misjudge the direction of the ball? Or did Rooney simply hit a terrific ball?
After all, Rooney struck it with full force — and it’s not like the 2009-10 PFA Player of the Year hasn’t scored from these type of set pieces before.
I should have been upset, that D.C. was now up 2-0 — especially with City’s anemic offense (Dwyer did score in the 63rd minute), but I was stoked to witness, in person, the greatest goal of my life.
Following the 2-to-1 D.C. victory, Steve Birnbaum told MLS.com he knew all along that Wayne Rooney was trying for his fourth goal of the season.
“It’s what we got Wayne for, to make special plays, and he did that tonight. There’s no doubt that he tried that [goal] and he’s in really good form,” he said.
And so, I’ll be back at Orlando City Stadium on May 24, when the Los Angeles Galaxy and The Lion, himself, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, enter the den. Win, lose or draw, I’m there to witness a bit of soccer history.