In D.C. United’s 2-0 victory over the reigning MLS Champions, Atlanta United, Acosta played a role in both goals. Acosta earned an assist on the first goal, which was scored by Paul Arriola at the end of the first half. Wayne Rooney sent a corner kick into the box, and Acosta brought the ball down, setting it up perfectly for Arriola to finish. He found a goal of his own in the second half, using the elements to his advantage on a shot from outside the 18-yard box.
“I knew it was slippery and it was wet out there,” Acosta said when asked about his goal. “I just hit it like I needed to and luckily it went in.”
Acosta’s versatility and skill on the ball make him an asset anywhere on the pitch. He showed off some fancy footwork against Atlanta United, and with a combination of determination and pure talent, he was able to help D.C. United create multiple goal-scoring opportunities, all throughout the game.
“He has been great,” Wayne Rooney said after the match. “We’re delighted he’s here. He’s a fantastic player and hopefully, he keeps performing for us.”
Wayne Rooney’s partnership with Acosta in the attacking game is part of what allowed the Argentine midfielder to flourish in the second half of 2018. Acosta finished that campaign with a record-setting 10 goals and 17 assists. Those performances gave him the confidence that he is carrying into the 2019 season.
“I was calm,” Acosta said. “Started off calm and its an important game against the former champions, current champions. We had to prepare responsibility and be responsible on the field from the beginning. It was our first big test and I was happy to score.”
Acosta and the rest of the Black-and-Red squad will head to Yankee Stadium next weekend to take on New York City FC on Sunday, March 10th. They will return to Audi Field for a match against Real Salt Lake on Saturday, March 16th.
