Sunday was another win for the Black-and-Red, but more telling, it was a gritty 2-1 come-from-behind victory for D.C. United when they hosted the Chicago Fire at Audi Field. In previous seasons, and even earlier this year, it was a match that D.C. United might have lost after going down a goal in the 51st minute. After conceding, the game became a bit sluggish, and D.C. needed a difference-maker to step up.
On Sunday, that difference-maker was Wayne Rooney.
Rooney netted the equalizer in the 62nd minute, helping shift the momentum back in favor of the home team. The forward received a ball sent into the box, and tried to tap it past the goalkeeper, who made the initial save, but failed to collect the rebound. Rooney was ready to clean up after himself, and sent it back to level the score at 1-1, restoring energy to the team and the fanbase at Audi Field.
Then, 20 minutes later, Rooney again stepped up and delivered for the Black-and-Red. Midfielder Júnior Moreno dribbled into the box and was taken down, leading the ref to award United the penalty kick. The pressure may have been on, but Rooney appeared calm and cool as ever as he finished the penalty, sealing the important 2-1 victory and completing his third MLS brace.
“He did lay it all out there,” Head Coach Ben Olsen said of Rooney after the match. “He usually does. It’s in his DNA.”
Rooney’s impact on the field was noticeable on Sunday’s score sheet, but the forward has done more than simply score goals for his new club since coming to the District. He’s had a firm impact on the mentality of the team, helping give them the confidence and fight necessary to come from being down and still find a way to win.
“The first half of the season, we didn’t have Wayne [Rooney] and the type of leadership that he brings to the table and the type of player that he is,” Paul Arriola said after the match. “Maybe that’s where it comes from. Being able to know that at any time he can put one away—I think we still have a lot of confidence that we can create something [even when we're down].”
“The guy is a winner,” Olsen said simply. “I think that does translate and rub off on some of these other guys.”
The Black-and-Red return home this weekend when they host FC Dallas on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 5 PM ET. Dallas, the Western Conference's current No. 1 team, will be one of the most challenging opponents United have faced thus far at Audi Field, but the Black-and-Red will be ready. With an increase in confidence, leadership, and trust that any player can step up and be that difference-maker, United prepare for Saturday with a belief that they can go punch-for-punch with Dallas, or any other team in the league.
