Saturday night was quite the night for Wayne Rooney
Having made his first appearance for D.C. United a couple of weeks back, Rooney scored his first goal for his new team as they beat Colorado Rapids 2-1 at Audi Field.
With little over half an hour played, he evaded a defender’s challenge on the edge of the area to open up just enough space for a shot from an acute angle, which he slipped through the legs of former Manchester United teammate, Tim Howard.
The goal gave United a half-time lead, but an equaliser from Kellyn Acosta with eight minutes of normal time remaining looked to have rescued a draw for the Rapids. However, a stoppage time own goal from Niki Jackson settled the contest in favour of the home team.
But Rooney’s eventful night wasn’t done there. With United seeing out the game having re-established their lead, the former England captain suffered a broken nose when defending a corner…
Wayne Rooney literally shedding blood for the D.C United cause… pic.twitter.com/OGal3EoV2h
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) July 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/krazyhandles/status/1023465650600259587
Despite leaving the field with blood spurting from his face, the 32-year-old’s manager played down the injury.
“I don’t think it’s the first time he’s bled in a game,” Ben Olsen said. “He is a tough guy and I think that he will shake it off.”
Olsen also praised the impact Rooney had made since joining the club from Everton earlier in the summer.
“He has been fantastic in every aspect, in every way that we want him to be with this group – with his leadership and goal-scoring ability. Hopefully, it can continue to get better.”
Despite Rooney’s contribution to United’s latest victory, they remain bottom of MLS’s Eastern Conference.
