MLS: Rooney scores magical goal from his side of midfield for DC United

Former English star Rooney hammered a 68-yard strike over the head of Orlando goalkeeper Brian Rowe and into the back of the net in the 10th minute.

Published : Jun 27, 2019 12:17 IST , Los Angeles

Wayne Rooney claimed he often rehearsed that shot during training sessions, much to the bewilderment of the coaches.
Wayne Rooney claimed he often rehearsed that shot during training sessions, much to the bewilderment of the coaches.
lightbox-info

Wayne Rooney claimed he often rehearsed that shot during training sessions, much to the bewilderment of the coaches.

 

Wayne Rooney scored a highlight reel goal with a moon shot blast from his own half of the field to lift DC United to a 1-0 victory over Orlando City on Wednesday.

Former English star Rooney hammered a 68-yard strike over the head of Orlando goalkeeper Brian Rowe and into the back of the net in the 10th minute.

Rooney got the ball off a deflected clearance and when he realized Rowe was out of his 18 yard box he launched a first-touch blast that will go down as one of Major League Soccer's goals of the year.

The former England captain, who scored similar goals for both Manchester United and Everton, said it was the type of effort he rehearsed during training - often to the bewilderment of coaches and team-mates.

 

"I thought it was nice and it was special to score the goal. It's something that I've practised so many times," Rooney said, via DC United's official website.

"Different managers and team-mates are like, 'Why are you practising this? You won't score from this position'. But for nights like tonight, that's why I do practice it. 

"It was a good strike and an important goal for us."

Friday marks exactly a year since Rooney signed with DC and he has scored 21 goals in 38 MLS games since joining.

Rooney, whose goal saw DC end a five-game winless league run, said he had loved his time in the United States.

"It's been fantastic. I've enjoyed my time here over the course of the year and there is still a lot more to come," he said.

"We know we can play better. First half we played well, second half we know we can do better, but the win was the important thing because we haven't won in a few games in the league.

"Winning was the main thing."

Rooney will be part of the league's July All-Star exhibition game where he will join Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Josef Martinez.

The MLS All-Stars will face 10-time La Liga champion Atletico at Orlando City's Exploria Stadium on July 31.

(With inputs from Opta)

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment