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D.C. United Vs Orlando City SC: 3 things we learned – Remarkable Rooney

By Juan Herrera

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 14: D.C. United midfielder Luciano Acosta (10), midfielder Yamil Asad (22) and forward Wayne Rooney (9) celebrate the second D.C. goal during a MLS match between D.C. United and the Vancouver Whitecaps on July 14, 2018, at Audi Field, in Washington D.C.D.C United defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 14: D.C. United midfielder Luciano Acosta (10), midfielder Yamil Asad (22) and forward Wayne Rooney (9) celebrate the second D.C. goal during a MLS match between D.C. United and the Vancouver Whitecaps on July 14, 2018, at Audi Field, in Washington D.C.D.C United defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 12: D.C. United forward Wayne Rooney (9) tackles Orlando City midfielder Will Johnson (4) during a MLS match between D.C. United and Orland City SC on August 12, 2018, at Audi Field, in Washington, D.C. United defeated Orlando 3-2.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 12: D.C. United forward Wayne Rooney (9) tackles Orlando City midfielder Will Johnson (4) during a MLS match between D.C. United and Orland City SC on August 12, 2018, at Audi Field, in Washington, D.C. United defeated Orlando 3-2.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. When Rooney and Acosta connect, they are lethal

Prior to the Orlando City matchup, Luciano Acosta had only scored a single goal in 18 appearances for D.C. United this season. It only took a single game and a bit of help from Wayne Rooney for Acosta to increase his scoring tally to four goals after a hat-trick on Sunday.

With Rooney playing up-top as a striker, he is able to pull defenders away from his attacking partners, including Acosta. His movement allows the Argentine midfielder to find more free space around the penalty area for shots on goal.

During the first half, Rooney gave Acosta a key pass in the penalty box that the Argentine midfielder was able to convert into a goal. The pass was perfectly placed and delivered with enough speed for Acosta to collect it in stride.

The two players also found success in the second half after Rooney made a huge tackle to prevent a goal in stoppage time. The English forward delivered a long pass from near half field to the penalty box where Acosta beat the Orlando City defender in the air and headed the ball past the keeper for a goal in the 96th minute.

While Rooney initially struggled to find his role with United, he has excelled as a striker lately and has scored a goal and collected two assists in his last three games.

Acosta has also seemingly found his stride with Rooney in the lineup. He has scored three goals and collected a pair of assists over his last three appearances. With United looking to make a playoff run, the club will need Rooney and Acosta to maintain their recent production levels moving forward.

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