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Orlando City Vs D.C. United: 3 things we learned – Rooney rises again

By Connor Dittmeier

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 15:D.C. forward Wayne Rooney (9) celebrates a 1st half goal during a game between DC United and the Portland Timbers in Washington, DC on August 15, 2018. (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 15:D.C. forward Wayne Rooney (9) celebrates a 1st half goal during a game between DC United and the Portland Timbers in Washington, DC on August 15, 2018. (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
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BRONX, NY – MARCH 10: Wayne Rooney #9 of D.C. United claps to fans after the 2019 Major League Soccer Home Opener match between New York City FC and DC United at Yankee Stadium on March 10, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York. The match ended in a tie with a score of 0 to 0. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images)
BRONX, NY – MARCH 10: Wayne Rooney #9 of D.C. United claps to fans after the 2019 Major League Soccer Home Opener match between New York City FC and DC United at Yankee Stadium on March 10, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York. The match ended in a tie with a score of 0 to 0. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images) /

2. D.C. United change away form fortunes

D.C. United ended their 11-game winless streak away from home. The side got off to a quick start when Steve Birnbaum scored from a corner within the first six minutes of the match. Wayne Rooney doubled the score when he notched a masterful set-piece strike from a few yards out of the penalty area on the left side of the pitch. Rooney scored his fourth goal of the season after netting a hat-trick last time out at home against Real Salt Lake.

D.C. had struggled mightily away from Audi Field dating back to the 2018 season. With that said, United has looked dangerous so far this season, seeing out a win at one of the most raucous stadiums in the MLS will boost their confidence.

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The Black and Red were dominant in the first half, with the majority of possession leaving Orlando trying to just fight it out until the halftime whistle. However, D.C. could not recreate their first-half success after the break. They were constantly under pressure from Orlando but continued to do well to hold ranks for the first fifteen minutes. Although they gave up an unmarked header to Dom Dwyer in the 63rd minute, Ben Olsen’s men were able to see out the difficult win.

United are flush with talent throughout the pitch. It was hardly a surprise to see them dominate the first portion of the match. D.C. rank third in MLS for big chances created with nine, only trailing, oddly enough, Orlando City SC, who has twelve. They are also seventh in the league for shots on target per game with 4.8.

A tough win like this one will go a long way come the end of the season where a few points can make all the difference.  D.C. United will hope that they can get themselves back in the playoffs for the second year in a row. Improving their away form will be essential to achieving just that.

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