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Wayne Rooney ends MLS career as DC United suffer playoff defeat to Toronto FC


Wayne Rooney’s time in the MLS came to an end as DC United suffered an extra-time defeat to Toronto FC in the first round of the playoffs on Saturday.

The former Manchester United star wasn’t able to lead his side past the opening round of the postseason for the second successive year as DC United fell to a 5-1 defeat a BMO Field.

Marco Delgado capitalised on an error from Bill Hamid to put Toronto ahead in the first half before Rooney’s corner allowed the fifth-seeds to equalise through Lucas Rodriguez in the final moments of the 90 minutes.

However, it wasn’t enough as the hosts scored four goals in the first half of extra time to ensure that Greg Vanney’s side advanced.

Rooney will join Derby County in January

Richie Laryea opening the scoring three minutes after the restart before a Jonathan Osorio brace and a Nick DeLeon goal wrapped up victory for the hosts.

Rooney was substituted after the first half of extra time before DC United were reduced to 10-men with two minutes remaining when Paul Arriola was shown a second yellow card.

It was Rooney’s final game for DC United, with the 33-year-old set to join Derby County as a player coach when the transfer window re-opens in January after agreeing the switch in August.

The former England captain, who joined DC from Everton in 2018 while they were bottom of the Eastern Conference, scored 23 goals and provided 15 assists in 48 regular season appearances and helped the franchise to back-to-back playoff appearances.

Marco Delgado celerbates Toronto’s opening goal

Despite showing some inconsistencies, Rooney also provided a number of memorable moments during his time in United States.

One of the standouts came against Orlando City, when he tracked-back 60 yards to make a tackle in his own half before playing a superb cross-field pass to set up Luciano Acosta’s winning goal.

He also produced one of the goals of of 2019 season with an ambitious lob from within his own half.

“He’s been a big plus for this club,” DC United manager Ben Olsen told MLSsoccer.com ahead of the game with Toronto.

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“He’s been a part of, coupled with the stadium, USL over the last year and a half, some announcements that have really pushed this club forward.

“Working with him, it’s been a really good relationship. On the field, I think he’s helped us in a big way.

“Off the field, I think he’s pushed me. I think he’s made me a better coach, a better manager. And I think he’s been a very good teammate and a good ambassador to the club.”





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