Wayne Rooney strikes twice as D.C. United beats NYCFC to book playoff spot

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:27 am

Wayne Rooney was on target again, scoring twice as D.C. United beat New York City FC 3-1 to seal a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs.

Rooney, who has 12 goals for D.C. since joining from Everton in July, had his team in front after eight minutes, side-footing home from close range after Luciano Acosta's mazy run through the visiting defense.

Acosta would then get on the score sheet himself, powering an unstoppable shot from outside the penalty area past NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson to double D.C.'s lead before the break.

NYCFC pushed hard to get back in the match over the course of the second half, but Bill Hamid stood tall in the home team's goal and Rooney scored his second from the penalty spot.

A late Rodney Wallace goal for NYCFC only put gloss on the scoreline as D.C. saw out the win to book a place in the postseason.

Ben Olsen's team is now in fifth place in the standings after Orlando City beat Columbus Crew SC with a late goal and D.C. could finish as high as third if results go its way on the last day of the season next Sunday.

D.C. was in last place in the Eastern Conference when Rooney made his debut in the first game at the new Audi Field on July 14, but thanks to his 12 goals and a back-loaded home schedule, the club will play on in the postseason.

In the 19 games since Rooney's debut, D.C. has won 12 games (including five in a row), while drawing three and losing four.