Wayne Rooney's 5 best moments with D.C. United originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
Wayne Rooney announced his retirement on Friday morning as he now transitions into a managerial career, joining fellow England stars Frank Lampard (Chelsea) and Steven Gerrard (Celtic) as players to enter the coaching ranks after hanging up their boots. As one of the sport's greatest players of his generation, Rooney's greatness shined brightly during his two seasons at D.C. United.
Finishing his playing career as the all-time leading scorer for both the England national team and Manchester United, Rooney shifted to more of a playmaker role during the latter half of his career. Even in that role, Rooney was still D.C. United's leading scorer with 12 goals after his first season, and he finished with 23 goals after two seasons.
Though Rooney's time in the nation's capital ended trophy-less with two straight exits out of the first round of the MLS Cup, he still produced some magical moments. Let's take a trip down memory lane and reminisce on Rooney's top-five moments in America.
5. Rooney's First D.C. United Goal
After leaving his hometown club, Everton, for new pastures across the pond, Rooney earned the trust of his teammates and former D.C. United coach Ben Olsen to wear the captain's armband just three matches into his MLS tenure.
In his first game as D.C. United's captain, Rooney scored his first goal with a clinical finish in what was a special moment that galvanized the club's fanbase. The fact that it came against former Colorado Rapids keeper Tim Howard, the former USMNT No. 1 and longtime Everton mainstay, made it all the more memorable.
4. Incredible free kick vs. Orlando
Basically by the corner flag on this goal, Rooney probably accidentally sent an intended cross too far into the box -- not that he or any soccer player would ever admit that. When you hit the top corner like this, it's time to celebrate.
This wasn't the only special goal Orlando conceded against the Three Lions legend.
3. Nasty curve on this free kick goal vs. Toronto
In his later age, Rooney's spectacular goals came much more commonly from set pieces than from open play. Still, that doesn't make them any less special.
That's especially the case when he managed to score from 35 yards outside the box.
Just watch the first angle of the replay and how much that ball has to curve to make it inside the post. Just world class stuff.
2. Rooney blasts from 10 yards past half field!
Just 10 minutes into a match against Orlando, Rooney's 33-year-old legs appeared to still be quite fresh from pregame warmups as he smashed the ball from beyond half field in just an incredible display of leg power.
Rooney had shown the ability to score from the half-field line before in his career, but this goal was far and away the longest distance he had ever scored from. With a foot like that, Rooney was probably content he didn't have to run very far to get that one to go.
1. Rooney saves the day with crazy defensive tackle, insane last-ditch assist
The only reason the headline to this article reads "moments" instead of "goals" is to fit this gem in there.
You've probably seen this clip a thousand times before, but it's worth watching a million more to fondly remember the best moment Rooney ever produced in a D.C. United shirt. Again against Orlando, Rooney tracked down an Orlando player who would've been through on goal had he not hustled back, made a well-timed slide tackle to gain possession and lofted a beautiful ball to the back post for former United striker Luciano Acosta to head home.
Game-winner past the 95th minute. Nothing gets much better than that.
