Crazy things happen when Wayne Rooney faces Orlando City

Late drama just seems to happen whenever Rooney faces the Lions at Audi Field

Wayne Rooney’s first MLS game as a coach came against Orlando City, the team he victimized for his most memorable moment as an MLS player.

And on Sunday night, just like he did four years ago, Rooney helped D.C. United beat Orlando at the death with a dramatic late winner.

This time though, it was Rooney’s in-game adjustments and motivation from the sidelines, rather than his heroic work on the field, that earned DCU a famous comeback win.

Every D.C. United fan remembers Rooney’s heroics against Orlando City in 2018. His remarkable goal-saving run and tackle was followed by an inch-perfect cross from long range for Luciano Acosta’s winner.

That moment was in the heat of a playoff race, while Sunday’s win still saw DCU end the night in last place. But it still provided a real moment of optimism that Rooney the MLS coach could be as successful as Rooney the MLS player.

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Trailing 1-0 entering stoppage time, DCU got a goal from Chris Durkin to tie the game and then Taxi Foutas won it with a volley after a tremendous first-time volleyed cross from Kimarni Smith.

After the game, Rooney gave credit to his predecessor Chad Ashton – who served as interim coach before moving back to his role as assistant – for his suggestion to move Smith to left back.

“It was a little bit of a gamble, a risk, which we felt we could take. Fair play to Chad. He suggested it. Give him a lot of credit for that,” Rooney said.

The road to the postseason is still a steep one for United, which sits eight points below the playoff line. But the team has at least taken a first step in the right direction under Rooney, who could be the right man at the right time in D.C. – yet again.

“The season has to start now,” said Rooney.

Watch DCU’s two late goals vs. Orlando City

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