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FBL-MLS
Rooney’s DC United blank defending MLS champs Atlanta
WASHINGTON, March 4, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Paul Arriola and Luciano Acosta
scored while former England star Wayne Rooney picked up an assist Sunday as
DC United defeated reigning Major League Soccer champion Atlanta United 2-0.
A steady rain drenched the players in the American capital in the 2019
season opener for both clubs.
US striker Paul Arriola scored seconds into first-half stoppage time after
a Rooney cross and Acosta’s left-footed shot that squirted through defenders.
The ball landed in front of Arriola, who blasted home his ninth career MLS
goal for a 1-0 DC United half-time lead.
Argentine midfielder Acosta gave DC United a 2-0 edge in the 58th minute
right-footing a bouncing shot to the left of Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan,
the American netminder caught moving in the opposite direction.
Atlanta won the 2018 title in only the club’s second season while DC United
lost in the opening round of last year’s MLS playoffs after rising from the
league basement once Rooney arrived at mid-season.
DC United own a 13-2-2 record at their new home stadium, which opened with
Rooney’s MLS debut game last July.
BSS/AFP/MSY/0829 hrs