Dwayne De Rosario’s hat trick last night against the Philadelphia Union in the Fourth Round of the U.S. Open Cup marked D.C. United’s 300th win all-time across all competitions. It also marked De Rosario’s fifth hat trick in his professional career, including twice previously for the Black-and-Red.
WATCH: Spotlight – Dwayne De Rosario
Both De Rosario’s other hat tricks for United came during his stellar 2011 season, which culminated in the Canadian being named MLS MVP and winning the Budweiser Golden Boot for scoring 16 league goals.
His first came against previous club Toronto FC on 8/6/11 during its 3-3 tie at RFK Stadium. Playing in the midfield, De Rosario struck first in the 19th minute and then again in the 64th, helping D.C. take the lead twice. The home side then fell behind in the 86th minute but were rescued by De Rosario, who scored a penalty in the 88th minute to complete his hat trick and secure a point for the Black-and-Red.
Just a month later, De Rosario enjoyed another three-goal game, this time on 9/2/11 at home against Real Salt Lake. The Canadian scored his goals in the 22nd, 27th and 31st minutes to record the fastest hat trick in MLS history, a record that still stands to this day. D.C. went on to win that game 4-1.
While with Toronto FC, De Rosario also scored three goals in the 2009 Nutrilite Canadian Championship final on 6/18/09 against the Montreal Impact. His goals came in the 29th, 39th and 49th minutes, as Toronto secured its first ever piece of silverware thanks to a 6-1 victory, with De Rosario named Tournament MVP.
The first hat trick of his professional career came in 2003 while playing for the San Jose Earthquakes against the Dallas Burn on 9/27/03. De Rosario’s opening goal came after just 11 seconds—the fastest ever goal in MLS history, as he helped the Earthquakes to a 5-2 win.
