D.C. United scored four answered goals on their way to a resounding 4-1 win over the Portland Timbers Wednesday night at Audi Field. The victory extended the Black-and-Red’s unbeaten streak to four games and helped them climb to 8th place in the Eastern Conference.
United captain Wayne Rooney recorded his first brace in MLS while goalkeeper Bill Hamid made his first start for the Black-and-Red since the homegrown returned to the club during the summer transfer window.
Portland drew first blood in the 35th minute of the match when midfielder Sebastián Blanco found space on the left wing and played a through ball to Andy Polo. Polo squared the ball into the box and found an open Samuel Armenteros who finished the chance for his 8th goal of the season.
Rooney struck back for United in the 43rd minute when Yamil Asad feathered a pass through the Timbers’ backline to a streaking Rooney. United’s captain placed his shot low and into the right corner of Portland goalkeeper Jeff Attinella to tie the contest at 1-1 near the end of the first half.
Oniel Fisher got things rolling for United in the second half when he scored his first MLS goal in the 47th minute. Luciano Acosta skilled his way through the Timbers’ defense and laid the ball off to Fisher who smashed his shot low and off the left post to give the Black-and-Red a 2-1 lead.
Rooney gave D.C. some breathing room when he fired a beautiful curling shot off a free kick to complete his brace and make it 3-1. United’s captain has now scored two goals and two assists in his last two games.
Darren Mattocks came on for Rooney in the 86th minute and scored against his former club to seal the 4-1 victory for the Black-and-Red. The goal was Mattocks’ first since July fourth against the LA Galaxy and tied him with Asad for the team lead.
The Black-and-Red will close the three-game home stand with a massive matchup Sunday, Aug. 19 against the New England Revolution. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET on FS1.
