It was D.C. United’s fourth home match at Audi Field and they were taking on Orlando City, an Eastern Conference rival that had struggled at the bottom of the table. Luciano Acosta knocked back the first goal of the game in first half stoppage time, but Orlando City got one back early in the second half. In the 64th minute, Acosta scored his second goal of the night, but Dom Dwyer equalized for the Lions in the 71st minute. Heading into stoppage time, it seemed like the game would likely end in a draw.
Cue the magic from Wayne Rooney and Acosta.
In the final moments of stoppage time, D.C. United were awarded a corner kick. The set-piece didn’t find a Black-and-Red player and Orlando City were able to clear the ball. They had the opportunity to set up a counterattack, but out of nowhere, Rooney came roaring down the field in pursuit. He cleanly stripped the Orlando City player of the ball and started dribbling it back into the Orlando City half. With the Black-and-Red nearly out of time, Rooney lobbed a ball into the box as Acosta made a run at the far post.
The Argentine maestro and smallest player on the field was able to jump up and get a head on it, sending the ball past the goalkeeper in the 6th minute of stoppage time and lighting up Audi Field. On an Acosta hat trick, D.C. United were able to get the win over the Lions.
The moment of magic in the 6th minute of stoppage time was seen around the world and highlighted a partnership between Rooney and Acosta that would carry D.C. United to the postseason.
It was one of the best goals of the season and an important moment in D.C. United history. The Black-and-Red gave their supporters many moments like this in 2018 that they will cherish forever.
As the holiday season approaches and the year comes to an end, D.C. United are grateful for an amazing 2018 campaign and is looking forward to getting back on the pitch in 2019.
