Wayne Rooney scores first MLS goal as DC United end winless run

Wayne Rooney was on target as DC United brought a run of two consecutive defeats to an end with a 2-1 win over the Colorado Rapids.

Rooney latched onto a throughball from Luciano Acosta to beat Tim Howard and score his first MLS goal and it looked like that might be enough for victory until Kellyn Acosta, who earlier missed a penalty, levelled.

But DC United secured the win in stoppage time when Ulises Segura’s cross deflected off Niki Jackson and into the net.

There was a downside for Rooney on the night, though, as he needed stitches to fix a bloody nose sustained late in the game.

“I don’t think it’s the first time he’s bled in a game. He is a tough guy and I think that he will shake it off,” coach Ben Olson told his club’s official website.

“But again, it shows you what this means to him right now. He is in the box, putting his face on the line, understanding that this is a big moment.

“He has been fantastic in every aspect, in every way that we want him to be with this group… with his leadership and goal-scoring ability. Hopefully, it can continue to get better.”

Martinez opened the scoring in the 31st minute and was on target again from close range in the 57th with his 24th goal of the season after Jukka Raitala saved Franco Escobar’s initial effort.

Ignacio Piatti hit a consolation three minutes from time but Montreal could not find an equaliser.

Toronto FC completed the double over the Chicago Fire with a 3-0 victory courtesy of goals from Jozy Altidore, Jonathan Osorio and Sebastian Giovinco.

Michael Barrios hit a hat-trick to give FC Dallas a 3-2 win over Sporting Kansas City.

The Columbus Crew beat the New York Red Bulls 3-2, Vancouver Whitecaps overcame Minnesota United 4-2, the Portland Timbers edged past the Houston Dynamo 2-1 and San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake played out a 0-0 draw.