D.C. United dropped five goals on Real Salt Lake to continue its undefeated start to the 2019 season, and the match was highlighted by Wayne Rooney’s first-ever hat-trick in MLS play.
The 33-year-old Englishman opened the scoring from the spot in the 34th minute, applied a delicate chip in the 41st for the second and then guaranteed D.C. all three points in the 65th when sliding in to provide a close-range finish.
Wayne Rooney for the trick! pic.twitter.com/B3klfLmw6t
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 17, 2019
Salt Lake would have Jefferson Savarino sent off just before halftime and then Marcelo Silva in the 67th minute, forcing the team to play with nine-men for over 20 minutes.
In the 76th minute, the goal of the match was scored. Rooney raked a corner towards the top of the box and there was Lucas Rodriguez to hammer home a side-volley from 18 yards out.
Can't. Stop. Watching. pic.twitter.com/RuiNRhu4Lb
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 17, 2019
D.C. sits atop the Eastern Conference after three matches with two wins and a draw. The club has yet to concede a goal while scoring seven.