Wayne Rooney's "unbelievable" blowout to D.C. United on the verge of qualifying for the playoffs

The balloon took off about 35 meters from the northern goal at Audi Field, an impossible distance for most football players, certainly beyond the reach of anyone that skeptics did not think much of having left when 39, he joined DC United three months ago.

The ball went over the Toronto FC wall and, for a moment, gave the impression of sailing a few feet from the right post. He then began to bend, gain in speed and accuracy, and despite the goalkeeper's best efforts, Wayne Rooney's free-kick was unsuccessful in the top right corner of the net.

The English has provided more than a few memorable moments since signing several million dollars this summer. On Wednesday, he did it again with a sensational goal in the 1-0 win that brought United to an unfathomable level for the playoffs.

Rooney's sixth goal in five games – giving him 10 since mid-July – has extended United's winning streak to four and the unbeaten run to eight. The burgeoning club has increased its lead over Montreal by four points for the sixth and final place in the Eastern Conference playoffs of the MLS.

Two games from the end, a race win or defeat in Montreal will ensure a last-place team for most of the summer. United's also qualified at one point from fifth place, Columbus and three points from Philadelphia.

D.C. (13-11-8) was not at his best in 90 minutes, but no one will remember anything other than Rooney's spectacular free-kick before 18,562 at Buzzard Point.

Given the distance, Rooney had to decide to shoot or serve the ball into the penalty area.

"I just thought about trying and seeing what was going on," he said. "Fortunately, I caught perfection. Finally, I made the right decision.

Meanwhile in the penalty area, teammate Steve Birnbaum was waiting for a high ball possible.

"It was so far away, I thought to myself," He's really serving him, "said the center-back," And then I saw him spinning and breaking him. "That was enough It was so far away, I could not believe that he had so much power behind that.

Coach Ben Olsen said of Rooney's options: "It's all right to Wayne at that point. I did not give him any sign of the hand. It's his call. He deserved this choice because I have seen it consistently.

"I have to look again, how spectacular it was. In real time, it was pretty impressive. "

Toronto (9-17-6) has arrived as a shell of its 2017 championship car, vying for the playoffs, missing several key players and rising to the act after becoming only the fourth MLS Cup champion to miss the playoffs the following year.

Sebastian Giovinco, an Italian star, missed his visit after serving in the national team for the last 10 days. Jozy Altidore, the striker of the US national team, escaped injury. Spanish midfielder Victor Vazquez was operated last week and Canadian midfielder Jonathan Osorio was unavailable after playing for his national team on Tuesday.

The contrast between force and motivation offered little comfort to Olsen, who, since the overwhelming victory over Dallas, had warned against excessive trust and overconfidence.

Toronto threatened to proceed in the 11th minute, but Bill Hamid made a remarkable reflex stoppage on Nick Hagglund's head.

Seven minutes later, Toronto made a mistake at a place that seemed out of Rooney's reach. Would he write the ball at the bottom of the box? Or maybe trying to catch Toronto by surprise by making a wide pass on the floor?

Do not be silly.

"I was really expecting him to hit, but this finish was world class," said Nick Nick DeLeon's defenseman. "I smiled from one ear to the other. It was an ambitious goal on the part of a world-class player. "

United was scared in the 33rd minute when Hamid's left knee buckled and landed. He has a history of knee problems and, judging by his immediate reaction, it seemed serious.

Hamid stayed in the game, but was clearly uncomfortable, limping around the penalty area when the ball was on the ground and catching the knee regularly.

United nearly scored again just before the intermission, but DeLeon's header on Rooney's corner deviated from teammate Yamil Asad and kissed the crossbar.

Hamid came back for the start of the second half and showed a slight limp but no noticeable difficulty in slipping or jumping. Just in case, the replacement Travis Worra has continued to fall in the corner.

Subsequently, Olsen said he thought the knee was hyperextend. The medical staff called this a tension.

Acosta should take the lead in the 57th minute, but after waltzing in the middle of the box, he hits the left post.

United survived moments of nervousness in the second half, but handled the ball well – and the clock – while failing to score.

Now, a club that only behaved once is almost certain to qualify for the playoffs.

"It's been a lot of fun in the last two months," Olsen said. "The work is not over. We would like to continue this momentum and finish this last straight line with a victory and seal our series. "

United notes: DeLeon made his first start since getting knee injury in May. … One day after playing 22 minutes for the Costa Rica national team against Colombia in Harrison, New Jersey, midfielder Ulises Segura has recorded the last 16 games for DC … L & # Striker Darren Mattocks returned from his duties in Jamaica but was not in uniform due to illness. Defender Kofi Opare has recovered from a hip injury and must now fight against ankle disease.