TORONTO — D.C. United’s season — and Wayne Rooney’s MLS tenure — reached an unceremonious end Saturday after a staggering swing of events deep in a first-round playoff against Toronto FC.
United’s equalizer in the dying moments of regulation forced extra time and rekindled hope that Rooney, the English superstar who had revitalized the organization upon his arrival last year, would extend his stay at least four more days.
As quickly as the outlook brightened, however, it unraveled in rapid and horrific style. Toronto scored four goals before the 30-minute bonus period was halfway done and coasted to a 5-1 victory at BMO Field.