The ridiculous transformation that D.C. United’s experienced since the arrival of Wayne Rooney reached a fitting conclusion today with a 3-1 victory over New York City FC and a berth in the 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs. Rooney scored twice for United and strike partner Luciano Acosta was also on the scoresheet before David Villa struck a late consolation goal on a celebratory day at Audi Field.

Christian Pulisic set all sorts of records for an American in the Bundesliga playing with Borussia Dortmund. With all due respect to Pulisic’s teammate Jadon Sancho, these Reiss Nelson goals show the 18-year-old is the English version of Christian Pulisic, the most enticing young Englishman playing in Germany right now. 

We should be used to this by now, but for some reason it still comes as a surprise.

Another big match involving Jose Mourinho became all about the Portuguese manager, despite an enthralling Chelsea-Manchester United match in the first 96 minutes on Saturday at Stamford Bridge. 

D.C. United’s unlikely push for an Eastern Conference MLS Playoff place — inspired by the arrival of Wayne Rooney — continued apace tonight with a match against reigning champs Toronto FC (although the Reds have already been eliminated from playoff contention).

In the 18th minute, United took the lead thanks to Rooney’s monster free kick from long-range. It was the Englishman’s 10th goal in 18 MLS appearances this season to go along with six assists. 

Wayne. Freaking. Rooney.

Last night in Dublin, Wales defeated the Republic of Ireland 1-0 thanks to Harry Wilson’s stunning free kick in the 58th minute. The win put the Dragons at the top of UEFA Nations League B Group 4, and a victory over Denmark in Cardiff on Nov. 16 would see the nation promoted to League A — an achievement that would make Ryan Giggs’ early tenure as boss a resounding success.