Wayne Rooney misses in penalty shoot-out as DC United knocked out of MLS play-offs

The English forward one of three United players to miss as Columbus Crew prevail, while Real Salt Lake also triumph

Nov 1, 2018; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United forward Wayne Rooney (9) salutes supporters after United's match against Columbus Crew SC at Audi Field. Crew SC won 2-2 (3-2 pen.). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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Wayne Rooney's fairytale first season in Major League Soccer (MLS) ended in disappointment when the DC United striker missed a penalty in a shoot-out defeat to Columbus Crew in the knockout round of the -on Thursday.

The 33-year-old stepped up for his team's first spot kick after the match had ended 2-2 following extra time, but his shot was saved by Crew goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who dived to his right and swatted away the former England captain's effort.

Rooney's teammates Luciano Acosta and Nick DeLeon also missed their efforts as Crew ran out 3-2 winners in the shoot-out to move on to the Eastern Conference semi-finals, where they face New York Red Bulls.

"It's disappointing losing on penalties but as a team we can be extremely proud of what we have achieved in the last few months," Rooney told reporters.

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"In today's game the crowd, the atmosphere was fantastic and it shows the team are coming along great and they are proud of our performances. We'll try and build on this next season."

Earlier, defender Frederic Brillant had given DC United a 21st minute lead before Federico Higuain scored twice to put Crew ahead. DeLeon restored parity with a long-range shot deep into extra time to send the contest to a shootout.

Rooney joined DC United from Everton this year as their marquee signing with the side rooted to the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference on two wins from 14 matches and eliminated from the US Open Cup.

However, the former Manchester United striker helped drag the team up the table and into the playoffs with a string of inspiring performances, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists in 20 appearances. DC United finished fourth in the Eastern Conference.

Meanwhile in Los Angeles, Damir Kreilach's double for Real Salt Lake helped his side fend off a comeback by LAFC as they punched their ticket to the Western Conference semi-finals.

The sixth seeded Real Salt Lake overcame a 2-1 second-half deficit to advance to face top-seeded Sporting Kansas City in the next round.

LAFC, the third seed, missed a golden opportunity for a play-off win in their first season of existence.