WATCH: 'Goal of the year' from Rooney sparks D.C. United win

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Photo credit Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

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Wayne Rooney has almost single-handedly revived D.C. United's playoff hopes since coming over from English club Everton, and his individual brilliance was on display once again Wednesday night.

In the 18th minute of a crucial midweek match against Toronto FC, Rooney stepped up to take a free kick from 35 yards out. Many, including some of his own teammates, expected him to cross the ball into the box given the distance from Toronto's net. 

But Rooney went for the spectacular, and boy did it pay off.

Pure class. @WayneRooney midweek magic. ✨#DCU | #DCvTOR 1-0 pic.twitter.com/zhYwM0JZTG

— D.C. United (@dcunited) October 18, 2018

The Audi Field crowd went berzerk, and United held on to claim a massive 1-0 win, Rooney's moment of magic proving the difference. 

After the match, 106.7 The Fan's Adam Epstein caught up with United defender Steve Birnbaum, who was just as astounded by the goal as the rest of the stadium. 

#MLS @WayneRooney strikes again as @dcunited WINS 1-0...@The1SportsNerd caught up with @StevenBirnbaum in the locker room after the game. pic.twitter.com/OQbkgtyjIy

— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) October 18, 2018

"Wayne's unreal goal to lift us to a win was the deciding factor," Birnbaum said. "I was in the box waiting for him to cross it because it was so far away. I had no clue he was gonna shoot it."

"It's gotta be up for goal of the year I think, and it was an unbelievable goal. I'm just happy to be on the field for it."

United needs to win just one of its final two games to clinch a playoff spot, something that seemed impossible just a few months ago. They get their first crack at it on Sunday at Audi Field against NYCFC, kickoff slated for 3 p.m. 

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