Josef Martinez chips the ball over D.C. United's Bill Hamid for the second goal in Atlanta's 2-0 victory. (Curtis Compton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/Associated Press)ATLANTA — D.C. United played without Wayne Rooney and, for most of Sunday afternoon, without possession of the ball. And until it all fell apart in the dying moments, resulting in a 2-0 defeat to Atlanta United, Coach Ben Olsen’s gang executed a defensive and counterattacking ploy to precision. Rooney, the team leader in goals and assists, did not travel to Atlanta because of unspecified minor injuries. [With perfect assist, D.C. United defender Leonard Jara showcased his attacking flair]While Rooney was absent, goalkeeper Bill Hamid and central midfielder Luciano Acosta returned.

Source: Washington Post July 22, 2019 00:05 UTC