Wayne Rooney departed MLS after D.C. United were thrashed by Toronto FC in extra time of their playoff clash, while defending champions Atlanta United advanced with a win of their own
Derby County-bound Rooney was helpless as D.C. suffered a 5-1 defeat to Toronto after extra time in the opening round of the MLS postseason on Saturday.
Former Manchester United and England captain Rooney agreed a player-coach role with Championship outfit Derby in August, ahead of his January return to England.
But Rooney's D.C, and MLS farewell did not go according to plan after his team conceded four extra-time goals to Toronto at BMO Field.
Final. pic.twitter.com/mUYd6dZ7qu
— D.C. United (@dcunited) October 20, 2019
A dramatic 93rd-minute equaliser from DC's Lucas Rodriguez had forced extra time after cancelling out Marco Delgado's first-half opener.
However, Toronto erupted in extra time as Jonathan Osorio scored a brace while Richie Laryea and Nick DeLeon were also on target in the first additional period.
Toronto – MLS Cup champions in 2017 – will now face New York City FC in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
Real talk: That’s just filth @NickDeLeon7 | #TFCLive | #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/hk8CyjsnWe
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) October 20, 2019
Atlanta's hopes of claiming back-to-back MLS titles remain on track after edging the New England Revolution 1-0.
Franco Escobar settled the contest at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where his 70th-minute goal guided Frank de Boer's side to the Eastern Conference semis to play the winner of the Philadelphia Union versus the New York Red Bulls, which is set for Sunday.
Elsewhere, the Seattle Sounders survived a seven-goal thriller as they prevailed 4-3 against Dallas after extra time.
A Jordan Morris hat-trick, completed in the 113th minute, sent the Sounders through to the next round, with the U.S. national team's third goal coming in extra time to seal the victory.
The Sounders will meet Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference semi-finals after their late 2-1 win over Portland Timbers.
An 87th-minute goal from Jefferson Savarino sealed the win for RSL, who were able to take down last season's Western Conference champions in snowy conditions in Utah.
On Sunday, the Red Bulls will visit the Union while Minnesota United will host Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the LA Galaxy for the right to face Los Angeles FC in the Western Conference semi-finals.