England

Like a certain fellow Washington D.C. resident might put it, Wayne Rooney is YUGE right now. This past weekend against Orlando, the former Manchester United man effectively broke the greater soccer world with one play. Rooney sprinted full speed — nearly half the length of the field — to track down a player, made a clean tackle and then hit a dime — nearly half the length of the field — to Luciano Acosta on the back post, who headed the ball home to give DC United the win in the 96th minute.

Another bit of news to file into the “It’s 2018 and this is ACTUALLY still happening” file. Premier League champion Manchester City has launched an investigation into discriminatory language used by youth scout Dean Ramsdale made in early June.

During a meeting in front of colleagues and agents at the club, Ramsdale, who joined the Manchester City ranks in 2017 and has more than 20 years of experience in English youth football, is said to have used the acronym “BBQ” when talking about promising youngsters of African descent.

How fast is Leroy Sané? The 22-year-old Manchester City winger experienced a somewhat subdued first season in England, but he exploded into life last year after scoring 10 goals and adding 15 assists in 32 Premier League appearances. The native of Essen, Germany, was named the PFA Young Player of the Year for his contributions to City’s march to the title, but he was curiously omitted from manager Joachim Low’s World Cup squad (we all know how that turned out for die Mannschaft).

Between the closing of the Premier League transfer window and last Friday's match between Manchester United and Leicester City, we learned that the Red Devils intend to keep Paul Pogba. We also realized that Jose Mourinho is finally doing something right — Pogba captained the team. What we have yet to learn is this: Is Pogba set on staying with United?

During a goal-packed, explosive MLS game between D.C. United and Orlando City on Sunday night, Wayne Rooney and Luciano Acosta combined to destroy Orlando at the death. United won 3-2 with Acosta’s hat-trick (two supplied by Rooney) surpassing the efforts of an own goal and Dom Dwyer.

In the 96th minute, a failed D.C. corner left their own net without a keeper (United's David Ousted had come forward despite the 2-2 scoreline — D.C. had to win this one) as Orlando’s Will Johnson sought to capitalize on the counter — until Rooney started rampaging.

Manchester City opened its title defense Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Unai Emery’s Arsenal at the Emirates. An early strike from Raheem Sterling and an emphatic finish from Bernardo Silva just after the hour mark proved enough for the Citizens, who spoiled Emery’s debut as Arsenal manager while clearly outlining the massive divide that remains between the two clubs.

Liverpool climbed to the top of the Premier League table after thrashing West Ham 4-0 at Anfield Sunday. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 19th minute, Sadio Mane claimed a brace by the 53rd and substitute Daniel Sturridge scored just one minute after coming on to achieve a dream start for Jurgen Klopp.

In his first competitive match in charge of West Ham, Manuel Pellegrini can take solace from the fact that the Reds are going to do this to many opponents this season. 

Luke Skywalker’s favorite soccer team is back in the Premier League but Everton’s new star stole the headlines on Saturday. Two Richarlison goals vs Wolves helped propel Everton to a 2-2 draw despite playing most of the match with 10 men after Phil Jagielka was sent off.

The EPL Golden Boot will probably be won by someone like Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane or Sergio Aguero. But the man currently leading the race is a Watford midfielder who tallied twice on Saturday — and the first Roberto Pereyra goal is an early leader for Goal of the Season.

DeAndre Yedlin did not have a good day in Newcastle United’s season opener against Tottenham on Saturday, a 2-1 defeat. From an embarrassing nutmeg to a late Yedlin injury, the American defender will want to forget the match, though he may not get another chance on the pitch anytime soon.