It was a sensational combination last year, and for the first time this preseason, the D.C. United tandem of Luciano Acosta and Wayne Rooney produced an elegant goal Wednesday.
Acosta, the Argentine maestro, and Rooney, the English finisher, worked their magic in the 24th minute of United’s 2-1 defeat to the Philadelphia Union at Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex in Clearwater, Fla.
Eleven days before the MLS opener against Atlanta, Acosta offered an immaculate pass and Rooney took care of business by chipping the ball past the advancing goalkeeper for his first goal in four preseason matches. United will play its final tuneup Saturday against the Montreal Impact in St.