The pregame belonged to Nick Rimando,
The game belonged to Wayne Rooney.
A cold night that began with a ceremony honoring Real Salt Lake’s retiring goalkeeper turned into a celebration of D.C. United’s English superstar, who posted his first MLS hat trick and added an assist during a 5-0 demolition Saturday before 17,190 at Audi Field.
The visitors were reduced to nine players following two red cards, and United took full advantage by stretching a two-goal halftime lead into one of the most lopsided results in club history.
Lucas Rodriguez and Ulises Segura also scored for United (2-0-1), which extended its regular season unbeaten streak to 13.