MLS Review: Ibrahimovic inspires Galaxy with brace, Rooney scores stunner

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a pair of penalties to see LA Galaxy past Portland Timbers, while Wayne Rooney’s incredible free-kick guided DC United to victory.

Former Manchester United striker Ibrahimovic converted two spot-kicks – including a Panenka – as the Galaxy defeated the Timbers 2-1 on Sunday.

Ibrahimovic had not played since the club’s opening match of the season on March 2 due to an Achilles injury, but the 37-year-old made a goalscoring return in Los Angeles.

After almost opening the scoring with a stunning standing overhead kick, Ibrahimovic netted a 33rd-minute penalty having been fouled by Claude Dielna.

Always putting on a show, that @Ibra_official pic.twitter.com/Mr092DL0l2

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) April 1, 2019

The Timbers – searching for their first win of the season – equalised a minute before half-time via Jeremy Ebobisse.

However, Ibrahimovic ensured the Galaxy made it three wins from four matches with a Panenka spot-kick past Timbers goalkeeper Jeff Attinella in the 65th minute.

Rooney, meanwhile, scored a sensational free-kick in DC United’s 2-1 victory away to Orlando City.

RNEY!

ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?#ORLvDC https://t.co/OHb0DywwBv

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 31, 2019

After teeing up Steve Birnbaum’s header with a whipping free-kick in the sixth minute, ex-United and England captain Rooney produced a moment of magic.

From an acute angle, Rooney curled a set-piece into the far top corner of the net against Nani’s Orlando on the half-hour mark.

Orlando forward Dom Dwyer pulled a goal back in the 63rd minute but DC held on to snap their winless road streak – dating back to May 19 last year.