On Sunday afternoon, Atlanta United overcame Eastern rivals D.C. United thanks to two late goals. Here are three things we learned from the 2-0 victory.

In the most significant match of the weekend, D.C. United travelled to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face an inconsistent but extremely dangerous Atlanta United on Sunday hoping to protect their second place in the Eastern Conference.

And after Josef Martinez shockingly missed a second-half penalty, it seemed as though Ben Olsen’s side might escape with a point. But then Gonzalo Martinez, from off the bench, first scored with a header and then teed up his namesake for a last-gasp second.

Here are three things we learned from Atlanta United’s 2-0 victory.

3. Wayne Rooney sorely missed

Wayne Rooney did not travel with the D.C. United squad at the weekend. Concerned with fatigue, Ben Olsen allowed the 33-year-old to go with his family to England for a short holiday. His absence was notable.

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Olsen’s plan was clear: use a 3-4-3 formation with a pacy front three of Lucas Rodriguez, Luciano Acosta and Paul Arriola to hit Atlanta United on the counter-attack. It nearly worked, but Arriola, after breaking in behind, could not put his shot past Brad Guzan. For the most part, Olsen’s intentions only invited pressure onto D.C.

The reason for this was no Rooney. The Englishman’s greatest impact is not his goals or assists, despite leading the team in both. Instead, it is his work with his back to the goal, his touch superb as he casts passes under his control to bring others into play. This is where the buzzing movement of Arriola and Acosta shine. But with no Rooney, D.C. would clear the ball only for Atlanta to win it back immediately. Rooney was sorely missed indeed.