Benteke brace gives Rooney's D.C. United playoff boost

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Christian Benteke scored twice as DC United delivered a timely boost for manager Wayne Rooney and their playoff hopes with a 4-0 win over the Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer on Saturday.

The Belgian former Liverpool striker hadn't found the net for three months but opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a confident finish after collecting a lofted ball from Polish midfielderMateusz Klich.

Benteke turned creator for United's second goal in the 20th minute, bringing the ball down superbly before feeding Theodore Ku-DiPietro who drilled home.

An own goal from Chicago defender Carlos Teran, after another clever touch from Benteke, made it 3-0 four minutes before the break.

Benteke tapped in his second and his team's fourth in stoppage time.

Former Manchester United and England striker Rooney had said this week that he was «disappointed and frustrated» that DC United has not contacted him in two months about a contract extension to his expiring deal.

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The club have invested in strengthening their squad since Rooney took over mid-way through last season but went into Saturday's game outside the playoff positions after a three-match losing run.

However Saturday's win moved the team into ninth place, occupying the final post-season spot, as they leapfrogged Chicago with seven games remaining in their regular season campaign.

«It was a result we needed,» Rooney told the Washington Post. «We know it’s on us to keep putting on performances like we did tonight and win games. Where we are, tonight’s game will give us a lot of confidence,» he added.

Benteke had been without a goal since June 3,