D.C. United are back atop the Eastern Conference standings after Week Five in MLS, but not without having to deal with some adversity first in their 2-1 win over Orlando City. Steven Birnbaum and Wayne Rooney put United ahead on the road against Orlando City in the first half, while Joseph Mora had to leave the game after taking a knee to the face. The Lions applied tremendous pressure in the second half and became the first team to find a way past Bill Hamid this year.

Dom Dwyer scored a header for Orlando, who came close on several occasions to finding an equalizer. United did just enough to escape, giving them 10 points from four games, their best start to a season since 2006. 

United now face a gauntlet of games before they break for the Gold Cup. Starting on Saturday with a clash against Los Angeles FC, one of the best teams in the league, the Black-and-Red will play 13 games in 57 days — nearly one game every four days. Their depth will be tested, their resolve will be pressured, and half their season will be gone come June 2. 

But before all that madness, let's discuss some of the talking points from last night's game. 

The Foul Leading To Rooney's Goal

Wayne Rooney scored an outrageous goal to put United up by two goals after 30 minutes. With a free kick from near the corner flag, Rooney whipped in a ball that curled around City keeper Brian Rowe, rippling the net for Rooney's fourth goal of the season. At halftime, head coach James O'Connor was upset that the referee didn't take a look at the video review of the goal. There was some contact between Rowe and Frederic Brillant on the goal, but the assistant didn't deem it worthy of a review.

However, more of a fuss was made about the foul leading up to the goal. Dwyer slid in on Rooney, took a swipe, while Rooney jumped out of the way and avoided contact, losing possession of the ball. Despite there not being contact, a foul was still given.

pic.twitter.com/1CuW4Gi9d0

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) March 31, 2019

Orlando weren't happy that a foul was given, as Dwyer argued that he didn't make contact with Rooney. However, according to the FIFA's Laws of the Game, attempting to kick or trip a player is grounds for a direct free kick. There's an interpretation that could have also led to an indirect free kick being awarded, but Armando Villarreal was well within the laws to call a direct free kick.

Without contact, fouls aren't usually given, but Dwyer definitely took a swipe at Rooney, raised his cleat and forcing Rooney to jump out of the way. After the game, Villarreal responded to a question by a pool reporter by stating, "Dwyer was called for carelessly attempting to kick an opponent and as such a direct free kick was awarded.” Here's what Rooney had to say about the incident:

Wayne Rooney, on Dom Dwyer foul leading to second goal: "I see him coming and I got out of the way because if I didn’t, it could’ve been a serious injury. As the referee said, it’s intent. I’m not stupid enough to stand in there and let him try to take my knee off." #dcu

— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) April 1, 2019

United Struggled To Kill Off The Game

The Black-and-Red had never won in two previous trips to Orlando City Stadium. Their last road win had come in May 2018, and their last road win against an Eastern Conference foe had was back in April 2017. So what's important about Sunday night is that United left Orlando with three points in the bag.

But there was still some cause for concern in the second half. When it mattered most, the Black-and-Red weren't able to kill off the game. Chris Mueller was inches from earning the Lions a draw in stoppage time, when his header crashed off the upright, preserving the win for United. 

United had plenty of chances with the ball to extend possessions, keep the ball away from the hosts, and use the clock up late in the second half. Instead, there were countless turnovers, giving Orlando chances to get numbers forward, keeping the pressure up on United. There were also a couple of chances for United to break out themselves, but none of them ended with a shot. United had just four attempts on the night, and none after Junior Moreno hit the post early in the second half.

A third goal late on would have ensured the victory, but the Black-and-Red didn't give themselves that chance. Against better opponents on the road, United will need to improve in late-game situations if they have the lead, otherwise they will drop points late in games.

Joseph Mora Will Be Out For A While

Early on in the game, Mora and Orlando defender Ruan raced to challenge for a ball in United's half. Mora slid in, as Ruan tried to jump over the tackle. Unfortunately for Mora, Ruan's knee smacked him in the face, keeping both players down on the ground. Ruan was able to get up shortly after, but Mora was down for a while, being attended to by United's training staff.

When Mora finally got to his feet, the extent of the collision was evident. Mora's face was bloodied, and he was holding a towel to his jaw. He left the game and immediately went in for x-rays. 

We now know that Mora broke his jaw and will require surgery. That will sideline the Costa Rican left back for some time, but there is no timetable for his return as of yet. Since last summer, when Mora seemed to find his footing within MLS, the defender has been an integral part of United's success. Mora has contributed on both sides of the ball, and he has earned caps with the Costa Rican national team as a result.

Chris McCann, a veteran left back with plenty of experience, will step in for Mora in the meantime. McCann should provide ample cover at the position, while Akeem Ward seems the most likely candidate to replace McCann on the bench. United's depth was about to be tested anyway, but Mora's absence will test United's depth even sooner.