NYCFC – 1
D.C. United – 3
Match Recap …
David Villa scored his 22nd goal of the season, but New York City FC couldn’t climb out of a three-goal halftime deficit and fell to D.C. United, 3-1, in the penultimate game of the regular season Sunday afternoon at RFK Stadium.
Tommy McNamara played Villa into the box on a quick touch and Taylor Kemp tripped the NYCFC captain. Villa put his penalty to the left of D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid, who dove the other way.
Patrick Mullins scored against his former squad when he knocked in a cross from Lloyd Sam at the back post in the 27th minute.
Bobby Boswell then latched onto a Sam corner kick and headed in from the edge of the six-yard box to double D.C. United’s lead four minutes later.
Rob Vincent made it 3-0 just before the stroke of halftime, capitalizing on a defensive miscue.
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How They Lined Up …
Patrick Vieira made one change from the squad that defeated the Houston Dynamo, 2-0, in their last league match with Jason Hernandez slotting in for injured RJ Allen on the right side of the four-man backline.
Diego Martinez came on at halftime for Ronald Matarrita, who left the match injured late in the first half. Steven Mendoza came on for Khiry Shelton for Vieira’s second substitution in the 56th minute.
Tony Taylor replaced Tommy McNamara for NYCFC’s final change in the 78th minute.
Man of the Match …
David Villa
Villa remains in contention for the MLS Golden Boot as the league’s top goal scorer after netting his 22nd goal of the season, putting him one behind Bradley Wright-Phillips of the New York Red Bulls heading into the final match of the regular season.
Villa converted from the penalty spot for the fifth time this season and buried his fifth goal in the last three games.
Stats and Milestones …
- David Villa scored his 22nd goal of the season, putting him one off the pace set by Bradley Wright-Phillips of the New York Red Bulls in the MLS Golden Boot Race.
- NYCFC can clinch a berth into the Eastern Conference semifinal series with a win over the Columbus Crew next Sunday.
- NYCFC won the season series with D.C. United after earning three points in each of the first two meetings.
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What it Means …
NYCFC returns to Yankee Stadium, where they’re unbeaten in six straight, to take on Columbus Crew SC in their regular season finale Sunday, Oct. 23 at 4 p.m.
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