D.C. United 3, New York City FC 1 | 2016 MLS Match Recap

Dylan Butler

A crowd of 30,943 at RFK Stadium saw D.C. United scored three times before halftime en route to their fourth straight league win, a 3-1 victory over New York City FC, to clinch a berth in the Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs in the penultimate matchday of the regular season.

Patrick Mullins scored his first goal against his former club in the 27th minute to give D.C. United a 1-0 lead. Lloyd Sam sent a low cross across the six-yard box where Mullins tapped in at the back post for his eighth goal of the season.

Sam picked up his second assist of the match four minutes later when Bobby Boswell latched onto his corner kick and headed in from six yards out to double D.C. United’s lead.

Andoni Iraola gifted D.C. United a third goal just before halftime on a poor pass back to goalkeeper Josh Saunders that instead landed at Mullins' feet. The forward slipped the ball back to Rob Vincent, who easily scored into the empty net to put D.C. comfortably ahead at the break.

David Villa pulled NYCFC a goal back from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute, netting his 22nd goal of the season after getting tripped by Taylor Kemp after he was played into the box by teammate Tommy McNamara.

Box Score

27’ – DC – Patrick Mullins (Lloyd Sam, Luciano Acosta)
31’ – DC – Bobby Boswell (Lloyd Sam)
45’ – DC – Rob Vincent (Patrick Mullins)
72’ – NYC – David Villa (PK)
Full box score
Stats
Watch highlights

Three Things

Feels good doesn't it @pmullins14? 👌#DCU #DCvNYC pic.twitter.com/Wrk1eZF375
— dcunited (@dcunited) October 16, 2016

GOING FOUR-WARD: If it's all about form going into the playoffs then D.C. United will be one of the most dangerous teams in the Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs. D.C. United booked its spot in the postseason with their fourth straight win and head into the final game of the regular season unbeaten in six consecutive matches. The win also moves D.C. United into fourth place, making Ben Olsen's squad a favorite to host a Knockout Round match.

SWEET REVENGE: Traded by NYCFC on July 20, Patrick Mullins' goal against his former club helped set the tone in the 3-1 victory. Mullins has been on a tear since arriving in Washington, D.C., scoring eight goals in 14 appearances.

CONTROLLING THEIR DESTINY: While it's highly unlikely they finish atop the Eastern Conference, NYCFC can still claim second place and earn a berth directly to the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a win or a draw in their final game of the season against Columbus Crew SC. NYCFC is unbeaten in their last six games at Yankee Stadium.