New York City FC 3, Philadelphia Union 1 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

New York City FC clinched the No. 3 seed in the East and will host a Knockout Round game following a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Union at Yankee Stadium on Decision Day presented by AT&T.

NYCFC raced out to a two-goal lead inside of 10 minutes as Maxime Chanot latched onto a Maxi Moralez corner kick for his first goal of the year and Auston Trusty directed a Ben Sweat cross into his own net just two minutes later.

Cory Burke pulled the Union to within a goal in the 14th minute, but David Villa doubled NYCFC’s lead in the 34th minute with his 14th goal of the season.

Things got ugly for the Union just after the halftime whistle when Burke and Borek Dockal were separated following a verbal altercation. Dockal, who helped set up Burke’s 10th goal of the season, also had harsh words with the Jamaican forward late in the first half.

Sean Johnson stymied Fafa Picault from the penalty spot, diving to his right to stop the low shot after Johnson pulled down C.J. Sapong.

Goals

• 8’ — NYC — Maxime Chanot | WATCH
• 10’ — NYC — Auston Trusty (OG) | WATCH
• 14’ — PHI — Cory Burke | WATCH
• 34’ — NYC — David Villa | WATCH

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: After winning just once in their last nine games, NYCFC emphatically booked a home Knockout Round game and the No. 3 seed in the East with a vintage performance. The Union, meanwhile, have to be troubled by the defensive performance and apparent in-fighting.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: Sean Johnson made up for a foul that led to a penalty kick by denying Picault on said PK, diving to his right to make the same with the score 3-1.

MAN OF THE MATCH: David Villa looked fresh, he looked dangerous and he scored his 14th goal of the season in what could well be his final regular season game at Yankee Stadium.

Next Up

• NYC: Wednesday, October 31 vs. Philadelphia (7 pm ET | FS1 - TV & streaming info)
• PHI: Wednesday, October 31 at NYCFC (7 pm ET | FS1 — Full TV & streaming info)