D.C. United clinches playoff spot with win over NYCFC

D.C. United has claimed one of the six playoff spots in the Eastern Conference courtesy of a 3-1 win over New York City FC at RFK Stadium Sunday afternoon, a match that saw David Villa score his 22nd goal of the season.

Ben Olsen's side took a 1-0 lead courtesy of former NYCFC striker Patrick Mullins in the 27th minute, and the team doubled its advantage four minutes later courtesy of a Bobby Boswell goal.

Both goals came from assists by Lloyd Sam, with Luciano Acosta helping on the first effort as well.

D.C. United added a third at the stroke of half-time with Brandon Vincent scoring his second goal of the year in humorous fashion as Andoni Iraola turned over possession in the box to gift his opponent a third goal.

Villa pulled one back for the Pigeons from the penalty spot with 20 minutes remaining in the match, but his goal would not be enough for NYCFC to mount a comeback, as D.C. United eased into the playoffs with one match remaining in the 2016 season.