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Watch: Wright-Phillips takes Golden Boot lead with 2-goal performance

Michael Stewart / Getty Images Sport / Getty

New York Red Bulls striker Bradley Wright-Phillips moved ahead of crosstown rival David Villa in the 2016 MLS Golden Boot race Sunday with a brace against the Columbus Crew, giving the English attacker 23 goals to Villa's 22.

Starting the day tied at 21, Villa scored a goal of his own in New York City FC's 3-1 loss to D.C. United, but now sits second in the standings.

Wright-Phillips scored his first goal of the day in the 58th minute, dipping and feigning as he ran toward goal before slipping his shot between the legs of goalkeeper Brad Stuver.

The Englishman's second goal came 12 minutes later off a corner kick, where, ever hungry and capable of sniffing out a chance, Wright-Phillips stood and waited for a rebound ball before sliding in to tap home the eventual game-winner.

Wright-Phillips and Villa have but one match remaining in the 2016 regular season and will need to use that day to decide a winner. With just one goal separating the two MLS MVP candidates, the Red Bulls travel to Philadelphia while NYCFC head to Columbus.

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