📝New York City FC 1-1 D.C. United: Black-and-Red draw the Blues | OneFootball

With the post-season approaching, the superstars of both D.C. United and New York City FC contributed as both Wayne Rooney and David Villa got on the score-sheet.

New York City FC came into Saturday’s match needing a win to keep pace with Atlanta United and cross-town rivals NY Red Bulls in the Supporter’s Shield race. Their opponents at Yankee Stadium, D.C. United were aiming to peak at the proper time to surge into the post-season on good form.

The home side dominated many of the statistics lines in this game but were unable to secure their sought-after victory. Domènec Torrent’s team managed an impressive 31 total shots, forcing D.C.’s Bill Hamid into making 8 saves. NYC averaged near 70% possession and amassed 12 corner kicks, compared to zero for their visitors.

Rather against the balance of play, D.C. United took the lead on the road in the second half. Wayne Rooney lofted a very deep free kick into the opposing penalty area and centre-back Steve Birnbaum headed past Sean Johnson to put D.C. ahead in the 58th minute.

After coming up frustratingly short against Hamid through 85 minutes, David Villa finally equalised late in the game. Villa tucked the ball past Hamid on a 86th minute free kick though the 27-year-old goalkeeper got a hand to the shot.

D.C. remains five points behind Montreal Impact for the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference but the Black-and-Red have two games in hand.

New York City are now tied with FC Dallas on 49 points, good for third place in the Supporter’s Shield behind conference rivals Atlanta and the Red Bulls.