United defeated New York City FC with a resounding 2-1 win on Saturday afternoon at RFK Stadium behind goals from Lloyd Sam and Luciano Acosta.
Content to grant NYCFC the bulk of possession throughout the day, D.C. patiently absorbed the pressure and waited for the right moments to strike. The opener came early in the second half, as NYCFC coughed up the ball in their own half after right back Frederic Brillant was caught in possession – seemingly between two minds as he contemplated playing back to goalkeeper Sean Johnson – allowing Lloyd Sam to slip around him, sneak in alone on goal and slide past Johnson for his first goal of the year. The goal came in Sam's 100th career MLS start and was the Ghanaian's 24th of his career.
Acosta, who was named the Man of the Match for a resoundingly strong performance, added the winner in the 73rd minute, finishing first-time on a rebound from a Sam shot after mounting a counter attack back in United's own half.
The Argentine has now scored in consecutive matches for the first time in his career.
The Black-and-Red end their three-game home stand with six points ahead of their trip to New Jersey next weekend. Ben Olsen's side will look to continue their momentum away from home. “It’s important, now that we have confidence going in," Acosta said. "We just have to keep winning, keep being confident and just keep up that attitude.”
