WASHINGTON – D.C. United (14-12-6, 48 points) clinched a spot in the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over New York City FC (10-15-7, 37 points) in the expansion club’s first-ever visit to RFK Stadium.
Fabián Espíndola tied the game, 1-1, in the 73rd minute and Álvaro Saborío came off the bench to score the game-winning goal in the second minute of second-half added time after Frank Lampard had scored for the visitors in the first minute.
D.C. United returns to action in its final regular season home game of 2015 against the Chicago Fire on Sunday, Oct. 18 (Comcast SportsNet, 2).
- D.C. United became the 2nd MLS team to qualify for the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs.
- D.C. United moved into a tie for first place in the Eastern Conference with the New York Red Bulls (14-9-6, 48 points).
- D.C. United qualified for the playoffs for the 12th time in the franchise’s 20-season history.
- D.C. United qualified for the playoffs for the second straight season and the third time in four years under Head Coach Ben Olsen.
- D.C. United utilized its 29th different starting lineup in 32 games.
- D.C. United ended a season-high six-game winless streak.
- D.C. Untied recorded its MLS-leading 11th win in a one-goal game. United is 11-7 in one-goal games – its 18 one-goal matches is second behind the Chicago Fire, who are 5-14 in one-goal contests.
- D.C. United is 11-1-2 all-time in inaugural home games at RFK Stadium against expansion/relocated teams.
- D.C. United improved to 8-10-2 when allowing the first goal, and 6-7-2 when trailing at halftime. D.C. United’s last seven victories at home have all been come-from-behind wins.
- D.C. United scored its 12th goal of the season between the 61st and 75th minute.
- D.C. United scored its 12th goal of the season in the 76th minute or later.
- D.C. United has scored 27 of its 39 goals in 2015 in the second half, including 24 goals in the 60th minute or later.
- Fabián Espíndola recorded his fourth goal of 2015 and the 59th goal of his MLS career.
- Álvaro Saborío recorded his third goal of 2015 with D.C. United, and the 66th of his MLS career.
- Chris Pontius played his 150th regular season game for the Black-and-Red.
- D.C. United is now 10-3-3 at home.
- Bill Hamid finished with one save and didn’t face a shot on goal after the first minute of the match.
- D.C. United’s all-time record against New York City FC is now 1-1-0.
- Head Coach Ben Olsen’s overall record is now 63-76-41.
Full Game Highlights
Espíndola goal
Saborío goal
D.C. United (14-12-6, 48 points) vs. New York City FC (10-15-7, 37 points)
MLS regular season
October 2, 2015 – RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
Attendance: 21,517
Goals by Period 1 2 Total
D.C. United 0 2 2
New York City FC 1 0 1
Scoring Summary:
NYC – Frank Lampard 3 1’
DC – Fabián Espíndola 4 73’
DC – Álvaro Saborío 3 90+2’
Misconduct Summary:
NYC – Chris Wingert (caution) 31’
NYC – Jefferson Mena (caution) 43’
NYC – Mix Diskerud (caution) 54’
DC – Sean Franklin (caution) 66’
NYC – RJ Allen (caution) 81’
DC – Bobby Boswell (caution) 87’
NYC – Jason Hernandez (caution) 90+1’
D.C. United lineup:
Bill Hamid, Taylor Kemp, Kofi Opare, Bobby Boswell, Sean Franklin; Nick DeLeon, Markus Halsti (Álvaro Saborío 70’), Perry Kitchen, Chris Pontius, Chris Rolfe, Fabián Espíndola.
Unused Substitutes: Andrew Dykstra, Jairo Arrieta, Jared Jeffrey, Luke Mishu, Miguel Aguilar, Michael Farfan.
New York City FC lineup:
Josh Saunders, RJ Allen, Jason Hernandez, Jefferson Mena, Chris Wingert (Angelino 62’), Andrew Jacobson, Frank Lampard (Kwadwo Poku 72’), Andrea Pirlo, Mix Diskerud, David Villa, Ned Grabavoy (Khiry Shelton 82’).
Unused Substitutes: Ryan Meara, Medhi Ballouchy, Thomas McNamara, Patrick Mullins
Referee: Silviu Petrescu
Assistant Referees: Daneil Belleau, Sean Hurd
Fourth Official: Robert Sibiga
