The game in 100 words (or less): It’s been a season of many highs for New York City FC, and Patrick Vieira’s side now has something to cheer about following Friday night’s win over the Chicago Fire. The home side had its shaky moments but the points never really seemed to be in doubt after a brilliant start from Jefferson Mena and David Villa, who put NYCFC ahead 2-0 after nine minutes. The victory gives NYCFC the first playoff berth in the Eastern Conference, while the Fire remain nine points out of the final postseason position in the East with five matches remaining.
[ MORE: David Villa discusses MLS playoffs, Guardiola and more ]
Three four five moments that mattered
8' - Mena smashes home first goal of 2016 — Khiry Shelton’s playing time has been sporadic this season, but the second-year winger has truly come on lately and helped NYCFC jump out to the early lead.
Another Look: @yefersonmena19 puts #NYCFC ahead 1-0 pic.twitter.com/8gwdbodXz6
— New York City Football Club (@NYCFC) September 24, 2016
9' — Villa doubles for the home side — The Fire blinked, and they missed it. The New York City captain picked up his 18th goal of the year just a minute after his teammate, making it a long road back for the visitors.
Another Look: Off the draw, @Guaje7Villa scores quickly to give #NYCFC the 2-0 lead pic.twitter.com/yhdYpBczVr
— New York City Football Club (@NYCFC) September 24, 2016
35' — Fire pull one back through Solignac— It’s been a recurring theme this season, and the Fire found a way to exploit NYCFC’s defensive troubles again 10 minutes prior to the break when Luis Solignac nodded past Josh Saunders.
¡CABEZAZO DEL ARGENTINO!@LuchoSoli le devuelve la esperanza a @ChicagoFire marcando el primero casi al final de la primera parte. #NYCvCHI pic.twitter.com/cNSsZjdcRl
— MLS Español (@MLSes) September 24, 2016
44' — NYCFC regains two-goal lead after screamer — It was an audacious attempt considering he had David Villa open to his left but Steven Mendoza scored an important and gorgeous curler on the stroke of halftime to give the home side a comfortable advantage.
Another Look: @Stiven20Mendoza with the class finish to put #NYCFC up 3-1 pic.twitter.com/kUf9ud2UCv
— New York City Football Club (@NYCFC) September 24, 2016
83' — Villa puts the game to bed — For the fifth time this season, the NYCFC captain has registered a multi-goal game.
Another Look: @Guaje7Villa scores his second of the night! pic.twitter.com/otWKZGPwa4
— New York City Football Club (@NYCFC) September 24, 2016
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Man of the match: David Villa
Goalscorers: Jefferson Mena (8'), David Villa (9', 83'), Luis Solignac (35'), Steven Mendoza (44')
