The game in 100 words (or less): No David Villa? No problem, apparently. Playing without their star man — and 2016 Golden Boot leader (13 goals - yellow card accumulation) — New York City FC cruised to a 5-1 drubbing of the Colorado Rapids, who entered Saturday’s contest 15 games without a loss (last loss: April 9). Frank Lampard bagged the first hat trick in NYCFC history, giving the Chelsea legend 10 goals on the season (in just 11 games played). It’s just the fourth home win of the season for NYCFC, who have won more points (19) away from home than any other team in MLS this season. The victory increases NYCFC’s hold on the Eastern Conference’s top spot to five points above the New York Red Bulls. The Rapids, meanwhile, have left the door wide open for the LA Galaxy, winners of four straight, to go second in the Western Conference with a victory over the Seattle Sounders on Sunday.
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Three Four moments that mattered
28' — Lampard turns it home at the far post — Few, if any, of Lampard’s goals this season have been beauties, but he just keeps on scoring. Nothing else really matters, especially as NYCFC keep winning.
He can't stop scoring. Lampard puts #NYCFC in front after some great build-up play #NYCvCOL https://t.co/R35R7GvXx8
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 30, 2016
37' — Azira sees a second yellow — There was little question about the card-worthiness of Michael Azira’s open-field take-down of Jack Harrison, and just like that, the Rapids found themselves a goal down, and a man down.
42' — Taylor beats Howard for 2-0 — One chance, two chances, three chances. The Rapids seemed content on allowing the home side however many looks they needed to make it 2-0. Eventually, Tony Taylor finished the job.
And just like that the lead doubles for #NYCFC. #NYCvCOL https://t.co/MJeuJ5wh2T
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 30, 2016
81' — Lampard finishes a counter, and the beat-down — So, that thing I said about the “quality” of Lampard’s goals this season. Scratch that thought.
Lampard again! What a run to increase the lead to four. #NYCvCOL https://t.co/UQGCKd6L7O
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 30, 2016
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Man of the match: Frank Lampard
Goalscorers: Lampard (28', 81', 84' - PK), Taylor (42'), Mendoza (75'), Gashi (90+2')