MLS Review: Villa helps New York City into conference semi
Villa scored as City beat Union 3-1 at Yankee Stadium, moving into an Eastern Conference semi-final against Atlanta United.
The hosts struck first in the 10th minute, Ismael Tajouri producing a stunning finish from 20 yards.
Villa found the bottom corner to double the lead in the 26th minute as City took control.
Clinical, @Guaje7Villa. #NYCvPHI // Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs https://t.co/S5RtLS63kS— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 31, 2018
Maximiliano Moralez's lobbed finish sealed City's win with 12 minutes remaining, despite Cory Burke's tap in for Union.
In the Western Conference, the Timbers set up a meeting with Sporting Kansas City after a 2-1 win over Dallas.
Diego Valeri opened the scoring for Portland with a fine 25-yard free-kick midway through the first half.
What. A. Beauty. #DALvPOR // Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs https://t.co/yH79ctHjVq— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 1, 2018
However, their task was made difficult approaching the hour-mark, when Larrys Mabiala was sent off.
But Valeri doubled the Timbers' lead in the 71st minute and they held on despite Matt Hedges' late goal for Dallas.