Lamar Neagle secured a brace for D.C. United on Saturday night to help his club earn three massive points in a 2-1 win over Toronto FC at BMO Field.
The match marked the first time United won a match after allowing the first goal this season when Jozy Altidore opened the scoring for the Reds in the 36th minute. D.C. responded quickly, leveling the game just three minutes later thanks to a point-blank header by Neagle for his team-leading eighth of the year.
Neagle broke the draw in the 58th minute, holding his run beautifully and receiving a perfectly-weighted pass from midfielder Lloyd Sam before besting TFC goalkeeper Clint Irwin with a cool finish.
Toronto threw wave after wave of attack at D.C., but thanks to some solid defending and elite goalkeeping from Bill Hamid (who made five saves), the road team held on for a crucial road victory and three points.
Young midfielder Collin Martin made his first MLS appearance in almost two years, Steve Birnbaum hit the 25-start mark for the first time in his career and Neagle tied his career high with nine goals on the season.
The Black-and-Red, who now have won three in a row and are undefeated in their last five straight matches, have an off week before hosting New York City FC at RFK on Sunday, Oct. 16 at 3 PM.
