D.C. United returned to Audi Field on Sunday, April 21st for a match against New York City FC. While NYCFC came into the day at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the Black-and-Red remained one of the top teams in the league. With a solid home crowd, they hoped to get another three points and an Eastern Conference win.
Both sides created some chances in the first half, but it was New York City FC who put away the first goal of the match in the 35th minute. Alexandru Mitrita got a good look inside the box and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Bill Hamid to the far side of the net.
During stoppage time in the first half, NYCFC earned a penalty kick after Anton Tinnerholm collapsed inside the 18-yard box. Maxi Moralez took the penalty, but it bounced off the crossbar and the scoreline remained 1-0 at the half.
In the 56th minute, Heber scored his first goal for NYCFC to put them up by two. D.C. United cleared a corner by NYCFC, but the Blues were able to send the ball back into the 18-yard box. Heber got ahead of the defenders and sent the ball into the far corner.
Ultimately, the Black-and-Red were unable to generate enough offensive opportunities throughout the game. It was a physical match, with the two sides combining for eight yellow cards and numerous fouls. New York City FC were able to better capitalize on their chances.
Amongst the substitutions for the Black-and-Red was Griffin Yow, a 16-year-old D.C. United homegrown who made his professional debut. Yow came on during stoppage time for Paul Arriola.
D.C. United will hit the road for their next few matches, traveling to Columbus during the week and the new Allianz Stadium in Minnesota at the weekend. They will return to Audi Field on Saturday, May 4th for a match against the Columbus Crew.
