Wayne Rooney scored twice as DC United secured a MLS play-off place with a 3-1 win against New York City.
United propped up the MLS standings when Rooney joined in June but they secured their spot in the post season with a game to spare after extending their unbeaten run to nine matches on Sunday.
Rooney sent the hosts on their way to their latest win when he tapped in following a brilliant run from Luciano Acosta in the eight minute.
From forgotten to unforgettable. Playoffs, we’re coming. ⚫️🔴#DCU | #VAMO5 pic.twitter.com/TSI7g3mEEj — D.C. United (@dcunited) October 21, 2018
Acosta added a second in the 24th minute and Rooney netted his 12th goal of the campaign with a penalty 16 minutes from time.
David Villa pulled one back for the visitors, who were already assured of their play-off spot.
Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, Montreal Impact kept their play-off hopes alive as Ignacio Piatti scored twice in a 2-0 win against Toronto.
One spot still up for grabs in the Eastern Conference. pic.twitter.com/yMyRTwCtyF — Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 22, 2018
Montreal are just two points behind Columbus, who suffered a damaging 2-1 defeat to Orlando.
Sacha Kljestan scored a penalty deep into stoppage time to earn struggling Orlando their first victory since July.
Atlanta United still top the MLS after a 2-1 win against Chicago Fire, with New York Red Bulls beating Philadelphia Union 1-0 to remain one point behind.
Points record equaled ☑️ 1 match to secure the Shield.1 match to make history. pic.twitter.com/7LWqBYJQYk — Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) October 21, 2018
The Western Conference’s final play-off place will go to either Los Angeles Galaxy or Real Salt Lake.
Portland Timbers clinched a berth with a 3-0 win against Real Salt Lake, who are now relying on other results to finish in the top six after completing their regular season matches.
Galaxy earned a 3-1 win at Minnesota United on Sunday, leaving them a point behind Real ahead of their final game against Houston next weekend.
One more left @LAGalaxy pic.twitter.com/A4LdfC1XDH — Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) October 22, 2018
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored LA’s opener while Ola Kamara and Romain Alessandrini were also on target.
Elsewhere in the West, Sporting Kansas City took over first place with a 3-0 win at former leaders FC Dallas.
Diego Rossi’s double was not enough as LAFC were held 2-2 by Vancouver, the Seattle Sounders beat the Houston Dynamo 3-2 while San Jose Earthquakes and Colorado Rapids drew 0-0.
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