D.C. United overcame a second-half scare to secure a vital 2-1 win over New York, holding on with 10 men after surrendering a two-goal lead.
Tai Baribo was the standout performer, scoring from the penalty spot and setting up Silvan Hefti before halftime, while Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s second-half strike ensured a nervy finish.
The result was particularly important for United following Saturday’s 4-0 loss to Inter Miami. Entering the match 12th in the Eastern Conference with 30 points, D.C. responded strongly against a New York side sitting eighth on 36 points and fresh from a 4-1 victory over San Diego. Their previous meeting had ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw, with Baribo netting a hat trick.
United took the lead after just five minutes when Adri Mehmeti fouled Baribo inside the area. The forward calmly converted the resulting penalty, notching his 15th league goal of the season and fourth from the spot.
The hosts doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time. Sixteen-year-old debutant Oscar Avilez played a key role in the move, winning a corner after his cross was blocked. Keisuke Kurokawa’s delivery was nodded across goal by Baribo, allowing Hefti to head home and send D.C. into the break with a 2-0 lead despite New York dominating possession.
The contest shifted in the 68th minute when Lucas Bartlett was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. New York capitalized three minutes later, with Emil Forsberg setting up Choupo-Moting to cut the deficit.
D.C. tightened up defensively as Sean Nealis replaced Brandon Servania, having already introduced João Peglow and Jared Stroud earlier in the second half. New York piled on the pressure late, but goalkeeper Sean Johnson produced six saves, including a crucial stop to deny Julian Bazan’s header with the final touch of the game.
The victory was only D.C. United’s second in their last 11 matches.
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