D.C. United unwrapped the 2017 schedule this winter to find four of the first five matches at home – a prime occasion, with the core of an interlocked roster in place, to get the jump on MLS’s Eastern Conference.
A slow start and three imminent trips, however, heightened the importance of securing all three points on that fourth date on East Capitol Street on Saturday.
United didn’t let the opportunity escape. Lloyd Sam cracked open a scoreless deadlock early in the second half and played a part in Luciano Acosta’s second goal in two weeks during a 2-1 victory over New York City FC in front of 18,855 at RFK Stadium.