David Villa took the lead in the MLS Golden Boot race with a double against the Houston Dynamo on Friday night.
The Spanish striker scored his 20th and 21st goals of the season in the second half at BBVA Compass Stadium, helping New York City FC to a 2-0 win.
The win pushed NYCFC into first place in the Eastern Conference, two points ahead of Toronto FC and three in front of the New York Red Bulls with a game in hand.
With the brace, Villa surpassed Red Bulls striker Bradley Wright-Phillips, who has 20 goals on the season.