A breakaway goal at RFK Stadium disrupted the otherwise solid New York City FC defense and NYCFC’s early surge as a top Eastern Conference team.

A lightning-quick sprint and shot after a NYCFC back line miscue from DC United’s Lloyd Sam provided the breakthrough while Luciano Acosta added another as D.C. United claimed a 2-1 win over NYCFC at RFK Stadium Saturday afternoon.

The first half finished scoreless as DC United held NYCFC largely quiet. Then, in the second half, NYCFC defender Maxime Chanot let a pass slip away from him, allowing Sam to score as United took control of the game. D.C. further decimated the NYCFC defense when Acosta knocked in the rebound from a shot on the edge of the box.

David Villa threatneed to steal a result by pulling a goal back in the 85th minute, his third of the season. D.C. United weathered late pressure from NYCFC, however, to come away with the win.

The win spells revenge for D.C. United, which suffered its most lopsided loss of the season at the hands of NYCFC on March 12 with a 4-0 loss at Yankee Stadium.

Both teams take to the road next time out for Eastern Conference battles. D.C. United will face the New York Red Bulls next weekend, while NYCFC travels to Philadelphia Union.

MAN OF THE MATCH

In a match with few true scoring chances for either team, D.C. United attacker Lloyd Sam takes the plaudits for manufacturing the breakthrough goal in the 53rd minute.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

A hustle play from Lloyd Sam created the first goal for D.C. United and gave the team initiative to control the game afterward.

MATCH TO FORGET

A mistake from NYCFC centerback Maxime Chanot changed the complexion of the game in the second half. Chanot misjudged a pass from his central defense partner and allowed Sam to score the first goal.