David Villa's superb goal caps NYCFC's defeat of Minnesota United

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:43 am

New York City FC solidified its third-place spot in the Eastern Conference standings with a 3-1 victory over expansion side Minnesota United at Yankee Stadium on Thursday.

The victory puts Patrick Vieira's men on 33 points from 18 matches this season, two points back of conference-leaders Toronto FC and a point adrift of second-placed Chicago Fire, though both teams hold a game in hand.

It was the visitors, however, who took an early lead in the Bronx when Christian Ramirez pounced and scored from close range after Eirik Johansen spilled Johan Venegas' dipping drive from 30 yards out.

New York found the equaliser seven minutes before the break -- Alexander Callens collecting what appeared to be a poor touch by Ben Sweat in the box and slotting home from an angle.

Jack Harrison gave NYCFC the lead in the 52nd minute with a header from close range after being left unmarked at the far post.

And David Villa capped a fine display from the home side with a superb solo goal 11 minutes later -- the former Spain international expertly beating a defender on the sideline, cutting inside and firing an unstoppable left-footed shot high into the far corner.