New York Red Bulls draw with D.C. United despite Bradley Wright-Phillips hat trick

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:28 am

Bradley Wright-Phillips had a hat trick on Sunday, including the equalizer in the closing minutes, but the visiting New York Red Bulls drew 3-3 with D.C. United and were unable to retake their lead in the MLS Supporters' Shield race.

Atlanta United FC jumped over the Red Bulls for top record in MLS with a victory and three points Saturday, while New York was unable to keep pace, earning just a single point in the tie against rival D. C. United.

D.C. United remained in seventh place, but is four points behind the Montreal Impact for the sixth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Wayne Rooney scored a second-half goal for D.C. United, but was unable to convert on two other prime chances. He hit the crossbar with a right-footed shot in the 73rd minute and was stopped on a breakaway in the 80th minute by a one-on-one save from New York goalkeeper Luis Robles.

Wright-Phillips got his hat trick by scoring in the 41st and 76th minute and then levelled the score with his third in the 90th minute to give him 19 goals on the season.

Midfielder Paul Arriola gave D.C. United an early 1-0 lead with a goal in the 25th minute, his fifth of the season. He took a pass from Luciano Acosta on the right side of the penalty area and powered in a first-time shot.

Wright-Phillips countered with his first goal, a spectacular bicycle kick in front of the D.C. United goal that was set up when goalkeeper Bill Hamid could not corral a save.

Rooney gave D.C. United a 2-1 lead in the 64th minute. His fifth MLS goal came as he redirected a sharp centering pass from Oniel Fisher and past flat-footed Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles.

Wright-Phillips countered again in the 76th minute, with Acosta giving D.C. United the lead again at 3-2 with a goal in the 87th minute. He got through the New York defense and put a right-footed shot past Robles.

It took Wright-Phillips three minutes to counter for a third time. Alex Muyl delivered a left-footed centering pass and the Red Bulls striker finished with his left foot.