Red Bulls tie DC United despite Wright-Phillips' hat trick
Bradley Wright-Phillips scored three goals Sunday, including the equalizer in the closing minutes, but the visiting New York Red Bulls were unable to retake their lead in the MLS Supporters' Shield Standings after a 3-3 tie with DC United.
Atlanta United FC jumped over the Red Bulls for top record in MLS with a victory and three points Saturday, while New York (17-7-5, 56 points) was unable to keep pace with a single point for the tie against rival DC United.
DC United (9-11-8, 35 points) 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 DC 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 on a one-on-one save from New York goalkeeper Luis Robles.
Wright-Philips accomplished his hat trick by scoring in the 41st minute, the 76th minute and the 90th minute to give him 19 goals on the season.
Midfielder Paul Arriola gave DC United an early 1-0 lead with a goal in the 25th minute, his fifth of the season. Arriola took a pass from Luciano Acosta on the right side of the penalty area and one-timed a shot with his right foot.
Wright-Phillips countered with his first goal, a spectacular bicycle kick in front of the DC United goal that was set up when goalkeeper Bill Hamid could not corral a save.
Rooney gave DC 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 DC 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 Wright-Phillips scored with his left foot.