HIGHLIGHTS: #NYCvCLB
Sunday afternoon saw all 20 Major League Soccer teams kick off simultaneously across 10 matches nationwide, including Columbus Crew SC's visit to Yankee Stadium and to New York City FC. The Black & Gold saw forward Ola Kamara start just his 19th match of the season (24th appearance) and score his 16th goal of 2016. Kamara's strike leveled the score at 1, but NYCFC responded with three unanswered goals for the 4-1 victory in the MLS regular season finale.
WATCH: Ola Kamara Post-Match #NYCvCLB
A fast-paced and physical first half produced little on the scoreboard until just before the break. New York City's Steven Mendoza finished a squared ball from David Villa in the 45th minute. Early in the second half, NYCFC had a chance to double their lead when Villa found space inside the 18-yard box and tried to touch the ball over Crew SC goalkeeper Brad Stuver, but it pinged both posts and stayed out to keep the home advantage at one goal.
WATCH: Justin Meram Post-Match #NYCvCLB
Ten minutes later, Crew SC's leading scorer struck again. Kamara nodded a free header with power into the back of NYCFC's net after Justin Meram lofted a perfectly weighted ball inside the 6-yard box. It was Meram's career-high 13th assist of 2016.
The match's final half hour saw NYCFC tally goals by Jack Harrison (75th minute), Khiry Shelton (77th) and David Villa (93rd).
