New York City FC 4-1 Chicago Fire: David Villa nets double

David Villa scored twice on Friday as New York City FC edged closer to securing a place in the MLS Cup play-offs for the first time with a 4-1 victory over Chicago Fire.

The hosts were two goals to the good within 10 minutes at Yankee Stadium, centre-back Jefferson Mena getting the ball rolling on eight minutes and former Spain striker Villa coolly slotting home 60 seconds later, with both assisted by Khiry Shelton.

Luis Solignac's header halved the deficit and gave the Fire hope in the 35th minute, but Steven Mendoza restored City's two-goal cushion a minute before half-time by curling home goal number three following a swift counterattack led by Villa.

And Villa put the icing on the cake with a long-range strike in the 83rd minute, Shelton once again the provider.

NYCFC's play-off berth could be confirmed this weekend depending on results elsewhere.