Stars shine in New York City victory

New York: Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo and David Villa all scored as New York City FC’s stars shone in a 3-2 victory over Major League Soccer Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

The trio of former internationals – who have endured mixed fortunes since signing for big-spending City – powered their team into a 3-0 lead at Yankee Stadium before a late Union rally.

Former England and Chelsea midfielder Lampard opened the scoring after only seven minutes, pouncing on a Tommy McNamara shot in the eighth minute to lash home. Spanish World Cup winner David Villa almost made it 2-0 five minutes later, audaciously attempting to lob over the keeper from near the halfway line but his effort crashed back off the underside of the bar.