Ex-TFC forward Silva helps DC beat Red Bulls

D.C. United midfielder Luis Silva, left, celebrates with Fabian Espindola (9), and Davy Arnaud (8), after Silva's goal during the second half against the New York Red Bulls, at RFK Stadium, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014. (Alex Brandon/AP)

WASHINGTON — Luis Silva’s goal in the 57th minute proved the difference and Eddie Johnson sealed the win in stoppage time for D.C. United’s 2-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Sunday.

United (14-8-4) extended its lead to four points over second-place Sporting Kansas City in the Eastern Conference.

Bill Hamid earned his seventh shutout of the season and recorded the first assist in his five-year MLS career.

Hamid sent a long ball across midfield and Fabian Espindola flicked a header forward to Silva. Silva then beat Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles to the ball and punched it forward to set up an open-net finish.

Johnson looped the ball over Robles in the 91st minute after he got behind the defence on a ball sent in from near midfield from Perry Kitchen.

New York (7-8-10) remained two points behind in the race for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot.

When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.